Parents and Families Newsletter

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Dear Parents and Families,

The fall semester is almost over, which means that your child will soon get ready to prepare for assessments. Whether it’s a class, district, or state test, it is important to remember that most tests are meant to guide instruction. This edition will help you and your child understand some basic steps you can take to ensure a positive learning and testing experience beginning with routines. Throughout this newsletter, we will also provide ideas on how you can help your child prepare for these tests at home.

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Teaching Books

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Routines for Success

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Spiritual Self-Care Routines

The easiest way to use this resource is to

Open TeachingBooks.net, and Click on “Browse Our Resources.”
Select the grade level your child is in by clicking “See All Collections.”
Select a title to see the resources available.
Click on “Book Readings.”
Listen to a story with your child, and discuss the plot. Discussing the characters, setting, problem, and solution with your children will help them understand story elements more easily.

Here is a story read by the author for you to start with, “The Rooster who would not be Quiet” by Carmen Agra Deedy.

Khan Academy can help you tutor your child even when you don’t know the content. Once you know what your child needs help with, you can search for the material on the website and learn together. Your support and guidance will boost their motivation. The easiest way to use this resource is to

Open Khanacademy.org, and click on “Courses.”
Select the content and grade level you want to have your child review, and click “Get Started.”
You and your child can go through the lesson together or you can have your child practice alone.

Here is a 3rd grade math lesson to get you started.

These days it is common for schools to use computers for classroom assignments and assessments, so helping your child type fluently will improve their digital writing skills and, as a result, benefit them academically. This website uses games and other strategies to guide your child from beginner to advanced skills. Getting started is easy.

Go to Typing.com, and click “Sign Up Now.”
Select any username and password you can easily remember, and click “Sign Up.”
Click on “Beginner” and watch the video before beginning your lesson.

When routines are followed they result in a better experience for all members of the family, even on stressful days. The three routines explained previously are just a few options, but one important factor in all of them is consistency. Children that are not accustomed to following routines will struggle if they are suddenly asked to follow one. Other important factors in establishing a routine are patience and practice. With these in mind, you’ll be able to guide your child further toward academic success.

One test that emergent bilingual students are required to take is the TELPAS (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System). This is an annual test that evaluates your child’s listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in English. Ideas we have shared with you in this newsletter are ways you can help from home to prepare your child for the successful completion of this assessment. A great resource to visit is the TELPAS Parent Tips for additional activities to help prepare your child for TELPAS.

Prepare Lunch

Prepare lunch with your child and have them say the steps needed to make lunch. For example: First, we have to get the bread. Next, we will put the mayonnaise on the bread. After that, we will add the lunch meat, cheese, and pickles. This skill is important for children to learn so that they are able to describe the order of events using transition words such as first, next, and last.

Watch a Show

Watching a show with your child and having them retell it will help strengthen their comprehension skills when reading. Keep the discussion as simple or difficult as your child is comfortable with. Once they can retell the events in the show, have them pay closer attention to the characters, the conflict, and the resolution.

Draw your Thoughts

Sit with your child and have them describe a random location or item. As they speak, draw the location or item as close to their description as possible. This serves as good practice for using descriptive language and also utilizes oral language skills. The description and drawing can be as simple or difficult as your child wants. Don't forget to give your child the chance to draw an item or location you describe.

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