PONTOTOC, Miss. (WTVA) -- It's getting easier for some Spanish speaking parents in Pontotoc to communicate in English.
Pontotoc Headstart educators now offer the English as a Second Language course for parents who want to improve their English.
Leaders said out of the 62 students enrolled, about 25 of them are Spanish speaking. Educators said this class helps bridge the communication gap between teachers, students and parents.
"I think it gives them a sense of belonging in our country. They are able to do those things that are necessities for living here in the United States," said Shawn Moore, an instructor.
In the class is Mariper Sanchez. She speaks very little English.
"Elbow," replied Sanchez.
It's only her second class. She said she enrolled in the class because finding a translator was getting too difficult.
Instructor Shawn Moore teaches the ESL class.
While Moore is bilingual, he said instructors don't have to speak the language to teach an ESL class. He said the class is all about repetition.
"We use picture cards like this. We use repetition," Moore added.
Moore said he is a missionary to Hispanic people. He teaches the class free of charge through the Mission Service Corps. He said while he is here to serve, he understands any work you do with parents will have an impact on their students.
