ð

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Fern’s Annual Holiday Program

JOIN US FOR WONDERFUL PERFORMANCES BY OUR TALENTED FALCONS.

Please note the dates & times for each grade level.

December 1: Fourth and Fifth Grade at 6:00pm

December 18: First and Second Grade at 9:15am

December 19: TK and Kindergarten at 9:15am

December 20: Third Grade at 9:15am

(all performances are held in the cafeteria)

You' re Invited!

To Fern Elementary School For ...

I

HT™

Featuring Hour Code puzzles from Code.org

December 14th, 2017 @6:00 PM

Start learning coding

with your kids!

A fun FREE evening event

For K-5 Kids and Parents Together

®

Family Code Night Sign Up Form

Space is limited to the first 100 families. Please go to

http://signup.com/go/qDmfFYq to sign up. Or fill out, detach and return

this form. One device will be provided for each family.

The family would like to attend Family -----------

Coding Night.

Please email us at if we are on the wait list. ----------

Prepay online at family.titank12.com Daily Milk & Juice ChoicesMONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Alternative Menu Choices: Lunch Pricing: 1 National Red Apple Day!Domino's Smart Slice

1. PB&J Sandwich Paid $3.00 Cheese Pizza 2. Cup of Yogurt Reduced $0.40 Fresh Apple Slices3. Grilled Cheese Milk $0.50

4. Entrée Salad (Mon-Thur)**Menu Subject to Change Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station

4 Meatless Monday 5 Taco Tuesday 6 7 8Cheese Lasagna Soft Chicken Tacos Beef Teriyaki Dippers Roasted Turkey Papa John's Cheese PizzaGarlic Breadstick with Salsa, Lettuce and Cheese Brown Rice Sandwich (School Approved)Fruit Sorbet Pinto Beans Applesauce Baked Chips Applesauce

Fortune Cookie Mixed Fruit

Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station

11 Meatless Monday 12 13 14 15Italian Cheesy Garlic Bread Tyson Oven Baked Dodger Dog Crispy Chicken Domino's Smart Slice with Marinara Sauce Chicken Nuggets BBQ Baked Beans Sandwich Cheese Pizza Fresh Apple Slices Emoji Fries Baked Potato Wedges Sliced Pears

Roll

Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station18 Meatless Monday 19 20 Brunch for Lunch 21 22Cheese Quesadilla Baja Fish Nuggets Waffle Sticks Breaded ChickenRefried Beans Waffle Net Fries Lean Beef Sausage Drummies

Star Cookie Applesauce Mashed PotatoesRoll Holiday Crispy Treat WINTER BREAK

Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station Dec. 22nd - Jan. 5thJan. 8 Jan. 9 Jan. 10 Jan. 11 Jan. 12

Taco TuesdayBeef Ravioli Crunchy Turkey Tacos Mini Chicken Corn Dogs Tyson Crispy Domino's Smart Slice Garlic Breadstick with Salsa, Lettuce and Cheese BBQ Baked Beans Chicken Tenders Cheese Pizza Fresh Apple Slices Refried Beans Emoji Fries Sidekicks

Roll 100% Frozen Juice

Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station Fresh Fruit & Veggie Station

Look for these symbols next to your favorite menu items to find out all of the healthy options offered on the

December menu!

TORRANCE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ELEMENTARY LUNCH MENU

For more information, please check out the back side of the menu!

Students must select three of the five food groups. One choice must

be fruits or vegetables.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Did you know that TUSD offers ALL the elements of a healthy diet to keep your kids strong & healthy?

= Whole Grain

= Low Fat

= Smart Snack Dessert

= Meatless

= Contains Pork

Check out our Salad Bar offered

daily with seasonal fresh fruits and

vegetables!

December 2017

HappyHolidays!

Kid’s Activity Corner Unscramble these words to solve the riddle!

EOSNSSA IGTNESRSGE

1. What did the salt say to the pepper?

_ _ _ _ _ _’_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ !

