Community Workshops
OLA Language School partners with schools to offer quality workshops for immigrant parents with children in public schools.
Our community workshops typically span two hours, featuring interactive sessions that blend small and large group discussions, reflection, and group activities.
These workshops provide parents with valuable insights into understanding the nuances of the American school system and living in the USA. Both Online and Face-to-face options available.
About Our Community Workshops
Schools interested in implementing our Community Workshops face-to-face must provide the corresponding space with access to internet and audio-visual support.
Depending on the number of participants and to provide scheduling flexibility to parents, individual sessions can be repeated if requested in advanced. Same fees applies.
If requested by the school, OLA Language School will make available simple registration forms to collect name and last names of participants as well as contact information. Registration forms will be used for organization purposes only and to prepare material/handouts.
We recommend schools to leave a window of two to three weeks to promote and collect registrations.
CALL US OR EMAIL US FOR QUESTIONS AT INFO@OLALANGUAGESCHOOL.COM
Our Most Popular Community Workshops
In this workshop the presenter will introduce common cultural norms in the USA. Parents will learn social skills to communicate with their children’s teachers, friends, and ‘American’ neighbors. Inclusive vocabulary as well as vocabulary for ‘Small Talk’ will be reviewed during this session.
This workshop offers a comprehensive exploration of U.S. culture, providing participants with valuable insights and practical skills for successful social interactions.
Key Workshop Components:
Understanding U.S. Cultural Norms:
- Explore the core cultural values, social norms, and unwritten rules that shape interactions in the United States.
Effective Communication Styles:
- Examine communication patterns and styles prevalent in U.S. culture, emphasizing clarity, directness, and non-verbal cues.
Social Etiquette and Manners:
- Delve into the nuances of social etiquette, covering greetings, introductions, and appropriate behavior in various settings.
Navigating Social Events:
- Learn the etiquette and expectations when attending social gatherings, school and community events.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity:
- Understand the importance of cultural sensitivity, diversity, and inclusivity in U.S. social interactions.
Small Talk Mastery:
- Understand the art of engaging in ‘Small Talk,’ a fundamental skill for building connections in social settings.
Q&A and Participant Engagement:
- Participants will share experiences, ask questions, and actively engage in discussions to enrich the learning experience.
Benefits of Attending:
- Cultural Fluency: Parents will develop a nuanced understanding of U.S. cultural dynamics.
- Enhanced Social Skills: Parents will acquire practical social skills for various personal and professional situations.
- Confidence in Cultural Interactions: Parents will feel more confident navigating social scenarios within the U.S. cultural context.
Duration: 2 hours
Includes Handouts and resources.
25 to 60 participants.
Available Languages: Spanish & English.
In Foundations of School Engagement: A Parent’s Guide to Academic Success, we delve into the essential components of understanding the American educational structure, navigating the school calendar, decoding the grading system, and enhancing parent-teacher communication. Parents will learn the key pillars that form the foundation for their children’s academic success, gaining insights, and practical tips to actively participate in their educational journey. Participants will be empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to build a strong and supportive academic partnership between parents and teachers.
Key Workshop Components:
Navigating the American Educational System:
- Overview of the education system structure, including elementary, middle, and high school.
Decoding the School Calendar:
- Understanding the academic calendar, key dates, school terms, breaks, and holidays.
Demystifying the Grading System:
- Exploration of the American grading system and how it reflects a student’s performance.
Importance of Parental Involvement:
- Highlighting the role of parents in fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.
Maximizing Parent-Teacher Conferences:
- Providing insights into preparing for and actively participating in parent-teacher conferences.
Community Resources for Parents:
- Introduction to local resources that can support parents and complement their child’s education.
Q&A Session and Networking Opportunities:
- An interactive session allowing parents to ask questions and connect with each other.
Benefits of Attending:
Comprehensive Understanding:
- Parents will gain a thorough understanding of the American educational system, from its structure to the grading system, empowering parents to navigate their child’s academic journey effectively.
Effective Communication Skills:
- Parents will learn practical tips for maximizing parent-teacher conferences, fostering positive and open communication with educators to support your child’s academic progress.
Community Support and Resources:
- Parents will discover local resources and community support, enhancing their ability to create a supportive learning environment for their child and connect with other parents for mutual assistance.
Duration: 2 hours
Includes Handouts and resources.
25 to 60 participants.
Available Languages: Spanish & English.
This informative and engaging workshop is designed for immigrant parents to enhance their fundamental skills in parent-teacher communication. In “Parent-Teacher Communication 101,” we will cover essential topics that empower parents to actively participate in their child’s education journey.
Key Workshop Components:
Email Etiquette:
- How to write basic and effective emails to teachers.
- Interpreting teacher emails for better communication.
Identifying Academic Struggles:
- Parents will gain insights on recognizing signs and behaviors that may indicate academic and social challenges in their children.
- They will understand the steps to follow to communicate with teachers when issues arise in regards to their children’s academic performance and achievement.
Navigating School Procedures:
- Identify key contacts within the school to address specific concerns.
- Parents will learn how to ask for help and support and how to follow up after initial contact has been made.
Exploring Extracurricular Activities:
- Benefits of extracurricular involvement will be discussed and how to engage with teachers regarding extracurricular activities.
Tips for Opening Communication Channels:
- Parents will receive additional tips on fostering open and effective communication with teachers and school staff.
- They will learn strategies to build positive relationships with teachers and administrators.
5. Q&A and Participant Engagement:
- Participants will share experiences, ask questions, and actively engage in discussions to enrich the learning experience.
Benefits of “Parent-Teacher Communication 101” Workshop:
Effective Communication:
- Understand email writing for clear teacher communication.
Proactive Academic Support:
- Learn to identify and address academic challenges promptly.
Navigating School Procedures:
- Confidently navigate school procedures and access key contacts.
Informed Extracurricular Engagement:
- Discover the impact of extracurriculars and effective communication.
Strengthened Relationships:
- Foster positive relationships with teachers and school staff.
Advocacy for Success:
- Empower parents to advocate for their children’s success.
Duration: 2 hours
Includes Handouts and resources.
25 to 60 participants.
Available Languages: Spanish & English.