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In this season of thankfulness and celebration, I thought I would share some good communication tools about relaying thanks and praise to those who have limited English skills. It is extremely important to have your facial expressions and body language match what you are trying to say. A simple “thank you” or “good job” is usually understood if the accompanying body language matches the sentiment. Giving praise without a smile on your face and direct eye contact can be confusing and often misunderstood.

The tone and volume of your voice can also communicate emotion and attitude to a limited English speaker. A pleasant tone can convey positive feelings and be engaging to the listener. Use normal volume and bear in mind that more volume does NOT mean more understanding and can often be misinterpreted as negative.

It is also important to watch the physical and facial reactions of the limited English speaker to check for understanding. If they did not fully understand your words, your facial expressions and body language may “speak” loud enough to help them grasp partial meaning.

Be aware that some other cultures have different standards regarding eye contact, personal space, handshakes, and body language. Please be sensitive to cultural and religious differences.

We all like to receive thanks and praise and feel appreciated by others regardless of what language we speak. Remember to SMILE when you commend and celebrate the accomplishments of others.

When I found myself in a classroom facing a group of refugee and immigrant students from all over the world, ranging in age from 16-70 with varying levels of English proficiency, I observed that they all had one thing in common. They all needed to learn how to work in America! After much searching, I was unable to find suitable curriculum to use with such a diverse group so I created a series of Work Skills materials that would help the students to not just survive at work but also to thrive at work.

When I began to teach the vocabulary words needed to be successful at work, I realized that the students needed to learn more than just the words. They needed to learn the work “culture” and the rules of the American workplace. Work habits that are acceptable in other countries are extremely different than those expected by American employers. The students needed “culture training” to learn the employer’s expectations. There are so many differences in things from time management to body language and eye contact. Habits and attitudes that we are expected to know as workers in America may be foreign to those entering the workforce from other cultures. Knowledge of the vocabulary as well as the cultural norms are directly linked to awareness, understanding, and ultimately success in the employment environment. Employer input was incorporated into the creation of these materials to enhance their relevance. Understanding the qualities employers desire most and the work habits, attitudes, and ethics required to be successful were crucial to their success in the workplace.

After interviewing many of my students, I concluded that I had to develop materials that would be effective for fluent English speakers as well as English Language Learners (students with limited English proficiency who are mainstreamed into English speaking general education classrooms), and English as a Second Language students (those who are usually pulled aside or pulled out of the classroom for separate instruction in English). These materials are suitable for all three groups and can be used in a classroom setting or for individualized instruction. They can be used by formally trained instructors as well as less experienced volunteers performing one-on-one tutoring.

Work Skills-The Interview can also be used with English speaking adults and secondary education students who need to learn the vocabulary, job search processes, work habits and attitudes, and business ethics that employers are looking for in workers in America today. Secondary education students leaving the classroom may also benefit from “work culture training” as they transition from the classroom to the work environment. The interview is one of the most important components of the job search and it is also the area that most students need practical information and practice.

I have had the privilege of teaching some of the most wonderful people from all over the world during the last few years that have taught me so much. They have shared their knowledge, friendship, and cultures with me as I have attempted to teach them Work Skills in America. These awesome individuals bring their experiences and culture to America to share with us and enrich our lives. My students have truly blessed me in ways that I never could have imagined.

In this blog each month I will be sharing some of my teaching tips for instructors and practical communication tools to assist you in using these materials. I hope that you will enjoy these materials with your students and remember to smile often and lead by example!