Fall 2010
This month's Boletín focuses on parent-teacher conferences and special education. Also, don't miss our new immigrant booklist and bilingual interview with award-winning illustrator Rafael López!
This is the English version of our Spanish-language newsletter, the Boletín informativo Colorín Colorado, which is written with Spanish-speaking parents and families in mind. Many of the articles included in the original Spanish version of the Boletín informativo are also available in English! For those that aren't we'll provide you with a summary and a link to the article in Spanish.
This month's Boletín focuses on parent-teacher conferences and special education. Also, don't miss our new immigrant booklist and bilingual interview with award-winning illustrator Rafael López!
Many articles in this newsletter will make great handouts for parents! We hope that you will be able to share the information in this newsletter with Hispanic parents and families who are trying to help their children become successful readers. You are welcome to print and distribute (crediting www.ColorinColorado.org), or you can use our "Tell-a-friend" feature.
Don't forget to check Colorín Colorado for updates, tips, and much more!
Join Our Colorín Colorado Community on Ning!
If you'd like to connect with other bilingual parents and teachers, check out the new Colorín Colorado social network! It's free to join, and you are welcome to submit ideas and conversation topics or start your own group on the network.
Reading and school success
Homework Tips for Parents
Homework is important, but helping children with homework isn't always easy — especially if you are still learning English. Here are some ways you can make homework easier for everyone!
See article in English >>
See article in Spanish >>
Parent Tip Sheet: Parent-Teacher Conferences
As the time for parent-teacher conferences approaches, you may be wondering how a conference is even possible if you and your child's teacher speak different languages. This article offers an introduction to parent-teacher conferences, as well as ways to overcome the language barrier.
See tips in English >>
See tips in Spanish >>
Does My Child Need Extra Help?
Children learn differently and at different rates. Some kids need extra time learning to read, for example, especially if they're also learning a second language. On the other hand, other children may be struggling to read because of a separate difficulty. If you think your child may be having trouble, it's important to talk with your child's teacher and learn about some of the different reasons your child might be struggling. Colorín Colorado offers a number of articles to help you get started!
Let's Read!
New Illustrator Interview! Rafael López
Rafael López is an award-winning artist and children's book illustrator. Rafael most recently received the 2010 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award for his illustrations of Book Fiesta by Pat Mora, a children’s book in honor of El día de los niños/El día de los libros. In this interview with Colorín Colorado, López talks about the influence of his Mexican heritage on his work, the inspiration behind some of his favorite illustrations, and offers a special message for Latino parents. Also available in Spanish.
Watch interview in English >>
Watch interview in Spanish >>
Featured Booklist: Tales of Thanksgiving
The books on this list offer a wide range of perspectives on Thanksgiving and the things for which we are thankful, from a young Vietnamese girl whose family eats duck on "Turkey Day" to the stories of refugees who are grateful for the opportunities — and freedom — they find in America. Many of the titles are in Spanish.
See booklist in English >>
See booklist in Spanish >>
New Booklist: Immigrant Stories
Take a look at our new booklist focusing on the rich history of immigrants in the United States! Some of the titles focus on the long journey to Ellis Island, while others tell stories from the U.S. border with Mexico. We hope that these books inspire families to pass down their own family stories from one generation to the next.
See booklist in English >>
See booklist in Spanish >>
Book of the Month
From North to South
By René Colato Laínez
Illustrated by Joe Cepeda
When Mamá is sent to a detention center in Tijuana because she doesn't have the right immigration papers, José must get used to life without her. He and his father visit Mamá at the center, where they talk about the future in which they will be together. Based on the experiences of the author's students, both he and the illustrator strike the right balance of honesty and hope in depicting this difficult yet common situation for families along the border.
Research, Guides, and More
Parent Question of the Month
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents presents real questions that parents have sent in, and answers from experts with tips and other recommended resources. We will continue to add new questions each month to this section. If you don't see a question you would like answered, be sure to send us an e-mail! Questions are also available in Spanish.
Featured Question:
- My daughter is reading below grade level. What can I do to help her become a good reader and get to a point where she enjoys reading?
- Mi hija está leyendo a un nivel inferior al nivel del grado. ¿Qué puedo hacer para ayudarla a convertirse en una buena lectora y alcanzar el punto en que ella disfrute de la lectura?
What is an IEP?
One of the most important parts of the special education process is to create an educational plan for a student. Learn more about this plan and the parent's important role in the process.
See article in English >>
See article in Spanish >>
Web Resources: Special Education
Are you looking for information about special education? Take a look at our new section of related web resources!
See resources in English >>
See resources in Spanish >>
Recommended Website: National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
During the summer and all year round, it's important to keep kids safe in the water. Practice these summer safety tips, and share them at school, camp, and in the neighborhood.
About the Boletín informativo ¡Colorín Colorado!
Colorín Colorado's Boletín informativo is a Spanish-language e-newsletter about reading and other educational issues, aimed at parents of Latino English language learners.
Major funding for ColorinColorado.org comes from the American Federation of Teachers, with additional support from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. The site was created by WETA/Reading Rockets, who takes full responsibility for its content. The points of view expressed in the articles included do not necessarily reflect the points of view of WETA, Reading Rockets, or any organizations who support us.
This e-newsletter is part of ColorinColorado.org, a free web-based service that provides information, activities, and advice for educators and Spanish-speaking families of English language learners (ELLs).
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