I Need Help Tutoring Some Iraqi Families in English!!
By Maggiepie
@Maggiepie (7816)
United States
December 22, 2009 6:13am CST
Yaaaay! I thought my skills as a teacher of English as a Second Language (ESL) were going to wither on the vine! I had been pretty disappointed in my last pupil, a very stubborn man from Beijing. I halfheartedly tried to lure a few students in, but it just didn't take!
But today, the office at my complex had one of their ice cream socials ("Sundae on a Monday." Cute, huh?) I decided to go, meet a few neighbors, get a bite if the good stuff, & in general, just get out of my apartment for a couple of hours.
As I was sitting there chatting with one of my younger neighbors, a few people came through the door that just had "Middle-Eastern" stamped all over them. There was a strikingly beautiful woman, kohl trimming all around her eyes, & several men & a passel of children, who (as others did) came to me to let me tie a huge balloon on one of their wrists.
I soon realized that all but 2 of them spoke no English (they were all Iraqi refugees who came here so their children could be safe), & had only been in the U.S. for 3 days! Three families were represented (but only one of the mothers was there). The 2 English speakers translated my questions for the rest, & they said yes, they'd love to learn English. (They couldn't possibly guess how happy I was to hear that! I love teaching!) At first, I thought it was only going to be one family, but soon I realized I would need to make room for (I think!) about 10 people! I don't have that many chairs! Eeps!
So, I asked the manager if we could make a space for 2 classes a week in the main office, where there are lots of comfy chairs & couches, & there's one student who's allergic to cats (though not severely), so that would even take care of that possible problem.
The manager was thrilled with the idea!
So! I gave them them my number & said that it was free (I'd pay to do it it's so much fun, if it were necessary! 
), & to come back in 2 weeks, after they'd had a chance to settle in, & when we'd all agreed on a schedule.
EEEEE! I'm so excited! 
These aren't my first Muslim students (I once briefly worked with an elderly East Indian couple), but they seem much more open than the first ones. They didn't even ask for segregated classes for boys & girls, which I was a bit afraid they might. I fear my health & stamina can only handle two 2-hour sessions a week--& let's not forget the more plentiful preparation!
I'm so glad I was able to welcome them--they were just signing their lease! They do miss their homeland, o f course, but all the adults were adamant that they needed a safe place. I don't think it was my imagination...I'm pretty sure the stunned look in their eyes was how different & peaceful it is here. They actually puddled up when they saw their children could play safely outside!
They also said they do hope that the soldiers--especially ours-- don't leave Iraq, or just leave one base behind. "That would not be enough," one said. "People are so afraid; it's not like it is, here. There, every day you have to worry about bombs from the militant Muslims. Here, see? Our children can play outside. Everything ws worth it for that!"
I want so much for them to find peace, here. They all seem sio nice, such close families.
Has anyone reading this taught or lived around Iraqis so much? The only Muslims I've known were Iranian & Indian. Are there special customs or taboos of which I should be aware?
I'd appreciate any info or experiences you have had!
TIA, everyone!
Maggiepie
"SAY 'MERRY CHRISTMAS!'"
), & to come back in 2 weeks, after they'd had a chance to settle in, & when we'd all agreed on a schedule.
EEEEE! I'm so excited! These aren't my first Muslim students (I once briefly worked with an elderly East Indian couple), but they seem much more open than the first ones. They didn't even ask for segregated classes for boys & girls, which I was a bit afraid they might. I fear my health & stamina can only handle two 2-hour sessions a week--& let's not forget the more plentiful preparation!
I'm so glad I was able to welcome them--they were just signing their lease! They do miss their homeland, o f course, but all the adults were adamant that they needed a safe place. I don't think it was my imagination...I'm pretty sure the stunned look in their eyes was how different & peaceful it is here. They actually puddled up when they saw their children could play safely outside!
They also said they do hope that the soldiers--especially ours-- don't leave Iraq, or just leave one base behind. "That would not be enough," one said. "People are so afraid; it's not like it is, here. There, every day you have to worry about bombs from the militant Muslims. Here, see? Our children can play outside. Everything ws worth it for that!"
I want so much for them to find peace, here. They all seem sio nice, such close families.
Has anyone reading this taught or lived around Iraqis so much? The only Muslims I've known were Iranian & Indian. Are there special customs or taboos of which I should be aware?
I'd appreciate any info or experiences you have had!
TIA, everyone!
Maggiepie
"SAY 'MERRY CHRISTMAS!'"2 people like this
4 responses
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
22 Dec 09
Hi Mags, if the children are young then teach them to read and write phonetically straight away, none of that look and see nonsense.
The muslims who sometimes worked in the same company as myself in the UK were either open and accepting to the ways of life as it was in the UK, or shrouded in their own customs. They were mainly from Pakistani backgrounds though. I would think that if the parents are open to a new lifestyle then the children will be too so you have a good opportunity to introduce them to Western ways and freedoms.
1 person likes this
@Maggiepie (7816)
• United States
22 Dec 09
Oh, I know! I hate that (censored) "look & see" bilge! It's ruined learning for more children! Grrr...
They seem very open! Of course, teaching them in my way (using the Laubach Method), I don't have to speak Arabic--which is what they all speak, but I'll inevitably be teaching them culture. It's built into the way I teach.
The world will be our classroom. If they want to know the names of our foods, I go shopping with them. We sample various foods, to learn their tastes, colors, names, how to use them, if they want to try American-style foods.
Want to learn motions? You do them! One can easily learn shapes, colors & such, verbs are a bit more difficult, but if you put together a jigsaw puzzle, or play a game of chess or Chinese checkers, one quickly grasps "round," "roll," "drop," etc.! Want to teach them about camping or fishing, well? Just GO! Haha! Name the animals & plants you see!
