Getting a head start

By DOMINIKA MASLIKOWSKI/The Daily News

Mohavedailynews.com: BULLHEAD CITY - A new basic English class is being offered at the pre-school Head Start, and students are saying they like its pace and more relaxed atmosphere.

Oscar Rivera, of Guadalajara, Mexico, wants to learn English for his child. He wants to understand what the child wants from the store when they're out shopping. His wife, Maria, wants to communicate without relying on a translator.

Other immigrants want to learn English to get ahead at work, or better their life in general, but they sometimes face stumbling blocks and give up before they learn the basics.

Lourdes Perez, also of Guadalajara, has taken several English classes before, but she said they moved too fast and students who didn't understand were left behind. Another Spanish-speaker said others made fun of her for not speaking properly, but now she wants to learn and doesn't care about being ridiculed.

The students said the new English class at Head Start lets them learn at their own pace, with less pressure. The class - taught by Mohave Shrine Club volunteer Tom Clark - meets once a week for an hour, and is open to anyone with preference given to parents of Head Start students, their relatives and friends.

Maria Rivera said she thought Clark was patient and calmer than most instructors. She said she feels comfortable with someone who's donating his time because it shows he really wants to teach, and isn't just there for a paycheck.

During their first lesson on Tuesday students were told it was okay to make mistakes, and that speaking English will get easier if they practice every day.

“It doesn't matter if you make a mistake. Just practice and relax. After 13 weeks you will be very comfortable talking to someone in English,” Clark said. “You may always say como se dice. It's okay to ask, ‘what is that word?'”