Dear Parents,
Welcome back to a new school year! I am not only the Librarian here at Most Blessed Sacrament School, but I am also excited to be your child’s teacher for their middle school elective class, “Fiction vs. Film”. I have been teaching for 12 years and feel truly lucky to be doing a job that I feel very passionate about.
In this semester long class, the differences between an original story's form and movie form will be analyzed to develop critical thinking skills. We will also discuss the differences between plots, storylines, characters, as well as work to broaden the students’ vocabulary.
I look forward to a wonderful partnership in your child’s education.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Jenny Ortego
Most Blessed Sacrament School Librarian
If you need to contact me, I can be reached by email at [email protected] or you may call the school office 751-0273 and leave a message.
HOMEWORK AND STUDY TIPS FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS:
The primary purpose of homework is to reinforce the information and skills your child learns at school. It is helpful when parents can help their children develop strategies to complete homework assignments in stress-free and learning-friendly ways. It is important that parents and children find a plan that works for their family and stick with it. Here are some tips to use when developing homework strategies:
Use checklists
Help your child get into the habit of using checklists for keeping track of homework assignments. The school assignment pad or a notebook could be dedicated to listing homework assignments. Once assignments have been completed, crossing off items will help children feel a sense of accomplishment. Some children prefer using a calendar, ipad calendar or iphone calendar to keep track of due dates and to help prioritize assignments.
Prioritize homework assignments.
Before beginning a homework session, encourage your child to number the assignments in the order in which they are to be completed. Some children prefer to start with one that's not too long or difficult. Others prefer saving the easy ones for last and starting on the longest or hardest assignments. Be sure to set realistic goals and stop along the way to check progress.
Set a designated study space. (I discussed this in detail already in Study Skills class)
Children often find it helpful to study in the same place every night where supplies and materials are close at hand. This space does not have to be a bedroom, but it should be a quiet, well-lit place with few distractions. Make sure that the television is turned off and that if music is requested, it does not create a distraction.
Set a designated study time.
Children should know that a certain time every day is reserved for studying and doing homework. The best time is usually not right after school as most children benefit from time to unwind first. Parents should include their child in making this decision. Even if your child does not have homework, the reserved time should be used to review the day's lessons, read for pleasure or work on an upcoming school project or assignment.
Show interest in your child's assignments.
Ask about the subject and work to be accomplished. Try to relate homework to your child's everyday life. For instance, fractions and measurements can be reviewed as the child helps to prepare a meal. Relate the topics to "their" world.
Be a role model.
Take the opportunity to read a book or newspaper while your child studies. Reading together helps encourage a life-long love of learning for your children. Show your child how it really is true that one never stops learning!
Check over homework assignments.
Take time to review your child's homework with them, but make sure you are NOT doing it for them. Point out mistakes and help your child correct them. (Note: be sure to discuss with your child's teachers how best to provide feedback, because they might prefer to see uncorrected work to guide their lessons in class.) Being familiar with your child's work will help you identify areas of strength and weakness.
I am speaking from experience when I say that it does your child NO GOOD to do their work for them. As a classroom teacher, I want to see my students work so that mistakes can be adressed. I often tell my students, "MOM and DAD will not be the ones tested on the material, so please do the work on your own." Teachers cannot address the problems that they do not know exist.
Meet with your child's teachers.
Be sure you understand the goals that the teachers have set for the class. You should consider yourself and your child's teachers as PARTNERS. Also be certain that you understand the teaching methods the teachers are using in the classroom.
Take your child's struggles seriously.
If you notice your child is struggling with assignments in particular subjects be sure that you discuss this with your child's teachers. This is especially important in the early grades when children are learning how to read and comprehend. Early help works and will save your child the pain of falling behind in school.
Give praise.
Applaud your child for successfully completing homework. Nothing builds self-esteem like PRAISE from parents.
Always keep the lines of communication open with your child's teacher. If you have any concerns contact them to discuss.
Have a great school year!
Jenny Ortego