A1 Greetings! Time for #ELLCHAT - my first #ELLCHAT in my new home in the Lehigh Valley, PA I co-host this chat and bring my expertise on #earlyed for children who are ELLs/DLLs
So long as it doesn’t interfere with communication, non-native accents just convey that the person has an awesome life story to tell. What a tremendous perspective that both Ts and Ss alike could benefit from hearing more often! #langchat#ellchat#mfltwitterati
Dorina (Miss Dorito) Florida Georgia Line but traveling home (passenger) I teach teachers across the states and territories how to enhance their teaching to empower them to better serve #ELL in their classrooms! :-) #ELLCHAT :-)
I really enjoy when content overlaps. @ErinDoran_EdD let me write about bilingual education in Latinx in Higher Ed, and now I’m reading to lead another class on this as it relates to literacy and policy. I am glad I recognize names and policy. #ellchat#literacy#phdlife
2/2 that she didn't have a Japanese accent. I told her how her accent was amazing and that it added character and it was a part of her background (this was pre-teacher me, btw!). She looked like she was about to cry because it made her so happy! #ellchat
2/2 that she didn't have a Japanese accent. I told her how her accent was amazing and that it added character and it was a part of her background (this was pre-teacher me, btw!). She looked like she was about to cry because it made her so happy! #ellchat
A2. Challenges with conferences for ELLs: Communication and translation, of course. Logistics are key, too- creating an awareness of conference dates, childcare, transportation. And of course, fostering an understanding of how important the parent-school team link is. #ellchat
A2: For me, I don’t find conferences with parents challenging- it’s being in many places at once to provide support for language when need as an interpreter.#ellchat
A2. I think one challenge may be that parents don’t feel comfortable coming in to the school environment. Or in their culture they might think so highly of school/teachers that they are typically more “hands off” so to speak because they think of us as experts. #ellchat
A2 A surprising challenge is that planning a conf w/ ELL family makes tchrs question what they have been taking for granted in all their OTHER conferences - shortcomings they hadn’t noticed! #ELLCHAT
A2) I agree that this is an important challenge. Some parents may not have transportation to the school. They may not be able to take off from work. Schools need to be aware of this. #ELLCHAT
A2. I think one challenge may be that parents don’t feel comfortable coming in to the school environment. Or in their culture they might think so highly of school/teachers that they are typically more “hands off” so to speak because they think of us as experts. #ellchat
Click on “latest” under the #ELLChat and it will put you into the most recent tweets. You need to search for #ELLChat under the search area and then join away!
In reply to
@okhdez, @judiehaynes, @WestmontSchool
English learners and their classmates can both benefit from efficient and effective instructional opportunities. Replace what doesn't with work with something that does. https://t.co/dszonc2PuE#ELL#ELLchat#edchat@middleweb
Hi, other Karen - All you have to do is type #ELLCHAT in your search box so you will see a column of tweets for this chat. Start each tweet with an answer number - A2 is for question 2 and always include #ELLCHAT
A2: The most obvious challenge is the language barrier. However, even when there is a translator / parents speak English, certain nuances in one language may not translate to another, thus resulting in miscommunication. #ellchat
For instance, I once told a parent their S was working at a slow pace (poor language, I know! I was a first year T). She took that as she was cognitively slow! It was such a huge misunderstanding with a small component of language. #ellchat
Many small school districts don't have interpreters at all. They may have ELLs from 20 + language backgrounds. They rely on friends of families interpreting for them. #ELLCHAT
A1 I don’t like clicking on “latest” because that can cause people to miss key tweets in a thread. The numbered Qs and As help you catch all comments in a thread and respond as you wish. #ELLCHAT
Click on “latest” under the #ELLChat and it will put you into the most recent tweets. You need to search for #ELLChat under the search area and then join away!
