8 Ways to Engage English Language Learner Families in Their Child’s Education
February 2nd, 2026
According to the National Education Association, “English Language Learners (ELLs) are the fastest growing segment of the public school population. Over the past 15 years, the number of ELL students has nearly doubled—to about 5 million. By 2015, ELL enrollment in U.S. schools will reach 10 million and, by 2025, nearly one out of every four public school students will be an English Language Learner.”
Research shows that students with involved parents are more likely to earn higher grades and test scores, demonstrate better social skills, and graduate from high school. But engaging parents and families of ELL students can be a challenge when they do not understand or speak the language used in school. Here are some tips you can follow to help a student and her family feel comfortable and open to communicating with the school and educators, giving her a better chance for language, literacy, and overall academic success.
- Do the research. Read student intake forms during registration to determine students’ nationalities and educational history. Talk with previous schools and teachers to learn more about students, their performance, and their language needs.
- Learn about the student’s culture and encourage him to share it with the class. Have homeroom teachers, or any teacher who will be spending a significant amount of time with the student, learn about his culture and allow him time to share it with the class. For example, maybe he would like to bring in a treat or toy that is common in his culture to share and explain to the other students.
- Ask the school to host a family event. Create a fun, comfortable environment that encourages the whole family to participate. For example, hold a family breakfast, game night, or a pot-luck dinner where families can share a dish from their own nationality.
- Invite parents and caregivers into the school and classroom. Family engagement is moving beyond open houses and parent-teacher conferences as schools try to get families more involved to improve student performance. Let families know about volunteer opportunities and how they can help with parties, field trips, and other school or classroom events. If a new program is being implemented in school, introduce it at a public event that gives families a chance to learn about the program and ask questions.
- Send home updates and materials. Send home monthly or quarterly newsletters to keep families informed of happenings in the classroom, school, and district. Also send home materials the students are using in class so caregivers know what lessons and projects their child is currently working on.
- Communicate directly with parents or caregivers. Call parents and speak to them on the phone to let them know how their child is doing. Even if you speak the same language, tone and meaning can sometimes be confusing in an email or text message. It’s best to speak with the parents to make sure they understand what you are saying.
- Encourage families to support the student in her home language. Research has debunked the myth that bilingualism confuses children and delays language development. In fact, there are major academic, social, and cognitive benefits for children learning multiple languages. Encourage parents and caregivers to continue communicating with their child in her home language. Explain that it is OK for the child to switch between languages, and in fact, this exercise in executive function gives her brain a great workout!
- Get help if there is a language barrier. If the parents or caregivers understand very little English, produce communications in their home language to keep them in the loop. Use an interpreter if there is one available to the school or district. If not, get help from staff members who speak their native language, or ask the child to help you communicate.
February is a unique moment in the school year: routines have been established, students are settled, and teachers can clearly see areas of growth as well as emerging needs. It’s also a natural pause before the busy spring months. All of this makes February an ideal time to reflect and to look ahead. For multilingual learners, what happens after the school year ends matters more than we often realize. The Summer Learning Opportunity Extended breaks can unintentionally slow language development, particularly in listening, vocabulary, and verbal confidence. However, when summer instruction is intentional and well designed, it can do more than maintain progress—it can accelerate it. The key is ensuring summer learning feels inviting, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. What Works for Young Language Learners Effective summer language programs share common elements that support growth without feeling like “more school”: A low-stress environment where students feel comfortable taking risks with language Consistent exposure to English through stories, songs, shared reading, and movement Natural repetition and routine that strengthen foundational English language skills Multi-sensory learning experiences that keep students engaged and motivated When language is experienced rather than practiced in isolation, children remain curious, confident, and connected. Why February Is the Time to Think Ahead February isn’t about making immediate decisions—it’s about asking the right questions: How can summer learning support language development without burnout? What experiences will help students feel successful and excited to learn? How can summer instruction align with the strengths of our school-year approach? Exploring these questions now allows schools to plan thoughtfully rather than reactively. A Season for Planting Ideas Strong summer programs build on what young learners love most—music, stories, movement, and interaction—while quietly reinforcing the language skills they need to grow. February offers the space to imagine a summer experience that supports continuity, confidence, and joyful learning long after winter fades. Ready to learn how GrapeSEED can be a meaningful part of your school’s summer learning?
If you’re an elementary teacher working with multilingual learners, you already know your work is full of heart, hustle, and highlighters. But let’s be honest—supporting language learners takes a lot of energy. That’s why self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a must. You’re juggling language development, academic growth, cultural connection, and emotional support. And while your students are growing every day, you need time to recharge, too. Here’s a quick self-care recipe to keep your cup full: 🧡 Smiles: Find Joy in the Little Things Celebrate the small wins: a new vocabulary word, a student’s laugh, a kind moment. Write one highlight on a sticky note each day. It’s a mood booster—and a reminder that you’re making a difference. 🍎 Snacks: Fuel Your Body (and Soul) Don’t skip lunch! Keep a stash of healthy snacks (and maybe a treat or two) nearby. Food is fuel, and sometimes chocolate is emotional first aid. 🧠 Sanity: Protect Your Peace Say no to that extra committee if you’re overwhelmed. Take 5 minutes to breathe or stretch between lessons. Step outside during a break of any kind, even for just a second or two. Talk to someone who “gets it”—sharing helps lighten the load. You Matter Your students need you AND they also need you to be okay. When you take care of yourself, you’re showing them how to care for themselves, too. So go ahead, teacher: smile, snack, and protect your sanity. You can’t do it all , but you CAN do a lot more when you’re well. At GrapeSEED English for Children, we value teachers and work to make certain that those using our curriculum feel supported. With a personal Professional Learning Specialist that teaches can communicate with anytime, a teacher portal, on-demand PDs and so much more, we’ve got our teachers covered! Ready to learn more about getting started with GrapeSEED in YOUR classroom? Just click here for more information.
January is the season of decluttering, but in schools, it’s about clearing space for what truly matters! This month’s blog explores how thoughtful organization supports multilingual learners and why strong language systems are worth keeping. A little clarity now can create momentum that lasts all year… and beyond!
The new year is a perfect time for reflection and renewal—not just for us, but for our students, too. After a long winter break, January offers a natural opportunity to revisit and reinforce classroom routines and procedures, especially in multilingual classrooms where clarity and consistency are key to helping all students feel secure and successful. For multilingual learners, routines are more than just classroom management—they provide language-rich structures that support understanding, reduce anxiety, and foster confidence. Whether students are newcomers or have been learning English for years, a clear and predictable environment helps them focus on learning rather than guessing what’s expected. Start the month by gently reviewing procedures: entering the classroom, transitioning between activities, participating in group work, asking for help, and using classroom materials. Model each step and invite students to demonstrate, using visuals, gestures, and multilingual supports when possible. Pair verbal directions with pictures or sentence stems to help students connect words with actions. This not only aids comprehension, it builds community and shared responsibility. Remember, reviewing routines isn’t about enforcing rules—it’s about resetting the tone for a peaceful, productive, and joyful classroom. Make space for students to share what helps them learn best and celebrate the positive habits they already bring with them. By investing time in January to revisit expectations with warmth and intention, you're setting the stage for a second half of the school year filled with growth, laughter, and learning—for every student, in every language.
