EVERETT — At one table were native speakers in Greek and Ukrainian. At another, Indonesian and Spanish.
They were brought together by a desire to communicate better, especially with their children and school staff.
Emerson Elementary in south Everett started a new English class for parents this spring. About two dozen families are participating.
Each week, the parents read aloud a children’s book as a group. The goal is with practice, they can read to their little ones in English at home. On May 1, the selection was “Where the Wild Things Are.”
The class is coordinated by Deanna Kazen, a family support specialist. She connects Emerson parents with social resources and provides a compassionate ear about issues at home. A Mariner High School graduate, she also is active in the Casino Road community.
Emerson is one of the most diverse schools in Snohomish County. One goal on campus is to get parents more involved. Staff helped translate the flier for the English lessons into nearly half-a-dozen languages.
The teacher, Alanna Yang, is from Everett Community College. She asked the parents if being nervous about English kept them from volunteering at school. Hands shot up.
“We think you can do it,” she said. “We want your help.”
Adnan Kez and Jaymin Shaekhah, a couple from Kurdistan, already speak two languages. Their children who have learned English know three. That is the case for many of the parents.
Yang stopped often to review words that might be unfamiliar in “Where the Wild Things Are.” “Rumpus,” for example, wasn’t on any worksheets. When she asked, “What is roar?” growls came from the audience, then laughter.
After the book, parents practiced what to say to the front office about illnesses, appointments, and early pick-up. They spoke about ways to keep children healthy during state testing and why the results can be meaningful.
English is important at home and at work, said Maria Lopez, whose son attends Emerson. Yang is a patient teacher and Emerson is a good school, she said. Her son is discovering new interests in arts, sciences and clubs.
Lopez’ new friend from class, Brenda Martinez, wants to help her sons as they face challenging reading and math. Dimitra Zara knows she could understand the school better sometimes and she likes connecting with the other mothers.
Future topics for the class include filling out school forms as well as accessing programs at libraries and community colleges.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @rikkiking.
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