Module 15 Discussion: Engaging Families

There are many practical and possible ways to involve ELL families in their students' academics. One very successful way has been the school sponsored Multicultural Night. Families are invited to come to the school where a different country is represented in each classroom. Families enjoy traditional food, music, artifacts, costumes and class projects all based on that country's culture.  It is important to recognize the contributions of other countries to our own culture. Another way is to engage parents by sending home school correspondence translated into their own language. Sending home important information in Spanish, Haitian Creole and other languages helps families feel part of the school community.  Finally, students themselves create an All About Me assignment in the beginning of the year which asks the student to contribute pictures and stories about their families, their community and their own culture. Homework is intentionally designed to meet students where they are. Homework usually consists of a student choosing a book and writing or drawing the settings, characters, beginning middle and end of the story. The math pages have a QR code that the parent can access and view the method of solving sample problems in order to aid their student.