Tuesday, January 23, 2024
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CST
The Title III Engagement Series was designed for parents and families to learn more about engagement activities and resources available to you in Texas. These events are offered virtually, but your child’s school may be offering an in-person watch party where you can meet with other parents and the campus team. Contact your child’s school to see if they are hosting a watch party for the next event.
The next event will cover community participation programs. Come learn about different resources to support you and your child. Each session is presented in English and nine other languages. Contact your child’s school if you have any questions about interpretation services.
TELPAS Assessment Window
February 19 - March 29, 2024
The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) is an annual assessment for emergent bilingual students in grades K-12. TELPAS assesses English language proficiency in four language domains - listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Visit the Assessment Resources Section in TXEL.org to find out how to help your child prepare for this assessment.
Target Skills: Foundational literacy and math
Recommended Grade Levels: K-8
Play games while learning
The easiest way to use this resource is to:
Open the Supporting My Child page on TXEL.org and scroll down to the “Education on Literacy at Home” section.
Click on “ABCya.”
When ABCya opens, select your child’s grade level and have your child select an activity.
These simple learning games can be played any time or place on your phone or computer.
Learn that Word
Target Skills: Vocabulary
Recommended Grade Levels: 4-12
Learn about the word's meaning by focusing on their roots.
The best way to use this resource is to select a root word and read the information while practicing using each word.
Open the Supporting My Child page on the TXEL.org website and scroll down to the “Education on Literacy at Home.”
Click on “Learn that Word” and have your child watch the introduction.
Click “Begin” and create a username and password.
Select your child’s grade level and follow the activities.
This site keeps track of your child’s progress, so they can continue learning every time they return to the site.
Colorín Colorado
Article for parents about ways to help your child develop literacy skills at home. “Why Reading to Your Kids in Your Home Language will Help Them Become Better Readers” by Lydia Breiseth. Access this article by going to the “Colorín Colorado” link on the Supporting My Child page on the TXEL.org website.
Some information this article highlights:
Reading to your child in your home language will help them have an easier time learning to read in English. The benefits are even greater for children who learn to read their home language first.
Research shows that children who are exposed to age-appropriate books in their home language developed stronger early literacy skills than children who were only exposed to books in their second language. (Association for Childhood Education International, 2003).
"I Spy"
A simple game of “I Spy” offers many opportunities for your young child to use descriptive words as they describe the object they are “spying.” Start the game by picking something in the space you’re in and say, “I spy something ________.” Describe the object you are looking at and each time your child makes a guess, give them another clue describing the object.
As you play, your child will learn to pay attention to color, shape, size, and texture of objects which can help them learn vocabulary that will help with state tests like the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS).
"Listen and Draw"
For children who love to draw, have them turn their love of art to build literacy skills. Describe a place or item to them and have them draw it out as you give them more details. Don't forget to add items that have different sizes, colors, and locations. Check in on their drawing to make sure they understand your descriptions or wait until the end to see their masterpiece. If their picture does not match up with your description, then have a conversation about what they missed or didn't understand. This will help your child understand what they may need to ask to clarify their understanding in class.
Plan an Outing
While planning your next family outing, ask your older children to get involved. Your child can help you plan and list the items you may need to pack. Have them research directions or ask them to brainstorm what your family would like to do when you get there and how much the outing will cost.
Read Alouds
One of the best ways to improve your child's reading comprehension is to have them read aloud. They can practice this at home by reading to another family member or friend. Make sure you help them pick out the right book for their reading level. If you hear your child struggle with more than five words on a page, find an easier book that will help them feel more confident in their reading abilities. If you notice that your child continues to struggle, talk to your child's teacher to find out what they are working on in class that you can support at home.
Read more at the Supporting my Child page on the TXEL.org website. Scroll down to the Education on Literacy at Home section and click on Scholastic. The article is under “Skill Builders.”
Many organizations provide scholarship funds to students based on their interests, backgrounds, and abilities. The big question for high school students is “Where do I find them?” One easy place to find scholarship information is through the state comptroller’s office. This list, and others, can be found on the Student Resources page under Post Secondary Readiness.
One state resource students may find helpful is the 10% Rule. This is an Automatic Admissions rule for many, but not all, public universities in Texas. You may qualify if you meet the requirements by graduating in the Top 10% of your class at a recognized public or private high school in Texas or a high school operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, and be a Texas resident or eligible to pay resident tuition.
The next self-care tip in the article, “Why Self-Care?” addresses getting things done. The list of tasks parents face daily can be overwhelming, so the article suggests making “To Do” lists and asking for help.
“To Do” lists can help by prioritizing tasks and recognizing all the things that need to get completed. If everything on your list doesn’t get done, move those to the next day, or consider asking for help. Asking for help ensures that tasks are completed and allows other family members to take an active part in your life. One option is to ask a friend or family member to watch the children to give you time to complete tasks. Another is to ask children to help with age-appropriate activities.
So, next time you make a list, share it with your family and allow others to take on some of the work. Families are strengthened by working together.
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Email: EmergentBilingualSupport@tea.texas.gov
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