What Are the Options?

Once you know what the problem is, what should you do next in the problem-solving process?

Carmen and her family are new to the United States. They are from Costa Rica, which is located in Central America.

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Spanish is the main language spoken in Costa Rica, so when Carmen and her family came to the U.S., they had a problem communicating with others. Carmen took a little English at school in Costa Rica, but her parents and her younger sister who wasn't in school don't know English yet.

How could you help Carmen and her family solve their problem?

First, gather information ➞ What do you know?

Carmen and her family speak Spanish.
Carmen knows a little English.
They just moved to the United States and are new to the culture.

Next, list options ➞ What are some possible solutions?

Listen to the English Carmen can speak to see how much she knows.
Use flashcards with pictures and words in English to help Carmen learn new words.
If you don't speak Spanish, learn some basic Spanish words to help communicate with her and her family.
As Carmen and her family work with a translator or tutor sit in and practice speaking English with them.