February 2010
This month's Boletín focuses on writing and offers guidelines about children and media at home.
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 writing and offers guidelines about children and media at home.
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!
Reading and school success
Talk with Your Child's Teacher
Many parents may wonder when (or if) it's a good idea to call their child's teacher. Teachers welcome communication from parents - it helps them do their job better! The questions and answers in this article can help you take steps to build a good relationship with your child's teacher.
See article in English >>
See article in Spanish >>
Developing Writing and Spelling at Home
Writing is a terrific way for children to express their thoughts, creativity, and uniqueness. It is also a fundamental way in which children learn to organize ideas. And learning to write well helps children to be better readers!
PreK Version
See article in English >>
See article in Spanish >>
K-3 Version
Let's Read!
How to Read With a Squiggly Baby (or Toddler!)
Parents know they should read with their child every day. But reading together requires that your baby or toddler will actually sit still long enough for a book! If you've got a squiggler in your house, see if these tips help your reading time go a little more smoothly.
See tips in English >>
See tips in Spanish >>
New Booklist: Snow, Snow, Snow!
These cozy, snowy stories are perfect for bedtime or for curling up on the couch! From beautiful wordless books about snowmen and polar bears to colorful stories about the magical experience of a character's first snowfall, these stories will provide enjoyment for readers young and old alike.
See booklist in English >>
See booklist in Spanish >>
Book of the Month
When This World Was New
By D.H. Figueredo
Illustrated by Enrique O. Sanchez
Danilito is excited about coming to America, but he is also scared - it is so different and cold, and he doesn't speak any English. Then he experiences his first snowfall. After feeling the snowflakes on his cheek and leaving footprints in the snow, he begins to feel a little more confident in this new country. Warm illustrations bring an immigrant family's journey, and their first snowfall, to life. Also available in Spanish.
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 husband speaks to our daughter in English. I want to speak to her in my native language. Won't she get confused?
- 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!
Parent Tips: Children and Media
These bilingual articles from PBS Parents offer age-appropriate guidelines for parents related to TV & movies, computers, video games, and advertising.
See tips in English >>
See tips in Spanish >>
Resources About Haiti
Colorín Colorado has put together resources that will help schools support students affected by the earthquake in Haiti. If you know that Haitian families are part of your school community, pass these resources along!
See resources >>
(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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