KEEP TRACK OF THEIR MONTHY CALENDAR
     At the beginning of each month, a calendar will be posted at my web site.  The students are informed of all homework, due dates for projects as well as dates for tests and quizzes. This should help them manage their time better. In addition, students who are absent can make-up assignments very easily. CHECK THE CALENDAR AT MY WEB SITE AND HELP YOUR STUDENT NOTE IMPORTANT DATES.

ASK TO SEE THEIR ORAL PARTICIPATION STAMP SHEET
As students participate orally in class, they receive a stamp to acknowledge their effort. Accuracy is not the primary determinant to receive a stamp but effort is. However, the student’s response will often give me an insight to their current comprehension and comfort level with new structures. It is essential that all students participate regularly. Check the student's sheet. If there are relatively few stamps, perhaps your child should attend tutorial for a little additional practice so they can feel more confident in class.

LEARN WITH YOUR CHILD
     The first assignments of each new chapter will be making vocabulary lists or flashcards. Spend 2-3 minutes each day with the student drilling them on a few of the new words. Do not try to do them all at once. This is especially critical prior to vocabulary quizzes. A quick run through with a parent can really make a difference. DON’T FORGET TO ASK THEM TO SPELL SINCE SPELLING COUNTS! Who knows, you may pick up a few words yourself!

CHECK QUIZ AND TEST SCORES
    Students usually have two vocabulary quizzes and one cumulative test each chapter. Please ask for their progress notice at the end of  6th and  12th week.  If the scores you are seeing are not the ones you’d like to see, especially on vocab quizzes, its a sure  indication that the student is not putting enough "quality time" into studying. Help them out by going over the flashcards with them. Also GET THEM TO TUTORIAL!!!

ONE BIG REMINDER: Spanish requires cumulative, ongoing learning. If a particular structure shows up once, it will show up again and again. One little gap can add up to a lot of missed points throughout the year.

KEEP TRACK OF ASSIGNMENTS AND TESTS WHEN ABSENT
First, try to limit absences as much as possible. Please refer to my letter for procedure when a student is absent. Students will have only one tutorial cycle to make-up tests or quizzes. Homework due the day they are absent is due the day they return. Not making up work properly when absent is the single largest factor in students falling behind and being unsuccessful.

MONITOR THE TIME YOUR CHILD SPENDS ON HOMEWORK
The student will have Spanish homework every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday/or Thursday   night. They are never given time to do homework in class. If they come home and say they already did their homework, they did it in another class when they should have been paying attention to the teacher. If homework is done properly, it can be a helpful learning tool. Be especially critical if your child is doing homework without the book. Chances are they are filling in what they hope is the right answer rather than actually finding and learning it. Please make sure they do their own homework. Otherwise the review the following day, which is designed to clear up confusion is lost. If you have any questions or concerns, or just wish to check up on the student's progress, do not hesitate to call me.







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