2. What kind of apple is not an apple?

LPAIEPNEP

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

December 1 is Eat a Red Apple Day! Celebrate by ea ng the fresh apple slices offered today at lunch!

Answer: 1. Season’s Greengs 2. Pineapple

the last day before Winter Break... &

the first day of winter!

Known as the Winter Sols ce, this day is considered the “shortest” day of the year

because the North pole is lted the furthest from the sun, reducing the actual

daylight.  

Celebrate the last day before Winter Break and welcome winter

with a holiday crispy treat!

Apple–Fruit Donuts: 1. Core an apple and slice crosswise into

1/2 inch slices

2. Spread yogurt, cream cheese, or your favorite nut bu er on one side of the apple slice

3. Top off with chopped nuts, raisins, granola, or other fruits of your choice.

Enjoy apples in every meal!

Breakfast: chop and add to yogurt or oatmeal

Snack: dipped in peanut bu er; apple‐fruit donuts (see recipe)

Lunch: slice and add to green salad or turkey sandwich

Dinner: roast and add as a side Dessert: when baking, replace fat (oil)

with applesauce

Health Benefits:

Low‐calorie about 95 calories (per medium‐size apple)

Great source of fiber

An oxidants and fiber promote heart health

Vitamin C helps protect the body and aids in iron‐absorp on from plant‐based foods

December 21 is...

Prepague en línea en family.titank12.com Opciones Diarias de Leche y Jugos

LUNES MARTES MIÉRCOLES JUEVES VIERNESOpciones Alternativas del Menú: Precios del Lunch: 1 ¡Día Nacional de la

1. Sandwich de Maní Manzana Roja! y Mermelada Pagado $3.00 Pizza de Queso 2. Vaso de Yogurt Reducido $0.40 Domino's Smart Slice 3. Sandwich de Queso Leche $0.50 Rodajas de Manzanas Frescas4. Ensalada (Lun - Jue)

**El menu está sujeto a cambios Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas

4 Lunes Sin Carne 5 Martes de Tacos 6 7 8Lasaña de Queso Tacos Suaves de Pollo Trozos de Teriyaki de Res Sandwich de Pizza de Queso Papa John'sPalitos de Pan de Ajos con Salsa, Lechuga, y Queso Arroz Integral Pavo Asado (Aprobado por la Escuela)Sorbete de Fruta Frijoles Pinto Puré de Manzana Chips Horneados Puré de Manzana

Galleta de la Fortuna Fruta Mixta

Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas

11 Lunes Sin Carne 12 8 9 15Pan Italiano con Queso Trozos de Pollo Empanizado Hot Dog Dodger Sandwich de Pollo Pizza de Queso con Salsa Marinara al Horno Tyson Frijoles a la BBQ al Horno Crujiente Domino's Smart Slice Rodajas de Manzanas Frescas Papas Emoji Cuñas de Papas Horneadas Peras en Rodajas

Panecillo

Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas18 Lunes Sin Carne 19 20 Desayuno en el Almuerzo 16 22Quesadilla de Queso Nuggets de Pescado Baja Palitos de Waffle Piernitas Empanizadas de Frijoles Refritos Papas en Forma de Waffle Salchicha de Res Magra Pollo

Galleta de Estrella Puré de Manzana Puré de PapasPanecilloDulce Crujiente Festivo VACACIONES DE INVIERNO

Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas 22 de dic. - 5 de ene.Ene. 8 Ene. 9 Ene. 10 Ene. 11 Ene. 12

Martes de TacosRaviolis de Carne de Res Tacos Crujientes de Pavo Mini Salchichas Trozos de Pollo Empanizado Pizza de Queso Pan de Parmesano con Salsa, Lechuga y Queso Empanizadas con Maíz Crujiente Tyson Domino's Smart Slice Rodajas de Manzanas Frescas Frijoles Refritos Frijoles Horneados BBQ Papas Emoji 100% Jugo Congelado

Panecillo Sidekicks

Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas Barra de Frutas y Verduras Frescas

Los alumnos deben seleccionar tres de los cinco grupos alimenticios. Un grupo debe ser frutas o verduras.

