PRACTICE:
P.S. 238 - Utilizing a Multilingual Phonetic Glossary to Create a More Welcoming Environment for LEP Families
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Shared by Fern Rossi, Pupil Accounting Secretary of P.S. 238 Anne Sullivan
As a Pupil Accounting Secretary I get to meet many families, several of which are either brand new to our country, only here a short time or have a limited English vocabulary. Sadly, in some cases, they are not literate in their own language so even forms in their language do not work. Therefore, verbal communication became extremely important in order to ascertain the necessary registration information.
As a result, I started to try to learn some words in each of their languages that I use frequently when registering in an effort to enable them to complete the registration process with me more easily. I asked some of my staff members that speak these languages to help me spell the words I needed phonetically. At first I had a bunch of little stickies all around my desk. Then I created a chart and before I knew it, the chart became a really nice document consisting of approximately 30-35 words in 4 languages.
I am happy to say that the chart works very well; it enables the families and I to talk to one another, though definitely still limited, it does make the families feel much more comfortable and welcome. I also noticed they are less hesitant about coming into the main office and I am able to figure out what they need more easily/quickly which is mutually beneficial.
If you have any questions about the Brooklyn South Advisory Board, please contact Elena Cunneely at Brooklyn South Borough Office at ECunneely@schools.nyc.gov.