In reply to
@okhdez, @judiehaynes, @WestmontSchool
Hi All #ELLChat A1- I'm Carly Spina, a K-8 EL Coach from Chicago burbs, serving 8 schools! Hopping on late! :) Excited to chat & learn from you all. :)
A2 A surprising challenge is that planning a conf w/ ELL family makes tchrs question what they have been taking for granted in all their OTHER conferences - shortcomings they hadn’t noticed! #ELLCHAT
A2) I had my conferences at their religious institutions. One weekend a month I would spend in various mosques, churches, temples w a long table/pretty table cloth and a big sign that said my name and school “open for parent conferences”. It was a HUGE success! Lines! #ELLChat
A2. Language barrier; a lack of understanding of learning a language that is visible through questions like "When will my child graduate from EAL?" #ELLCHAT
For instance, I once told a parent their S was working at a slow pace (poor language, I know! I was a first year T). She took that as she was cognitively slow! It was such a huge misunderstanding with a small component of language. #ellchat
A2- Availability and number of interpreters that represent all language groups is always a challenge. Transportation may also be an issue for many of our families, so sometimes phone conferences are our best option. #ELLChat
A2, cont. Another challenge: the discipline factor.Many newcomer families are familiar with authoritarian systems of education in which corporal punishment is encouraged.Parents may invite us to discipline their child with force, requiring explicit refusal & explanation. #ellchat
A2 We think working w/ families who speak other langs can be challenge, but when tchrs focus on ways to be more clear and concise to work w/ ELL families, it opens their eyes to ways they might NOT have been so clear or concise w/ other families and see need for change #ELLCHAT
A2 A surprising challenge is that planning a conf w/ ELL family makes tchrs question what they have been taking for granted in all their OTHER conferences - shortcomings they hadn’t noticed! #ELLCHAT
A2 It is interesting to see all of these perspectives on this topic. As a first-year college student, sometimes you do not always consider all of these different scenarios. #ellchat
#q2#ellchat I think attendance is a huge piece that interferes with building relationships and working together to help make the students@successful. I often see a sense of helplessness from parents as they may not know how to help their student. It’s our job to ease that.
A2) I had my conferences at their religious institutions. One weekend a month I would spend in various mosques, churches, temples w a long table/pretty table cloth and a big sign that said my name and school “open for parent conferences”. It was a HUGE success! Lines! #ELLChat
A2 Another challenge: if you grew up in U.S., the phrase “parent-teacher conference” has an assumed meaning that is not obvious to newcomers - do your families really understand? #ELLCHAT
#ellchat I think the number one concern I have had is that the parents don't always see that the school function are important enough to show up. Add on top of that, they are insecure about language and many are too afraid of losing their jobs to ask for time off from work.
Using my first edchat on the topic of English Langauge Learners and how language barriers in parent/teacher conferences can be a challenge. It showed me multiple different perspectives on an important issue. @LaurenAngelone#ellchat
A2) I had my conferences at their religious institutions. One weekend a month I would spend in various mosques, churches, temples w a long table/pretty table cloth and a big sign that said my name and school “open for parent conferences”. It was a HUGE success! Lines! #ELLChat
A2 - I think that worry about taking time off from work is serious and often underestimated by schools. I also think that other countries, the family has no role in supporting learning so why would they see the need to come and hear what the teacher does in his/her job? #ELLCHAT
#ellchat I think the number one concern I have had is that the parents don't always see that the school function are important enough to show up. Add on top of that, they are insecure about language and many are too afraid of losing their jobs to ask for time off from work.
Thank u! I looked like Lucy from the Peanuts but it was a win win: Imams,Priests,High Priests,Pastors etc said the weekend I came,attendance is up 😂so many got more involved &askd 4more teachers 2come! i even did my parent orientations there-ppts on what Ps need 2know! #ELLChat
A2 It is a different way to think about parent/teacher conference - some families might think “nobody comes to talk to me about how I do my job so why should I go to school to talk to the teacher about how he does his job?” #ELLCHAT
A3: Planning can include: offering varied times to accommodate working fams (daytime, afternoon, evening offerings), an interpreter, transportation, phone conference option if necessary, and a Q&A for families so they know what to expect & questions to ask #ELLchat
I think that even if it appears that they don’t think school functions are important, that it just comes down to other cultural and family values needing to come first. They know they’re important, but other factors out weigh that importance. #ellchat
A3) Advance planning for ELL families is key! Interpreters, scheduling extra time for an ELL family conference. Check out 5 Thoughts on Parent Conferences with Families of ELLs https://t.co/8f3WHvrW41#ELLCHAT
Hi, Stacey - remember to start your #ELLCHAT tweets with the answer number to show how your comment connects to a question - so this is A1 for you. And….. Welcome!