¡Busque estos símbolos al lado de su comida favorita del menú para

que vea todas las opciones saludables que ofrece el menú de

diciembre!

DISTRITO ESCOLAR UNIFICADO DE TORRANCE MENÚ DEL LUNCH DE ESCUELAS PRIMARIAS

¡Para más información, por favor vea el reverso del menú!

Esta institución es un proveedor de oportunidad equitativa.

¿Sabía usted que TUSD ofrece TODOS los elementos de una dieta

saludable para mantener a sus hijos fuertes y sanos?

= Granos Integrales

= Bajo en Grasa

= Postre Smart Snack

= Sin Carne

= Contiene Puerco

¡Visita nuestraBarra de Ensaladas

que ofrecemos a diario con frutas y

verduras frescas de temporada!

Diciembre 2017

¡FelicesFiestas!

Felices Fiestas

Esquina de actividades

de los niños Ordena estas letras para resolver el acer jo

EOSNSSA IGTNESRSGE

1. What did the salt say to the pepper?

_ _ _ _ _ _’_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ !

2. What kind of apple is not an apple?

LPAIEPNEP

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

El 1º de diciembre es el día de Comer una Manzana Roja Celebremoslo comiendo las rodajas de manzanas frescas que ofrecemos hoy en el almuerzo!

Answer: 1. Season’s Greengs 2. Pineapple

El ul mo día antes de la vacaciones de invierno...

y ! El primer día del invierno!

Conocido como el Sols cio de Invierno, es el día más corto del año porque es cuando

el polo Norte está más alejado del sol, reduciendo la luz del día

 !Celebra el ul mo día antes de las

vacaciones de invierno y dale la bienvenida al invierno con algo crujiente!

Donuts con fruta– manzana: 1. Quítale el corazón a la manzana y

córtala la lo largo en rodajas de 1/2 pulgada

2. Unta con yogur, crema de queso o con tu crema de frutos secos favorito por un lado de las rodajas de manzana

3. Pon nueces, pasas, granola, u otra fruta que te guste

!Disfruta las manzanas con cada comida!

Desayuno: córtala y añadela al yogur o a la avena

Snack: ponle crema de mani (ver la receta) Almuerzo: en rodajas en la ensalada verde

o con un sandwich de pavo Cena: asada y de acompañamiento Postre: cuando hornee, puede reemplazar

la grasa con puré de manzana

Beneficios para la Salud:

Es baja en calorias, ene unas 95 calorias (manzanas de tamaño mediano)

Con enen mucha fibra

Los an oxidants y la fibra promueven un corazón sano

La vitamin C ayuda a protejer el cuerpo y ayuda con la absor-ción del hierro de los vegetales

El 21 de diciembre es...

REGISTRATIONRegistration can be completed online, by phone, fax or at the Registration Office. Registration begins November 28 for Torrance residents and December 5 for non-residents. Proof of residency is required. For more information regarding camp registration, please call the Registration Office at 310/618-2720.

3031 Torrance Boulevard ] 310/618-2930 ] www.Recreation.TorranceCA.Gov City of Torrance Community Services Department ] RECREATION DIVISION

Printed on Recycled Paper

$104.00 per week /$119.00 per week for residents for non-residents

EXTENDED CAREExtended supervision is

available for an additional fee.

7:00 – 8:30 a.m. $16.00/$21.004:30 – 6:00 p.m. $16.00/$21.00

“Creating and Enriching Community through People, Programs & Partnerships”

January 2-5, 2018Tuesday through Friday

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Winter Fun Camp Activities include games, crafts, cooking and walking field trips. Campers should wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe tennis shoes, sunscreen and bring water and asack lunch each day. A field tripto the movies is included. Camperscan purchase snacks at the theaterif they’d like.

