1. Take an interest: Ask your child what they are learning in class.
2. Ask your child to practice flash cards with you and/or siblings. Use flash cards on a regular basis perhaps before bedtime, in the car, after dinner or during commercials. This is a great way to reinforce vocabulary!
3. Try to speak the language with your child. Ability level does not matter it is the comfort level that fosters proficiency. At the dinner table with the entire family is a great way for your child to demonstrate and teach what he/she is learning in class.
4. Have your child teach you the material being learned. One of the best ways to master material is to have to teach it to someone else.
5. Watch and Listen! Due to the wonders of technology, we are fortunate to have access to Spanish speaking channels online. Changing the language on DVDs of his or her favorite movies will allow your child to have more contact hours. Even if they don’t understand everything, watching and listening is an excellent way to train the ear to the rhythm and pronunciation of the language being studied and increase fluency. Reading newspapers, subtitles and magazines is also a great idea to help become familiar with the people, places and culture of the hispanic world.
6. Use the computer: Encourage your child to use the multitude of websites I have listed on my website. There are many different games and grammar quizzes to try outand practice. Students can even work on listening and speaking by watching video clips.
7. Use the on-line textbook: Students can access the ¡Avancemos! Text by visiting the http://my.hrw.com site. Students will be given a user name and password.
8. Travel and use the language: If the opportunity arises to travel to a Spanish speaking country, allow your child the experience of total immersion in the language/culture.
9. Enjoy the experience: It is understandable that your child may not enjoy Spanish class all the time, but please encourage your child to get the most out of each class. Participate in every activity and seek help as needed. Keeping an open mind will aid your student in working to the best of their ability.
10. Seek extra help as needed. Falling behind or feeling lost will cause your child to feel overwhelmed and prevent your child from mastering the Spanish language. Help is always available to those that ask!
11. Study with a Peer: Encourage your child to find a study buddy. Maybe you?
12. Monitor the homework: Homework or rather “home lessons” are meant to reinforce and review the day’s learning. Check that your child has completed the assignment. Attempting the assignment the night it is assigned will allow time for your child to ask questions before the assignment is due. Homework assignments are posted online as well as written in their planner.

Thank you- Señora Bolaros