Spring 2010
This Boletín focuses on preparing children for preschool and kindergarten, as well as on resources from the library.
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 Boletín focuses on preparing children for preschool and kindergarten, as well as on resources from the library.
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
Preschool: An Introduction for Parents
The preschool years are important for young children! Learn how preschool will give them a good start on their education from these tips.
See article in English >>
See article in Spanish >>
Spanish video for parents: Dr. Rebecca Palacios
In this video interview, Dr. Palacios discusses the reasons preschool is so important for young children and offers helpful tips about using the library, reading at home, and ways to support young children's success. A translation of the transcript is included.
Is My Child Ready to Enter Kindergarten?
Many schools register children for kindergarten during the spring even though classes don't start until the fall. If you are wondering whether your child is ready, this article will give you some tips on social and educational expectations of children entering kindergarten. If you are considering registering your child for the Fall 2010 school year, check your school's registration dates as soon as you have the opportunity so that you don't miss the registration period.
Let's Read!
New Tip Sheet: The Resources at Your Library
The library has many kinds of free resources for children and adults, including books, movies, and free computer access. Learn more about the library and its resources from this article and tip sheet!
See tips in English >>
See tips in Spanish >>
New Booklists!
Colorín Colorado is pleased to present two new bilingual booklists:
- Fun at the Library
- Reading with Mom
Whether it's little Lola, the library lion, or children who get their library books by way of an elephant, these bilingual and multicultural stories will remind you of why our libraries are such special places. This booklist is also available in Spanish.
These books are filled with reasons to celebrate mothers and grandmothers around the world, whether it's a family tradition handed down, a question answered, or a tender lullaby. Many of the titles are bilingual or are available in Spanish.
Don't forget about Dad while you are reading! Check out our Reading with Dad booklist, also available in Spanish.
Book of the Month
I Know the River Loves Me/Yo sé que el río me ama
By Maya Christina Gonzalez
Celebrate the river's magic and music with this poetic tribute that also speaks to the importance of taking care of our rivers. Vivid aqua and green waves swirl across the pages, bringing the river and her friend to life.
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 child insists on talking to me in English. How can I help her maintain her native language?
- Mi marido le habla en inglés a nuestra niña. Yo quiero hablarle en mi primer idioma. ¿Esto podría confundirla?
* This month's question is an excerpt from Learning Two Languages: Questions Parents Ask and is reprinted with permission from PBS Parents. To see more of their resources in English and Spanish, be sure to visit their website!
Autism Resources
Autism is a disorder that is usually first diagnosed in early childhood. Autism affects a child's ability to communicate, understand language, play, and relate to others. Learn more about autism from these bilingual websites.
Reach Out and Read: New Spanish Website!
Reach Out and Read promotes early literacy by partnering with doctors to encourage reading. The organization has just launched a new version of their website in Spanish with information for parents, educators, physicians, and volunteers, as well as information for Latino families.
See website >>
(in English only)
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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Our mailing address is:
WETA/Colorín Colorado
2775 S. Quincy St
Arlington, VA 22206
We look forward to hearing from you!