A newsletter will be available with additional information for the week. Camp t-shirts are mandatory for all field trips and are available for $7.00.

1520 Greenwood Avenue

GreenwoodPark

FOR CHILDREN AGES 6–11

Funcamp

Visit us online atwww.TorranceCA.Gov/DayCamps

Summer Campwill be available beginning

June 25

Additional fees will be charged per camper in the event of a late pick up or early drop off. There is no grace period.

REGISTRATIONRegistration can be completed online, by phone, fax or at the Registration Office. Registration begins November 28 for Torrance residents and December 5 for non-residents. Proof of residency is required. For more information regarding camp registration, please call the Registration Office at 310/618-2720.

Winter Teen Camp is open to middle school

students. Activities include games, crafts,

cooking and walking field trips. Campers should

wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe tennis

shoes, sunscreen and bring water and a sack

lunch each day. A field trip to the movies is

included. Campers can purchase snacks at the

theater if they’d like.

A newsletter will be available with additional

information for the week. Camp t-shirts are

mandatory for all field trips and are

available for $7.00.

3031 Torrance Boulevard ] 310/618-2930 ] www.Recreation.TorranceCA.Gov City of Torrance Community Services Department ] RECREATION DIVISION

Printed on Recycled Paper

$112.00 per week for residents

$127.00 per week for non-residents

For

Ages 12–14

January 2–5, 2018

Tuesday through Friday

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

“Creating and Enriching Community through People, Programs and Partnerships”

EXTENDED CAREExtended supervision is

available for an additional fee.

Summer Campwill be available beginning

June 25

GreenwoodPark

Visit us online atwww.TorranceCA.Gov/DayCamps

1520 Greenwood Avenue

7:00 – 8:30 a.m. $16.00/$21.004:30 – 6:00 p.m. $16.00/$21.00

TeenCamp

Additional fees will be charged per camper in the event of a late pick up or early drop off. There is no grace period.

Copyright © 2017 The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc. www.parent-institute.com

Will + What + When = SuccessWriting goals down helps motivate students. Children should also define the steps they’ll take to meet their goals. Teach your child the will + what + when formula:

1. Will. This is your child’s commitment to action. Have her write down the words I will ... .

2. What. Next, she should add what she will do to work toward her goal: study my spelling words ... .

3. When. Finally, she should write when she will take the action: every Tuesday and Thursday.

Source: T. Lickona, Character Matters: How to Help Our Children Develop Good Judgment, Integrity, and Other Essential Virtues, Touchstone.

Reading comprehension is a skill that your child will use in nearly every class during his school career. When he reads, help your child:

• Summarize. Ask your child questions about the characters, setting and plot. Then ask ques-tions that require some thought: What problems did the characters face? Why did things turn out the way they did?

• Explore points of view. Can your child imagine how a differ-ent character would tell the story? Would your child make the same choices if he were that character?

• Make connections. Has your child already read or learned something that relates to this book? If the book is about life on a farm, what does he know about farms that matches or doesn’t match the story?

• Get the message. Was the author making a point? What was it? Does your child agree with it?

Source: Reading Comprehension and Higher Order Thinking Skills,” K12 Reader, niswc.com/readthink.

Encourage your child to write many different waysGive your child frequent opportunities to practice organizing and expressing his thoughts in writing. Ask him to:

• Write instructions. He could write steps for how to wrap a gift or make a sandwich.

• Make lists. What does he want to do over winter break? What does he need to remember to take to Grandma’s?

• Keep a journal. He can write how he feels about things that happen to him.

Focus on attendance now for success in the futureHas your child missed some school days so far this year? It’s not too late to get back on track so she can have a successful year—and school career. Studies show developing good attendance habits in the early grades positively affects achievement in later years.

December 2017

Promote honesty and help your child resist cheatingWhether they’re playing a board game or coveting a cookie, kids are often tempted to cheat. When that temptation sneaks into schoolwork, it is a serious concern.

