These tips are adapted from the World Language Department at Grafton High School in Yorktown, Virginia.
1. Be sure that your son/daughter is doing all of his/her homework and turning it in on time. Generally, students have homework every night.
2. Students should review vocabulary every day!! This means that they should practice spelling and pronouncing the words in the target language.
Suggestions and tips:
- When studying, students should cover up the Spanish word, and try to recall it from the English. Most assessments require them to recall the Spanish, not the English meaning.
- Students can create flashcards and practice with them – pictures help!
- Parents – you can help by calling the words out in English and having your child spell the word for you either orally or in writing.
3. Please encourage your son/daughter to stay after school if they do not understand a concept being covered in class. All World Language teachers are available and willing to help students who are genuinely trying, but just need a little reinforcement. Tell your child to schedule a help session with the teacher as soon as he/she experiences problems.
4. Remember that a World Language builds on previous knowledge. Students must have a good foundation of the basics before moving on. All tests and quizzes are cumulative, so encourage frequent review of previous material.
5. Encourage your student to make full use of instructional time in the class. Tell them to ask questions, to volunteer, to take notes and to pay attention. 40 minutes a day is all we get together and the more they stay engaged during that time, the less they will struggle later.
I believe a good school community requires teachers, parents and administrators working together to create the most successful learning experience for the students.
