Curl Up With a Good Book

Now that the nights are long and the weather is cold, what could be better than curling up with a good book? Visit school and public libraries, download books to your e-reader or electronic device. Books are just a click away at websites such as:

www.readingrockets.org/  

www.tumblebooks.com/library/asp/home_tumblebooks.asp      

 

Encourage your child to share what he/she has read by retelling the story, discussing characters, plot and setting and making connections to his/her own experiences. Ask what was interesting about the story, whether your child liked or disliked the story and why he/she liked or disliked the story. Read every day in English or your native language to develop literacy skills.
Happy reading!

Conferences

November has arrived and teachers will begin the process of scheduling conferences with parents. When you receive the Conference Request Form be sure to indicate which teachers you would like to meet with along with the classroom teacher (reading, SSS, ELL). I am hoping to meet with many parents during conferences.
Since conference time is limited, it is a good idea to write down information that you want to share about your child as well as questions and concerns that you may have. During the conference you will be shown samples of your child's work. The teacher(s) will inform you of your child's strengths and areas that may be less strong. Feel free to ask for advice on what can be done at home to support your child in the classroom. Remember that teachers welcome your support and are happy to forward information about your child throughout the year.
The following link may give you some suggestions to help prepare for conferences:
http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/ELL/FamilyResources/Activities+For+Parents.htm

I am looking forward to meeting you at conferences and sharing the many accomplishments of your children!

ELL Resources

There are many resources available online to help ELL students. Check out the Curriculum Links on the homepage of your school's website. Visit the classroom pages that teachers post to the schools' websites.
A website that provides several links to ELL resources is: http://www.nwlsd-orc.org/esl.html .
Other ways to help your child develop skills include:

• writing lists
• labeling items
• writing about a picture 
• keeping a journal
• writing in a diary
• sending postcards 
• reading books
• reading signs
• reading names for items in stores
• audio books
• listening to a story
• predicting what will happen next in a story
• telling about what was happy/sad/ exciting about the day
• describing the weather
• retelling a story   

I hope that you find these suggestions helpful!

Introduction

                                                                                                September, 2014        

 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

            I would like to welcome both new and returning students to my ELL (English Language Learners) class. My name is Patricia Hayes and I will be your child’s ELL teacher this year.

            ELL class will include instruction to develop English language proficiency in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing. I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with your child to help him/her achieve success in acquiring English language proficiency.

            Please feel free to contact me during the year with any questions or concerns that you may have. Your input is important to me and will help to ensure that your child has a positive experience this year. Since I travel among schools, email is usually the most efficient way to communicate with me though phone calls and notes are certainly welcome.

 

Warm regards,

Patricia Hayes

ELL Teacher

Westford Public Schools

phayes@westfordk12.us

 

 

Welcome!

September, 2014

Welcome to the English Language Learners web page. Please visit often to learn about resources and information regarding the ELL program. Looking forward to another great year filled with many opportunities for learning!

Mrs. Hayes