A3: I do a few things to plan. 1.) I usually do conferences right after a report card, so I make phone contact with a parent to go over some basic ?s they have, and to also give an overview of what we'll be talking about (many parents see only a grade w/o context). #ellchat
Making phone contact before sets a positive initial tone, especially when we have to have difficult conversations. 2.) I get before and after work samples ready so I can show the development of language over time. Parents have been super receptive of this! #ellchat
A3 Continued: Also lists of community resources/agencies if helpful (library card applications, family EL class schedules, story time schedules), ideas for supporting content support & lang development at home, and at least 1 or 2 celebrations of the student! #ELLChat
A3. I make sure to identify strengths of the student first and then add goals for the student. I also like to use the @WIDAConsortium Can Do descriptors as a guide for planning what I want to communicate with parents. #ellchat
A2) Yes and we have to meet these challenges. Conferences in the evening or early morning. Have a speaker of families lang. call to remind them of conf time and ask if they need transportation or child care. #ELLCHAT
#ellchat I think the number one concern I have had is that the parents don't always see that the school function are important enough to show up. Add on top of that, they are insecure about language and many are too afraid of losing their jobs to ask for time off from work.
Thank you Justin. It was a trial...a fluke... I knew one parent loved Church so much and invited me. So I went and the light bulb went off... go to them in a safe space then they will come to you and tell you everything...and give you REAL phone numbers lol :-) ELLChat ❤️❤️
A3) I usually push-in with the core teachers for PT Conferences. If the parents asks to see me specifically, I have the students share their binder and journal/notebook with their parents to let them see what the students are doing. #ELLCHAT
A3 So important to prepare for ELL Family-Teacher conference by reducing content to most critical messages - spend less time reporting and more time building relationships #ELLCHAT
It's so helpful to learn about providing these resources. Being international, the parent landscape is very different than the US. T's are the ones who are a part of a minority culture, not the parents. #ellchat
#ELLchat one of my biggest frustrations with conferences (EL or EO) is getting the parents to show up and be on time. I always make sure that I have my schedule posted, schedule in the office, and I have the phone numbers right next to the phone so I can call Ps that are late
A3 I always start by thinking “what do I want this family to DO?” If I fill my time by just reading out info to the family - that could have been done by phone call or email. Make the info count - have impact on outcomes #ELLCHAT
A3. I use this template created by @josephchris29; send an email encouraging parents with low or no English to bring a friend to help with translating; I sometimes use google translate to personalise emails (now you can translate whole documents) #ELLCHAT
Many of my Haitian moms worked at the hotels near SeaWorld. I asked the manager if I could have a conference table and have parent conferences there. They LOVED LOVED LOVED it (and I got extra mini creams and soaps!) lol #ELLChat It was such a family...I looked forward to it too!
#ellchat I think the number one concern I have had is that the parents don't always see that the school function are important enough to show up. Add on top of that, they are insecure about language and many are too afraid of losing their jobs to ask for time off from work.
#ELLChat yes to all of this-- also allow families to bring their younger children! It drives me nuts when folks hold "adult-only" events in schools. Like, what? We don't welcome children here?!? Keep a supply of coloring pages and crayons, legos, or play dough for the siblings!
A2) Yes and we have to meet these challenges. Conferences in the evening or early morning. Have a speaker of families lang. call to remind them of conf time and ask if they need transportation or child care. #ELLCHAT
#ellchat I think the number one concern I have had is that the parents don't always see that the school function are important enough to show up. Add on top of that, they are insecure about language and many are too afraid of losing their jobs to ask for time off from work.
A3. Home visits are important in any context, but can be especially valuable before conferences (or for the actual conference itself). So, my planning always involves time to my students homes. This gives a fuller picture when addressing strengths/growth opportunities. #ellchat
Noicccee! As long as you teach parents how to navigate said descriptors! Which I’m sure you do...but wanted to make sure those reading tweets new to #ELL experiences and get ideas from #ELLChat awesomeness like you know!
