I have also noticed that the parents enjoy watching us helping their children. Although, I get the sense that they would like to know more of what is being said or what is going on. Even if you cannot speak Spanish directly to them, I think it would be nice if you sent the kids home with something like "make sure you tell your parents how well you did on your....(reading, math hw, etc...)" Kids love bragging like this anyways haha and I think these parents will appreciate any feedback on their children's work from us. I think this will also raise the children's confidence because it takes a "good job" comment made during a tutoring session and lets them know how much we meant it.
I was speaking with a little girl last week and I noticed a woman watching us, and the little girl told me it was her mother and she didn't understand English. So I said hello, and the woman's face LIT UP. I continued to make some small talk with the woman. She did not say much, but she was very receptive to my broken Spanish and I could tell she enjoyed hearing what I had to say.
I'm not suggesting you conference with the parents at the end of everyday, but maybe if you notice a parent lingering you can acknowledge them with a few words.
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I think that the parents are very appreciative of the work that we are trying to do at Abbey Court. As you said it is quite evident in their smiles and nods of gratitude when they come to pick their children up. I do not speak a lick of Spanish, however I make an effort to extend the same huge smile and nods as the parents to let them know that I acknowledge their gratitude. Although I would like to have a conversation with them to verbally express myself, I am content with these symbolic gestures as well as using the kids to pass along messages. It is important to continue to foster these relationships with the parents to keep them and their kids coming and seeking our help. One smile goes a long way :-) !!!
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