ERIC Number: EJ1460477
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1082-3301
EISSN: EISSN-1573-1707
Available Date: 2023-11-02
Communication with U.S. Early Childhood Schools and Teachers: Saudi Mothers' Experiences and Insights
Sarah Alberaidi1,2; Rana Alghamdi3; Sophia Han1
Early Childhood Education Journal, v53 n2 p425-436 2025
A supportive relationship between home and school is essential for young children's positive school experiences as well as overall development, and effective communication is at the core of such relationship formation. However, researchers in the field of early childhood have found that immigrant families have difficulties communicating with their children's schools and teachers due to their disparate linguistic, cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. The purpose of this study is to explore Saudi mothers' experiences and insights regarding their communication with their children's schools and teachers. We conducted in-depth interviews with seven Saudi mothers who have early childhood age (PreK-3rd grade) young children attending public schools in the United States. The findings showed that they experienced communication challenges stemming from linguistic and school cultural differences and religious inconsideration. They also asked for more accessible communication opportunities including less burdensome in-person meetings and extended conferences so that they can remain an active participant in their children's early schooling. Having a better understanding of Saudi mothers' experiences and insights has potentials to inform schools' and teachers' practices as well as guide future research in the realm of effective communication between families and early childhood schools and teachers.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Family School Relationship, Mothers, Early Childhood Education, Public Schools, Barriers, Interpersonal Communication, Language Skills, Cultural Differences, Religious Factors, Parent Attitudes
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link-springer-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States; Saudi Arabia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1University of South Florida, Tampa, USA; 2Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia; 3Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia