Comments on: Volunteering In My Daughter’s Dual Immersion Classroom

By: A Year In A Dual Immersion Kindergarten {Photos} | SpanglishBaby™

A Year In A Dual Immersion Kindergarten {Photos} | SpanglishBaby™ — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 21:18:15 +0000

[...] their kids with schoolwork. So aside from the school needing parents to be active with fundraising, volunteering, advocating and such, a dual immersion classroom environment also depends on parents working [...]

By: Beth Ortuño

Beth Ortuño — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:27:44 +0000

You’re really onto something, Ana. I had a very irregular work schedule when my daughter was young but the up side was being able to be in the classroom. You really get so much more connection with the teachers and the school. It totally carries over into what you can do at home to reinforce the concepts. Not to mention never having a conversation with the teacher that hits you like a ton of bricks because you had no idea your child was getting a bit disruptive or behind on something. The first few times I think the kid is still “on best behavior” and but before long, you get to see them just the way their peers and teachers know them. Imagine, the child spends as much or more time with these people, and if you don’t insert yourself in the school environment, you’re almost cutting yourself out and putting yourself on the periphery, especially as they get older. Yes there are parent-teacher conferences and yes you can invite friends from school to your home, but it’s not quite the same. One of my chief “if I had it to do over” things about my daughter is when she got to be a teenager and was mortally embarrassed to have me chaperone a school dance or a church youth retreat. With my son I’m going to be there!

When I’m with the kids the teachers put me with the English-speaking teacher. There are a couple of other parents who speak English but most do not. So we’re in the odd position that I make a point of speaking Spanish to my son at home and then when we’re in school I’m the English-speaking parent (usually the only one). That’s bizarre but I’m just thrilled he’s in this good, good school and I figure the most important thing is to get myself in there!

By: Ana Flores

Ana Flores — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 06:57:55 +0000

Thank you so much for saying this, Evelyn.
I really didn’t realize what an asset I would be and what a great bonding experience it would be until after I dragged myself there the first time.
Our school is very parent-led, but yet it’s hard due to schedules and language issues. I’m so happy to be able to help a little bit, and others help in so many ways as well.

By: Ana Flores

Ana Flores — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 06:56:12 +0000

You’re so right that they are more comfortable sharing the stories because we are also more comfortable being able to relate to them.
I feel like I have a good grasp on the kids’ personalities in the classroom now and that totally helps me understand where she’s coming from with each chisme!!

By: Ana Flores

Ana Flores — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 06:54:40 +0000

Oh, I can only imagine how proud he must have felt..and what an endearing moment for you!

By: Ana Flores

Ana Flores — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 06:53:59 +0000

Isn’t it wonderful to be able to peek into their lives this way, without interfering, but actually being of service?

By: Ana Flores

Ana Flores — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 06:50:53 +0000

I’m glad you agree with me and that we both LOVE it!

By: Evelyn

Evelyn — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 04:30:21 +0000

What a blessing to have a Spanish speaking volunteer in your daughter’s classroom! After teaching dual for more than 5 years, I find the same struggle of finding Spanish speaking volunteers every year. I am sure your daughter’s teacher and peers value your time spent in the classroom. Keep up the great work of being a great example to your daughter!!

By: Xochitl Oseguera

Xochitl Oseguera — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:53:10 +0000

There are so many ways to help your kids’ school but volunteering in their classroom is the best!! It is so much fun to be around kids and see how they are learning two languages without a fuzz or questioning it, I love it.
You can learn much more from the kids that what you “think” you are there to help them learn. I have learned how they are being taught math, which is totally different from how we learn math as kids.
also, since I have a shy boy I noticed he feels more comfortable telling me stories about school because I know his friends and teachers, it is a priceless bonding experience!

By: Casey

Casey — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:47:42 +0000

My husband and I haven’t been able to regularly volunteer, but the 1-2 times each semester we get into our son’s dual immersion montessori classroom for events like Hispanic Heritage Month and International Day have been great! For my husband especially, having taught the class a little about his home country and then having heard our son proudly proclaim (without any prompting) that he and his papi are Colombian was really heartwarming.