January 2012

Happy New Year 2012!  

By:  Lois T. Gumataotao

ESL Coordinator/Teacher

Tis the season for resolutions!  Resolution means “to decide to do something”.  With the New Year ahead of us, let us take this opportunity to make a resolution to continue to move forward and make positive things happen to improve your child’s learning experience of the English language.  In as many languages from around the world, I warmly wish you and your family much peace, love, joy, and happiness in the celebration of the New Year 2012!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! - English

Filis Añu Nuebo! –  Chamorro

Maligayang Bagong Taon  –  Tagalog

Pwapwan Ei Ier Mi Fo – Chuukese

Gung Hay Fat Choy – Chinese

Hauoli Makahiki Hou – Hawaiian

Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu – Japanese

Peren En Parakapw! – Pohnpeian

Jeramman ilo iio in ekaal! –  Marshallese

Ameseighil ubwutiiwel Layúi Luugh me raagh féé! – Carolinian

Engan ke ya sasu! - Kosraean

Cung-Chuc Tan-Xuan! –  Vietnamese

Sehe Bokmanee Bateuseyo! – Korean

Selsalan Ebéach e duw! –  Yapese

Ungil Beches Er Rak! – Palauan

Feliz Año Nuevo! –  Spanish

December 2011

"Tis the Season to be Jolly!"

By:  Lois T. Gumataotao

ESL Coordinator/Teacher

Tis the Season to be Jolly!  With the holidays around the corner, let us continue to work together as a family to foster harmony in the community.  Remember to share the joy of giving by doing random acts of kindness and celebrating diversity.  This season is a special time to spend precious moments with your children and tell them that you love and care for them.

Below is a Christmas Rhymes activity that you and your child can work on during the holidays.  Use the words below to help you answer the rhymes.  Have fun and Happy Holidays!

Christmas Rhymes

1.  Something you give that rhymes with lift.

2.  Something you send that rhymes with hard.

3.  A little helper that rhymes with shelf.

4.  Something striped that rhymes with rain.

5.  A famous reindeer that rhymes with golf.

6.  Something you sing that rhymes with barrel.

7.  Something you decorate that rhymes with bee.

8.  Something you hand that rhymes with rocking.

9.  This covers the window and rhymes with lost.

10. What you put on your roof that rhymes with fights.

11. What Santa drives that rhymes with hay.

12. This holds Santa's presents and rhymes with back.

13. Something you ring and rhymes with well.

14. Green leaves that rhymes with golly.

15. Where Santa lives that rhymes with hold.

16. An old miser who rhymes with stooge.

Scrooge      frost        holly     bell     sleigh    
lights         stocking   tree      carol   Rudolph
cane          card         gift 
elf            backpack   North Pole

November 2011

"Autumn IS Fall"

by:  Lois T. Gumataotao

ESL Coordinator/Teacher

We have been learning the four seasons of the year - winter, spring, summer and fall.  November is the perfect time to talk to your child about fall.  Explain to your child that people call autumn, "fall," which refers to the leaves falling off the trees during this season. When the leaves change colors and go from being green, to burning red, golden yellow and vivid orange, that’s when the leaves begin to fall.

Autumn was even called "harvest" in the 1500’s because this was when fruits and vegetables were ready to be picked and stored for the winter.  Many people celebrate Thanksgiving during this time of the year.  They celebrate Thanksgiving to give thanks for the sharing of the harvest during the first years of settlers.

Look through magazines of pictures of trees with their leaves of beautiful fall colors such as red, yellow, orange and brown!  

October 2011

How Can Parents Help Their ESL Children Learn English?  

By:  Lois T. Gumataotao

ESL Coordinator/Teacher

Parents must first understand and believe that learning the English language skills is important.  If children realize the adults in their lives don't think learning English is important, they will be less likely to approach the subject with a positive attitude.  Parents, you can help your children learn English by ensuring they're well-prepared for school such as:

·         Setting a time and place for homework

·         Having supplies available such as pens, paper, scissors, glue and dictionaries, etc.

·         Being willing to answer questions about homework

·         Asking your child about their school day and listening to concerns

·         Ensuring they eat a healthy breakfast

·         Encouraging them to get to bed early and get a good night's rest

A great way for how parents help their ESL children learn English is by trying to learn English themselves!  The more frequent parents are able to use English at home, the more opportunities will arise for children to practice speaking and listening.   A great motivator for parents and children to learn new skills is when they practice together.

Parents of ESL students can be the key to a child's success by making a dedicated effort to promote English language learning, no matter what their background or personal English abilities are.  Remember, parents do make a difference!