Welcome to my collection of resources, experiences, and advice for launching and growing a quality two-way immersion bilingual program. I am deeply committed to bilingualism and biliteracy for every child and firmly believe that this approach is key for preparing traditionally underserved English Language Learners for short and long term academic, cognitive, and sociocultural success. My personal mission as an educator is to do everything I can to close the achievement gap and to provide every student with an excellent college prep education--particularly ELLs. If you're looking to launch something similar, or simply want ideas and resources for your bilingual classroom, I want to help in any way I can!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Spanish Language Learning for Parents

Have you considered offering second language courses for parents?  We've found that most (not all, but most) non-English speaking parents are very supportive of their child receiving homework in their second language.  We've also found that English-dominant parents typically get frustrated a little more often, expressing that they feel that their child shouldn't receive Spanish homework.  Sometimes it's because they themselves don't know how to help their child do it, and sometimes it's because they don't feel it's important for them to do.

I just stumbled upon a program called Soleado, a Spanish as a Second Language course for adults.  The website has lots of free resources and samples, and the prices themselves don't look too steep.  Could be a great place to start for a school wanting to offer Spanish courses for their English speaking parents.  This would help parents feel more comfortable supporting their child's second language and would hopefully build the value of the minority language not only in the minds of students but also their families.

2 comments:

  1. Interesting blog. It would be great if you can provide more details about it. Thanks you.

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  2. I wish I had more details! :) I just stumbled on the program online, so all I know is what's on the website (see link above). Sorry I don't have more info than that. Thanks for stopping by!

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