That's how it works! If they need to see a doctor, I can go with them, help them fill out forms, etc. And all the while (sneaky me! 
), I'll be picking up Arabic! Tee hee!
I can hardly wait!!!
Maggiepie
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral & religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --John Adams
They seem very open! Of course, teaching them in my way (using the Laubach Method), I don't have to speak Arabic--which is what they all speak, but I'll inevitably be teaching them culture. It's built into the way I teach.
The world will be our classroom. If they want to know the names of our foods, I go shopping with them. We sample various foods, to learn their tastes, colors, names, how to use them, if they want to try American-style foods.
Want to learn motions? You do them! One can easily learn shapes, colors & such, verbs are a bit more difficult, but if you put together a jigsaw puzzle, or play a game of chess or Chinese checkers, one quickly grasps "round," "roll," "drop," etc.! Want to teach them about camping or fishing, well? Just GO! Haha! Name the animals & plants you see!
That's how it works! If they need to see a doctor, I can go with them, help them fill out forms, etc. And all the while (sneaky me! ), I'll be picking up Arabic! Tee hee!
I can hardly wait!!!
Maggiepie
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral & religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --John Adams@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
22 Dec 09
Well that sounds a good method and as I'm sure that the children will pick it up in no time at all and they'll be able to help with translating when necessary for the grown ups. Mine does that when I have totally blank moments with a mutterer or a gabbler running ahead at full speed. You'll have the children bi lingual in no time and speaking better English than the American children. I don't say that in jest either as they'll be so eager to be able to communicate that they may well absorb the rules easier than the locals. Despite being 4 when my son was first thrown into Greek, and that was just exposure in the kindergarten, by the second year of primary he was the only child in a classroom full of Greeks who wasn't assigned additional Greek grammar work outside of school.
Anyway it sounds as you're hoping to have some fun with it so enjoy.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
22 Dec 09
i'M AFRAID I CAN'T HELP U MAGGIE BUT DO WISH U LUCK W/YOUR CLASSES. i ALSO WANTED TO WISH U A merry christmas.
@Maggiepie (7816)
• United States
22 Dec 09
Well, then just say a prayer I do well in teaching them! And Merry, merry Christmas to you! Are you planning on celebrating all 12 days of it--'til January 5th?
Maggiepie
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral & religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --John Adams
Maggiepie
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral & religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --John Adams
@Maggiepie (7816)
• United States
22 Dec 09
Oh, it's good for them, & endless fun for me--this is no sacrifice!
Thanks for the well-wishes, Gabs. I'd bet money I'll enjoy it! As I've said, I've done this off & on for years, & rarely been disappointed!
Maggiepie
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral & religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --John Adams
Thanks for the well-wishes, Gabs. I'd bet money I'll enjoy it! As I've said, I've done this off & on for years, & rarely been disappointed!
Maggiepie
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral & religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --John Adams
@vandana7 (102698)
• India
22 Dec 09
Well, first and foremost, I am not sure you should be undertaking the assignments without regular clearances. I wouldnt like you to get into any soup dear Maggiepie. You say they arrived just three days ago. Did you confirm where, and whether they had proper immigration papers. You need to. Unless they are ok in all respects it is not very advisable as it could mean a lot of questioning. Now, regarding customs, I think your Indian friends would be able to guide you perfectly, provided they are Shiaites. Iranians are Sunnis. Basically, there is hardly any difference. They have strict prayer times every day. Those you cant deny. They face toward Mecca when they pray, and sit on the floor, but this I think you already know. They are very polite to a fault. So some courtesies they show - you have to reciprocate in equal measure. You cannot, repeat cannot, afford to be rude to them. Fridays are special. Other than that not much. They are friendly if you are. :) But under present circumstances, it woule be better to confirm from authorities whether it is ok to undertake such teaching. Strictly no pork.
1 person likes this
@Maggiepie (7816)
• United States
22 Dec 09
No clearances seem necessary, to me, as this is strictly voluntary & informal. One of the gentlemen was some sort of official helper, acting as translator, helping them find a home, deal with things. He seemed fine with all of it, too. In fact, he was very happy with my offer. I heard his title, but I've forgotten the name of the organization for which he works.
Yes, they do have proper immigration papers; apparently that's part of the deal to get that gentleman's assistance.
None of these are Indians or Iranians, but Iraqis. And yes, I know about their holy days, prayer times, & facing Mecca, etc. And all of them are, as you say, super polite. They said that if everyone here was like me, then they would feel very welcome. I did tell them that not all would welcome them, but that most would. And frankly, they just exude so much niceness I would never feel any need to be rude! What an idea! I'm seldom truly rude anyway, & it's largely rudeness in another that brings it out of me. I can't imagine this bunch being rude; even their children are well-behaved & clean & ideal!
And yes of course I wouldn't even mention pork around them--this ain't my first rodeo! Even before my training as a tutor, I knew that; it's basic. But some cultures, I was taught, have taboos, for example, about showing the tongue when speaking, so in order to teach the English "TH" sounds, one must hold up a mirror & let them see you make the sounds while they watch your reflection! Still others have taboos about speaking to a wife before addressing the husband.
Those are the sorts of things of which I might be ignorant.
Thanks for responding!
Maggiepie
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral & religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --John Adams
Even before my training as a tutor, I knew that; it's basic. But some cultures, I was taught, have taboos, for example, about showing the tongue when speaking, so in order to teach the English "TH" sounds, one must hold up a mirror & let them see you make the sounds while they watch your reflection! Still others have taboos about speaking to a wife before addressing the husband.
Those are the sorts of things of which I might be ignorant.
Thanks for responding!
Maggiepie
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral & religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --John Adams