I'm a FSOL (french-as-second-language) parent

I began writing this post in my head as I was making pimento cheese for dinner, reflecting on my day as a parent volunteer in E's class.  As I've written about before, she's in French Immersion, and I have zero French. Zero.

We have parent conferences next week (they are called something different here, but you get the idea), and they are held universally throughout the city on a weekday evening and a weekday morning.  I received a letter from the Principal telling me there were 6 windows I could sign up for, and then I suspect the secretary will schedule them, since there are also slots for if you have other children at the school. So your conferences will be coordinated centrally.


Obviously, this was a completely new concept for me.  It still boggles my mind, that the school district is telling teachers and parents that meetings should take place at these times. No matter where you are in Toronto.

Then I got to thinking about other differences between FCPS and TDSB.  E doesn't have a homework calendar, like my friends with kids in FCPS schools. She doesn't even have homework. She gets a library book once in awhile. It's in French. I suppose if I were a *good* mother I would "work" with her on math or reading or something like that, but we color and play games and read books at night, and sometimes she gets out books she wants to read.  I keep telling myself it will come. She really likes Super Mario Brothers Wii and playing with friends. (Her friend issue has been resolved successfully, btw. Thanks for all of the suggestions.)

Then I started thinking, 'how would I even help with her homework? Google translator? I totally don't know French. Her teacher talks to me in French, I stare back at her with this stupid look on my face.*  Then she repeats it in English.  Sometimes I get what she is saying in French, but most of the time the kids understand more than me. And then it hits me. All those exercises we do with ESOL teachers, to gain empathy for parents who don't speak English?  I totally AM that parent now, albeit voluntarily.'  I would not know how to help E with her homework. She would be totally on her own. I would encourage good work habits, but if she didn't read the instructions or tried to tell me something was done, and I didn't try to translate it, I would believe her.

I think I am lucky I have a kinder teacher for E who is totally into the K experience, but I worry that I am missing out on something I should be doing, either in French or in English.  I imagine that is the concern of every parent, but particularly ones who don't speak the language their children are being taught.

Today, I am even more thankful for Christina Viscomi, Susan Amaral, classroom teachers with ESOL students and all of the other supporters of ESOL families.  What an awesome challenge and experience.



*Today I was asked, in front of the kids, if I knew the alphabet or how to count to 30 in French. Um, no.
Oops. Something to study before next week.