W ELCOME TO THE ESL P ARENT I NFORMATIONAL M EETING M S. S OFOS O CTOBER 31, 2013 Woodland Elementary School

Welcome to ESL! Bien venidos a ESL!

W HAT IS ESL? ESL is a state mandated program for students of bilingual homes who qualify for services. ESL teachers provide students with additional support in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English. ESL teachers work closely with your child’s classroom teacher to ensure your student’s needs are being met. ESL students are given a state mandated test (NYSESLAT) annually to assess their proficiency and growth in English acquisition.

Q UALIFYING FOR ESL S ERVICES Home Language Questionnaire Listening Speaking Reading Writing How and why did my child qualify? Interview LAB-R

ESL S ERVICES ESL students receive 1 or 2 classes of intensive English language instruction depending on their level of English proficiency Beginner- 2 Classes Intermediate- 2 Classes Advanced- 1 Class

I DON ’ T SPEAK E NGLISH. H OW DO I HELP MY CHILD WITH SCHOOL ? 1. Empty the homework folder every night. 2. Look at the homework and sign papers that need to be returned to the teacher. 3. If your child has tried to do the homework and still doesn’t know how, just write a note on the homework. 4. Questions? Write a note to your child’s teacher in your language. 5. READ, READ, READ or tell oral stories in your language!

S TRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL Arriving to school on time. Having homework completed. Checking the students folder every night. Having a homework spot for your child with supplies. Communicating regularly with your child’s teacher.

S TUDENT H ABITS Go to bed on-time Eat well-balanced meals and snacks Dress according to weather conditions Be responsible with homework and school supplies Rest time

F AMILY T IME Recreational Trips (Library, museum, book stores) Dinner Time Reading together Ask about their day at school (what did you learn?, favorite part of the day?)

R ESOURCES Library Computer Assisted Instruction (Websites & Links)

(provides resources in Spanish) (provides guidance to parents to help their children read, Spanish translation)

T HANKS FOR C OMING !! Questions and Answers