A3 Does anyone prepare by capturing photos and videos of the child at work and play to share with families? Seems like a good idea - but may not be easy to do? #ELLCHAT
A4: Giving families what they need helps build relationships. I also use so many forms of communication to find what suits each family. ...that’s equity my friends.#Ellchat
Call them on your cell phone. I know some teachers don't like this, BUT then parents can contact you through @WhatsApp or #text... get real time answers, and then they can contact you/reach you when they can #ellchat#q4
A3) I usually push-in with the core teachers for PT Conferences. If the parents asks to see me specifically, I have the students share their binder and journal/notebook with their parents to let them see what the students are doing. #ELLCHAT
A3: I sent personalized invites to attend conferences using form letter available in multiple languages. Also talked to students about conferences. #ELLchat
Definitely. I appreciate that! I just like to give a point of reference as best as I can as far as where we are and where we want to go. Examples help too especially for writing. #ellchat
A4 When I work with PreK teachers, I suggest that Family-Teacher conference should not be the first time they’ve talked to a family - rapport first, conf later. Makes it easier to communicate across language barriers #ELLCHAT
A4: Be present & intentional. Attend soccer games, recitals, family parties, everything you're invited to! Mail home bday cards to the parents, student, & siblings. Show up in their neighborhoods to play ball. Use social media to share learning. Positive calls home! #ELLchat
A4. Used to send general emails to all my ELL parents but very rarely would get any replies.I noticed that when I send personalised emails, targeting one child at a time, the communication is much more successful. It's like sending a message "I see your child, I care" #ELLCHAT
Ss have to make “Summary Vidoes” of their week at school or a power point with audio. Each child needs to give “output” for the educational “input” they received. I find uploading these onto a class website or YouTube account with private access WORKS LIKE CRAZY! #ELLChat
A3 That’s a good point - even something that worked well in past might not be right for this year, or this group, or even just this one child. Have to try lots of different strategies such as what we learn on #ELLCHAT
A3) My newcomers are really shy this year and don’t want their picture taken. It has been a struggle since the beginning of the year to take their picture.
A4: Reaching out to them, attending community events important to the families, investing some of your own time outside of school helps build relationships. #ELLChat
A4: I make phone contact within the first weeks of school (and throughout the year) to introduce myself, a positive anecdote about their kiddo, and open lines of communication. I also send individual emails of their kids / their work (w/ permission) on a weekly basis #ellchat
Ss have to make “Summary Vidoes” of their week at school or a power point with audio. Each child needs to give “output” for the educational “input” they received. I find uploading these onto a class website or YouTube account with private access WORKS LIKE CRAZY! #ELLChat
A4: Reaching out to them, attending community events important to the families, investing some of your own time outside of school helps build relationships. #ELLChat
A5. Building great relationships with ELL families is achieved in the same way that any great relationships are built and strengthened: honesty, consistency,open communication and a willingness to "cross the fence". #ellchat
A4: Go to them. Go to the stores, markets,
Restaurants, places of work and appreciate what they do. Don’t shop at Publix! Shop at Abu Maher and learn about things...ask about things and meet the community..do it gracefully & organically & you will be adopted! ❤️#ELLChat
A4) I try to speak to the families of my students whenever and wherever I see them. Our translator is wonderful about helping us. I try to be positive and upbeat each time I contact them. #ELLCHAT
#ELLCHAT A4) most of my families speak Spanish. I speak enough Spanish to be conversational. I use @ClassDojo to send out pictures, and messages. I try to include fun messages including #Bitmogi for holidays and things that aren't related to school. I hangout at dismissal too
a4 when https://t.co/VV1R7Kew6U and Talking Points first came out, tchrs used them to “yell” at families about lost homework or late permission slips. Now being used to stay in touch, ask engaging questions, positive notes home. Relationships grow w/ texts! #ELLCHAT
I had S's on a rotation (only known to me) for me to send photos to their parents via email. It only takes a few seconds to do on a cell phone. I snap a photo and give a very brief sentence about what's going on. Almost every parent responded to my emails within minutes. #ellchat
#ellchat plans to graduate from HS, how to help plan for the future, communication with teachers is important, how school works, and demonstrate that questions are important
This is awesome and sounds so empowering for students! Great way to make learning super visible & clear to families! A picture is worth a thousand words.. a video must be worth a million! #ELLChat
It's probably the single most beneficial thing that I have done to establish rapport with parents. They absolutely adored it. In this digital age of photography, parents have entire photo albums of their kiddos on their phones. #ellchat
A4 Great plan! My friend told me her grandchild’s tchr does something like that and the mom/child/grandma are motivated to have conversations about what was learned every day! if you send photo, convo can be in any language! #ELLCHAT
I had S's on a rotation (only known to me) for me to send photos to their parents via email. It only takes a few seconds to do on a cell phone. I snap a photo and give a very brief sentence about what's going on. Almost every parent responded to my emails within minutes. #ellchat
#ELLCHAT I like the idea. I should show the pics I put on Class Dojo, maybe it would increase my Dojo response. I typically can not get about 25% of my parents to join. Of course those are often the ones that don't show up for conferneces either.
