As the main teacher for English Language Partners' English for Mothers of Babies and Toddlers class, she brings together up to 11 mothers from nine different nationalities fortnightly during school term time.
The classes were established in 2004 in response to the need for English classes for mothers of young children.
Other classes did not allow children to attend and many families could not afford child care.
Also, one-on-one home tutoring did not allow the same social aspect as group classes did, Ms Bryant said.
"Because the women are the hub of family life, it was important they could expand their opportunities and experiences to learn English and social competencies beyond the one-to-one home tutoring."
She and four assistants took the class for two-hour sessions at Forbury School involving social interaction, news sharing, group activities and playtime for the children.
The goal was to get the class talking about a range of topics.
Guest speakers attended to talk about health advice or education for preschool children.
"I think teaching is not only about imparting knowledge . . . it's about building students' confidence to learn, to encourage their hopes, raise their expectations, provide authentic experiences and environments and encourage them when they experience frustrations with their new language."
As part of the group, the mothers felt less culturally dislocated, she said.
For more information, visit www.esolht.org.nz/centres/dunedin/
ellie.constantine@odt.co.nz
