Dear ESL Parents & Families,
Thank you for your ongoing support of our program! I know that many of you want to know how you can support your child's learning of English at home.
Colorín Colorado has a wonderful website that offers many suggestions for your questions. I have compiled the most common Q&A on this page drawing from many resources and my experiences as a teacher.
Q: I don't know English. Should I still try to help my child at home using English?
A: Please continue to use your native language at home! Engage your children in rich, academic discussions by asking them questions about what they've been learning in school; by discussing a book that you are reading together; or even better, by going on a trip together and talking about the experience. You can talk, sing, read and play with your children--all in your own language. By speaking in the language that you are strongest in, you enrich your child's life, not just with language (bilingualism) but by helping them retain your culture (biculturalism).
Q: What kinds of questions should I ask while reading with my child?
A: First, please read with your children as much as you can. You can begin by discussing the cover of the book and making predictions based on the title and picture. Have your child share with you as much as they know about the topic or subject of the book. Talk about whether its fiction or nonfiction. If it's a fiction text, talk about the elements of a story such as the setting, plot, problem/solution, theme and characters. Don't be afraid to ask deeper questions such as "Why do you think the character made this decision? Would you make this decision? Why or why not?" or "What do you think the lesson or theme of this story is? How can you apply it to yourself?"
Colorín Colorado also lists some comprehension "tricks":
Q: I want my child to learn English as quickly as possible! What's the best way to do this?
A: Please understand that learning a second language can take anywhere from 5-8 years and every child has a unique learning style. I encourage parents to help their children learn English through experiences such as going to the library, visiting a museum or taking trips to various American landmarks. Students can use these authentic experiences to build their background knowledge which then helps them to understand and express their English more. By showing your child new things, you are opening up their minds in the best way.
Q: Where are some places that I can take my child to build their experiences?
A: There are many enjoyable and free or low-cost places and events that you can visit with your whole family. Afterward, talk with your children about what they observed and learned. You can have them keep a journal describing what they saw, how they felt and what kinds of questions they had. Create an album or scrapbook of pictures from your trips and have your children write the captions. Below is a list that I have compiled for parents:
Have your children immerse themselves and enjoy American culture through trips, extracurricular activities and play dates or socializing. It is the best and most natural way for them to gain access to English!
Sincerely,
Ms. Kim
Thank you for your ongoing support of our program! I know that many of you want to know how you can support your child's learning of English at home.
Colorín Colorado has a wonderful website that offers many suggestions for your questions. I have compiled the most common Q&A on this page drawing from many resources and my experiences as a teacher.
Q: I don't know English. Should I still try to help my child at home using English?
A: Please continue to use your native language at home! Engage your children in rich, academic discussions by asking them questions about what they've been learning in school; by discussing a book that you are reading together; or even better, by going on a trip together and talking about the experience. You can talk, sing, read and play with your children--all in your own language. By speaking in the language that you are strongest in, you enrich your child's life, not just with language (bilingualism) but by helping them retain your culture (biculturalism).
Q: What kinds of questions should I ask while reading with my child?
A: First, please read with your children as much as you can. You can begin by discussing the cover of the book and making predictions based on the title and picture. Have your child share with you as much as they know about the topic or subject of the book. Talk about whether its fiction or nonfiction. If it's a fiction text, talk about the elements of a story such as the setting, plot, problem/solution, theme and characters. Don't be afraid to ask deeper questions such as "Why do you think the character made this decision? Would you make this decision? Why or why not?" or "What do you think the lesson or theme of this story is? How can you apply it to yourself?"
Colorín Colorado also lists some comprehension "tricks":
- Ask your child to retell a story in just a few sentences (summarize).
- Ask him or her to guess what might happen next (predict).
- Show your child how to figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word based on other words and pictures around it (context).
- Explain how to pause while reading in order to ask himself or herself whether he or she knows what is happening, and if not, to re-read the sentence again (monitor).
Q: I want my child to learn English as quickly as possible! What's the best way to do this?
A: Please understand that learning a second language can take anywhere from 5-8 years and every child has a unique learning style. I encourage parents to help their children learn English through experiences such as going to the library, visiting a museum or taking trips to various American landmarks. Students can use these authentic experiences to build their background knowledge which then helps them to understand and express their English more. By showing your child new things, you are opening up their minds in the best way.
Q: Where are some places that I can take my child to build their experiences?
A: There are many enjoyable and free or low-cost places and events that you can visit with your whole family. Afterward, talk with your children about what they observed and learned. You can have them keep a journal describing what they saw, how they felt and what kinds of questions they had. Create an album or scrapbook of pictures from your trips and have your children write the captions. Below is a list that I have compiled for parents:
- Events in River Edge http://www.riveredgenj.org/index.asp?&SEC={827574D9-D398-441C-91DB-853CA7EC5C1E}
- River Edge Public Library's link to the children's programs http://riveredge.bccls.org/children.shtml. Your children can join book clubs and other activities. There is even an ESL program offered at the library.
- Paramus Public Library's website http://paramus.bccls.org/ Click the link for the children's schedule at the bottom of the page. They have book clubs and events. There is an ESL program offered here as well.
- Palisades Park Public Library's link to their Korean collection http://palisadespark.bccls.org/kids/korean.shtml The link for their Spanish collections: is http://palisadespark.bccls.org/kids/spanish.shtml There are many bilingual books in this library. You can take a family trip into town and enjoy Broad Avenue, which has many restaurants and shops.
- If you would like a wider range of activities and are willing to drive the family to these different venues, here is the link to children's activities in Bergen County http://www.mybergen.com/activities-for-children-kids-nj-northern-new-jersey-bergen-county
- This is the link for a nearby zoo http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/bcparks/zoo.aspx This is the perfect time to take photos and create an album where your kids can add captions underneath the photos.
- You can take them to the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, about 30 minutes away. The link is http://lsc.org/plan-your-visit/
- A wonderful museum in NYC is the American Museum of Natural History http://www.amnh.org/visitors/
- If your family enjoys spending time in New York City, here is a link to a website full of NY events for kids http://timeoutnewyorkkids.com/
Have your children immerse themselves and enjoy American culture through trips, extracurricular activities and play dates or socializing. It is the best and most natural way for them to gain access to English!
Sincerely,
Ms. Kim