Reducing Cultural Barriers
Not only is it a challenge for ELL students to become part of a new classroom, but it is also a challenge for their parents. Today, there are many different cultures here in the United States and its important that we accommodate these parents with the best tools necessary for them to know and understand what is happening in the school and with their children's education. Challenges with ELL students affects all who are involved including the teachers themselves. This section of the website will help to reduce these cultural barriers for parents to become more comfortably interactive and involved in their children's education. Although the strategies are limitless, we will take a look at the ones that have made the greatest impact based on studies conducted in various schools around the nation.
- Learn - ELL parents can take some time to learn about the American culture to help them better understand how the school systems work in the United States as well as the programs that are available for ELL students. In addition, teachers are encouraged to learn as much as they can about the cultures of their students to help them better connect with them on a deeper level and thus will result in improved learning styles and less stressful communication with the parents. Therefore, it is highly recommended by both the parents and the teachers to gain knowledge of eachother's cultures to help reduce these barriers. [4]
- Invite - Teachers should invite ELL parents into the class regularly to help them gain a sense of comfort and experience what their own children are experiencing. This could drastically affect the way they recognize a new school system and how things work in the classroom setting their children are in everyday. Inviting parents to attend class or simply just visit gives them a feeling of being welcomed and creates security for them and their children. [2]
- Speak - Many times during the year, guest speakers come in and talk about their careers, experiences or even cultural backgrounds. This is a golden opportunity to have the students, ELL and non-ELL, learn and understand that even though many people are different, everyone has something interesting about them. This will open to door to questions and release any curiosity and insecurities among the parents when they are free to talk about themselves to attentive students that want to learn more. Research has shown that involving adult professionals and people from various ethnic backgrounds can promote learning in the classroom, especially when the current subject matter is relevant. [2]
- Volunteer - Encourage volunteering in the schools for all the parents. Field trips, classroom events and activities, after school programs are just a few examples of the opportunities ELL parents and all parents can take part in to help promote positive reinforcement for friendships and communication between everyone. This will ultimately lead to better performances of ELL students as they will act more comfortably with their parents by their side. [5]
- Family Interaction - With the interaction between ELL and non-ELL parents, a feeling of anxiety and nervousness is eliminated when adults are able to interact in a educational setting. When ELL parents have the opportunity to feel a part of the American culture, they will start to fit in more and become more socially involved and active in their children's education.[4]
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