A5). I always start and end with a positive. In the middle I try to suggest things that will help our students. I always thank our parents for coming and let them know to contact the translator or me if they have any questions. #ELLCHAT
A5. I always ask the parents first "Does your child enjoy coming to school?", "What are his/her interests?", "Can you see the progress your child has made in English and other subject?" etc. #ELLCHAT
A5: Celebrations, growth, goals, and resources! Above all, the biggest item to convey is a WELCOMING atmosphere- one that says, "I'm here for you ALL. The ENTIRE family. This is YOUR school." #Ellchat
A5: Conferences should be 2-way conversation w/families. Confirm contact info, make sure families know how to access school info like grades, attendance, & ask what Qs they have. #ELLChat
That’s it! Just as “positive psychology” is making waves in the “ology” world so should “positive parent communication”... Ps will answer ur calls/texts/whatever if u also praise children for the good. It takes work 2b consistent with it but once done...it’s a joy! #ELLChat
a4 when https://t.co/VV1R7Kew6U and Talking Points first came out, tchrs used them to “yell” at families about lost homework or late permission slips. Now being used to stay in touch, ask engaging questions, positive notes home. Relationships grow w/ texts! #ELLCHAT
A5: I always start w/ parents giving me info. I simply begin with, "How is ____ doing?" to start off the convo on a personal level. I try to give the parents as much air time as possible to avoid me information dumping. #ellchat
A2 I often feel the families that don’t show up or don’t respond are the families that need us the most! So we might need lots of new ways to reach out to less responsive families #ELLCHAT
#ELLCHAT I like the idea. I should show the pics I put on Class Dojo, maybe it would increase my Dojo response. I typically can not get about 25% of my parents to join. Of course those are often the ones that don't show up for conferneces either.
Replying to @blondefrizz, regarding a lack of interpreters. This is a communication form I created to use with my parents who have very limited English in the absence of an interpreter. Can be easily modified. :) #ellchat
Exactly! I remember one parent in particular explain that she got SO excited when she would get emails from me. I bet even sending short video clips would be even better, especially if S use their native language to talk about what's happening in school. #ellchat
A1) Janice Cate MS/HS ESL teacher A4) Really old school but I sent weekly informal letter home telling parents what we were doing in ESL class. Had parents tell me it helped them learn English-I know but these parents wanted to learn English & had no time off work. #ELLCHAT
#ELLCHAT Each student has an academic portfolio that is all about standards based learning in ELA and ELD wida Standards with student samples/data chats/accoms/mods/reccs and Can do descriptors. I bring this 2every conference... they know what to expect. lMK if u want 2c inside!
A6) Ours is coming up in a couple of weeks. I am going to have the translator contact the parents who didn’t come in the fall to see if they can come. #ELLCHAT
#ellchat
That's why I like @Seesaw and @ClassDojo. The Ps can see some of the things we are doing in class. Ss often post things from home like pictures they took of their families and message me those pictures. It is a sweet way to communicate not just to Ps but to Ss too
In reply to
@kruu_justin, @KarenNemethEdM, @Seesaw, @ClassDojo
Thank you! I won’t deny...it takes time on the HS level because it is WORK but that the “push them” attitude on action bc after they do it...they are so so so so proud (I think may even increase intrinsic motivation!- I hope!) 😀#ELLChat
I think it is important to build on the families' strengths. Have strong positive messages about the students. If there is a problem with a student, don't use the short PT conf. to address it. Schedule another meeting for that purpose. #ellchat
A6 It can be a lot for teachers to respond to the different times families might need - but building a good relationship with each family will ultimately make your job easier and more successful! #ELLCHAT
A6 #ELLchat#cuiedtech
I like sending home a questionaire with the Ss before the conferences for the Ps to fill out and return at the conference. Questions about the child and the family that help the Ps see that I think their child is important enough to get to know
A5) always some good things I have noticed about their child. Usually go over proficiency and where we want to grow, encourage them to continue speaking home language, and ask them to excourage their child to read free choice books at home. #ELLCHAT
A5.We can become more adept at providing EL parents & guardians with tools and resources they can use to bolster their child's learning at home, even where English is limited. We can also do a better job of asking and acting on EL parent insight. #ellchat