Sometimes students cheat because they don’t want to admit that they are struggling with a lesson, or that they didn’t do the required work. For many young children, the line between what is right and what is wrong is still blurry.

To prevent your child from cheating:

• Talk about what it is and why it’s wrong. Tell your child that cheating is dishonest. It won’t help her learn, and it’s not fair to others.

• Reward honesty. Let your child know how much you appreciate hear-ing the truth, even when it’s unpleasant.

• Show an interest in what your child is learning. Ask her ques-tions and review homework to get a sense of how she is doing. If your child seems confused, let the teacher know.

• Encourage your child to ask for help. Admitting that she’s having difficulty—or even that she didn’t do the work—may seem scary. Let her know that you and the teacher are there to help her.

Source: S. Shellenbarger, “How Could a Sweet Third-Grader Just Cheat on That School Exam?” The Wall Street Journal, niswc.com/elem_cheat.

Help your child get more from reading

Torrance Unified School District

Copyright © 2017, The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc. www.parent-institute.com

Gifts of time are pricelessMany families will be shopping for holiday gifts this month. Teach your child that it is giving, not buying, that matters. Encourage him to give gifts of his time and effort. Your child could:

• Create a 2018 calendar and decorate each month with his artwork as a gift for a teacher, coach or family member.

• Write a story about a favorite time spent together as a gift for a loved one.

• Record himself singing children’s songs as a gift for a younger sibling.

Chores foster pride of accomplishmentDoing chores is a great way for children to learn lessons that benefit them at home and in school. Chores help your child:

• See the results of his labor. After he does his laundry, that stack of folded, clean shirts is a visible reminder of his successful effort.

• Take responsibility. Your child will be less likely to walk on the rug in muddy cleats if he’s the one who vacuums it. And he’ll learn that he can con-tribute to improving life for the whole family.

Source: R. Rende, Ph.D. and J. Prosek, Raising Can-Do Kids, TarcherPerigee.

___1. Do you look at old family photos with your child and talk about the people and events in them?

___2. Do you talk about places your child’s ancestors came from and the routes they traveled? Help your child find them on a map.

___3. Do you encourage your child to ask older relatives questions about their lives?

___4. Do you involve your child in preserving family history by making scrapbooks and recording family stories?

___5. Do you ask your child to help you cook family recipes?

How well are you doing?More yes answers mean you are making family history personal for your child. For each no, try that idea.

Learning is the main goalIt’s wonderful when kids want to get good grades. But it is important that they focus on the learning process, too. Sure, it feels great to see an A on a report card, but it also feels great to go into a test with confidence, knowing they’ve studied hard. Even bet-ter, it feels great to learn and get smarter! Talk with your child about what makes her school accomplishments worthwhile.

December 2017

How can I get my child to stop clowning around?

Q: My son is the class clown. His teacher says his behavior is disruptive. He also uses laughs to get out of doing tasks at home. But how can you get angry at a kid when you are laughing your head off? What should I do?A: Sounds like a bright kid. Other kids openly rebel against adults and get into trouble. Your son does the same thing, but he does it in such a way that adults react to his appealing clownishness rather than the rebellion. You don’t have to get angry. Instead, change your response to his clowning:

• Don’t label him “the clown” or talk about this trait to others—it will only reinforce his silliness.

• Ignore him when his humor is inappropriate. Leave the room if you can’t avoid laughing in his presence. Clowns need an audience in order to continue their performance.

• Apply discipline consistently. If he is clowning to avoid a responsi-bility, he’ll have to face the consequence. If he’s trying to manipulate you into a yes when a no is appropriate, stick to your no.

Your effective handling of this behavior at home will likely decrease his clowning at school, as well.

Are you making history come to life?One of the best ways to help kids get excited about history is to make them feel connected to it. Sharing family stories and traditions can do just that. Are you helping your child learn family history? Answer yes or no below:

”The history of

every country begins

in the heart of a

man or a woman.”

—Willa Cather

Helping Children Learn®

Published in English and Spanish, September through May.Publisher: L. Andrew McLaughlin.

