Taylor has thoughts on teaching parents English

     My mother-in-law does not speak English.   Her youngest son is four years old.   He has been classified as being on the autism spectrum.   He has gone through an early intervention program as well as ABA therapy.   It is incredible how much progress he has made in the last two years.   I can't help but think that his progress would be even greater if his mom spoke English.  I  don't mind that she doesn't speak that much English, however I do think that if she did speak English she could work with her son more.   He speaks both English and Spanish, however, when he goes to say, "Can I please have that?' or " I do not want that" he will say, "I want, I want,"  or "NO, NO, No" because that is what his mom has the ability to say.   

I think it would be a good idea if there were an after school program for parents who do not speak English so that they might learn the nursery rhymes that the students might be learning in school or learn how to properly say basic phrases in order to help their children progress in their non-native language.    Colors, numbers, songs, rhymes and book titles could all be learned, which would benefit both parent and child.  Just a meeting once a week with a teacher who speaks a different language or with a translator could make a world of difference.   During these meeting times news letters and class events could be gone over as well.   My young brother-in-law was singing the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and his mom had no idea what the song was or what he was saying, because if was in English.   

I am not sure this would even be considered by school officials,but I think it could help.   What do you think of such a program?   Should school officials consider establishing such a program?   Would you be willing to work in a program for parents during after school hours?   Do you think such a program would benefit both the parents and students, or is this just another "change the world daydream" of mine?   Let us know your thoughts.     Do you have any similar experiences with non-English speaking parents?