Helping educate immigrant children?

[St_Francis]

Hi Ray,
You might also look to see what is expected when the children enter school–some schools require or expect the children to know more than others. If you look at the Virginia Standards of Learning, you will be able to get an idea of some of what is currently taught at the various levels, but as I say, some schools expect the students to knowmore whenthey enter than others do.

Some of the things are recognition of numbers, colors, and to varying degrees, letters. You will probably want to ensure that the children learn these things.

Also, if you can encourage the parents to teach the chidlren to read in Spanish, (unfortunately,the parents may be unable or uncomfortable with reading themselves) that would be good. Reading is easier to learn in Spanish, so children often start earlier. Research shows the children who can read in their native language do better than children who can’t–I guess learning English and reading at the same time can be tough!

Good luck! I am doing something similar and have the same questions.

 

[fud24682000]

Thanks, St. Francis. What you say makes a lot of sense
Since Spanish has Latin roots, I’ve found it easy to read Spanish with some understanding without studying Spanish itself (4years of Latin in high school paid off!). Since much of English also comes from Latin, reading in Spanish should be helpful in reading English as well.
Ray Mac.