Another theme that presented itself throughout various sessions at this year’s annual National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) conference the need for developing and maintaining a relationship with the parents and families of non-native English speakers. You might think this concept is rather obvious; however, several barriers exist to prevent this relationship from blooming.
Barriers
Oftentimes, there is a perception that these parents lack interest in their child’s education and growth. However, this perception can often be misguided. In many cultures outside the United States, teachers are revered and getting involved in the classroom is seen as interfering with the teacher’s expert intentions and processes. Therefore, parents try to stay out of the way of their children’s teachers. You see that as lack of interest and involvement; they see it as respect.
Also, the notion of family involvement differs for social classes. Just because a parent is not at a bake sale doesn’t mean they are not involved in their child’s education. Work may prevent them from attending; however, they may still be reviewing their child’s homework every night.
Immigrant families also face unique needs than other families in America. Not only may there be a language and culture barrier, but also family tensions can exist as each member adjusts and adapts to their new life in America. Their identities as a member of a group before may have now changed to one of an outsider—an “alien”. Perhaps they were a leader in their hometown and now they are a laborer trying to climb the socio-economic ladder. Further, they may have to rely on their children as their English improves more quickly, which degrades their role as provider in the family. These adjustments can cause tension in the family that may prevent as much involvement as they’d like in their child’s education. Think about the time you studied abroad in college. Imagine moving there by yourself, without the school’s help, without your host family there to meet you at the airport. Imagine trying to figure everything out on your own, in a foreign country with a language you thought you could speak. Imagine doing so with your family there too, all looking to you for guidance. Do you think you could have done it? Perhaps, but with a whole lot of stress involved, too!
For instance, what do the following symbols mean to you (assuming you don’t speak Chinese)? 优, 良, 中, 可, 差。If your child brought home these symbols on their report card, would you know what they mean? One presenter at NAEYC told a story of how a Chinese father was disappointed in his daughter because she brought home a grade of “S” (for Satisfactory). He thought grades went in order from A all the way down to Z—because it does seem that way since it starts off A, B, C, D…—and so S seemed pretty bad. We must remember that nearly everything may be unfamiliar to immigrant families!
The Importance of Developing this Relationship with the Family
The school or childcare center is a key location in cultural transition. This place may often be the first place children are exposed to cultures other than their own (this goes for all children). It may be the first place a child realizes he is “different.” Further, it is the place that will help prepare him to succeed in America. If there is not enough language support for her to learn, she will associate school as something that doesn’t do anything for her.
Parent involvement is a critical component in a child’s success in school and in society. We must do what we can to remember that inability to communicate does not mean a person is incapable or uneducated. In fact, new legal immigrants are as well educated as native-born citizens, on average. We must discover and overcome whatever may be preventing a relation