Ask an Expert
The learning environment must be supportive of children’s native languages and cultures through the materials, resources, music, visuals, school personnel, and the daily instruction provided. Only in that sort of environment will parents believe that what they say is truly valued and that people really want to hear their perspective. This Ask an Expert discussion is related to ways educators can interact effectively with children and parents of Hispanic background. Questions answered include “How can I help a child whose English is hesitant to have a better social experience in my classroom?” “Should a teacher encourage a child to translate for his parents?” “How can I encourage Hispanic parents to express their observations and opinions, even if they disagree with mine?” “What topics shall we address in our parent education program specifically to help parents with the many demands of education in the United States?”
NOTE: There may be publications on this page that are available as PDF (portable document format) files. To be able to read these files, download the free Adobe Reader.
Disclaimer
The opinions, resources, and referrals provided on the IEL Web site are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to take the place of medical or legal advice, or of other appropriate services. We encourage you to seek direct local assistance from a qualified professional if necessary before taking action.
The content of the IEL Web site does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education; nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education.