Publisher Emeritus: John H. Wherry, Ed.D. Editor: Alison McLean.

Staff Editors: Rebecca Miyares & Erika Beasley. Production Manager: Sara Amon.

Translations Editor: Victoria Gaviola.

Copyright © 2017, The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc. P.O. Box 7474, Fairfax Station, VA 22039-7474

1-800-756-5525 • www.parent-institute.com • ISSN 1526-92641527-1013

X02618959

®

Home&SchoolWorking Together for School Success CONNECTIONDecember 2017

© 2017 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated

Does your youngster prefer to read alone, with family members, or in the company of friends? With these ideas, he can do all three this winter.

Choose themesEncourage your

child to read more by coming up with wintry themes for choosing books. For example, he might name “ice-skating” or “penguins” and pick out a biography of an Olympic skater or an adventure tale set in Antarctica. After he finishes each book, he can write the title on a paper snowflake and tape it to a wall. How many snowflakes can he hang up?

Discuss poetry On a snowy day—or any day—read

winter poetry together. Get a volume like It’s Snowing! It’s Snowing! (Jack Pre-lutsky) or Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold (Joyce Sidman). Boost your youngster’s reading comprehension by talking about the poets’ word choices.

“I heard that!”Good listening skills

will help your child do well in every subject. Here’s an active way to prac-tice. Choose a common word (also, because), and read a newspaper or magazine article aloud to her. She has to listen closely for the word—and do a jumping jack each time she hears it.

The importance of loyaltyIt may seem easier for your youngster to stay quiet when others say unkind things about a friend. But explain that speaking up shows loyalty, and it’s the right thing to do. Help him brainstorm what to say, such as “That would really hurt his feelings” or “You’d be upset if someone said that about you.”

Let’s wash our handsHand washing is one of the best ways for your child to stay healthy—and to avoid spreading germs. She could make a poster by writing and illus-trating the steps: 1. Wet. 2. Lather. 3. Rub 30 seconds. 4. Rinse. 5. Dry. Have her hang her poster in the bath-room to remind herself, and other family members, to wash properly.

Worth quoting“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” Duke Ellington

Q: What goes through towns and over hills but doesn’t move?

A: A road.

Winter readingSHORT NOTES

JUST FOR FUN

Coping with stressWhether your child is stressed about a test or

worried about a disagreement with a friend, try these strategies for helping her cope.

● Name it. Have her say what, specifically, is making her feel stressed. Maybe she’s afraid she’ll forget everything she studied or she doesn’t know what to say to her friend.

● Focus on solutions. Help your youngster think of ways she could relieve some pressure. She might review her study guide one last time the morning of the test or write a note to her friend saying she misses her and wants to play.

● Think positive. Remind your child of tests she did well on or ways she resolved problems with friends in the past. Suggest inspiring phrases she could say to herself, such as, “I know I can do it!”♥

Why did Prelutsky write “the air is a sil-very blur”? What did Sidman mean by “the sun’s pale wafer”?

Read with friendsYour child can see friends over winter

break and practice reading at the same time by forming a book club. They might pick a chapter book to read, then meet to discuss it and enjoy a related snack, craft, or game. Or they could each bring a differ-ent picture book and take turns reading aloud. Idea: Suggest that they keep their club going all year long!♥

Torrance Unified School DistrictBen Egan, Director - State & Federal Projects

© 2017 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated

To provide busy parents with practical ideas that promote school success, parent involvement,

and more effective parenting.

Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated

128 N. Royal Avenue • Front Royal, VA 22630800-394-5052 • rfecustomer@wolterskluwer.com

www.rfeonline.com

ISSN 1540-5621

O U R P U R P O S E

Home & School CONNECTION® December 2017 • Page 2

Your child’s memory is like a

muscle—the more he uses it, the stron-ger it will be! Here are two fun ways to strengthen his memory of what he hears and sees.

1. Recall numbers. