Could you please repeat that?

As we just wrapped up our training in VA, our hearts are full of excitement as we prepare to move overseas! While we were there, we decided that we would like to send Savannah to a national school for a few hours each week to help facilitate her language learning and friend-building. So, an effort to prepare Savannah for attending a local Asian school, I had the following conversation with her:

Me: Savannah, are you enjoying going to school here in VA?

Savannah: Yes.

Me: Did you know that you’ll get to go to school when we get to our new home?

Savannah: Yes, Mommy, you’ve already told me that.

Me: Well, your teacher will not speak English. How are you going to know what to do when she says, “Everybody sit down” in her language?

Savannah: I’m going to listen really hard and then, do what she says.

Me: Well, Sweetie, you’ll be able to hear her, but you won’t understand her. How will you know that she wants you to sit down?

Savannah: I’ll ask her, “Could you please repeat that?” Then, I’ll do what she says.

Me: That’s very respectful, Savannah, but she won’t understand you, since she doesn’t speak English. How are you going to know what to do when she says, “#&^%&%#$ ^#@ %^$ @%^%&#^”

Savannah: Mommy, I don’t know….

Well, after pointing out that she can watch the other kids, and do what they do, she felt better!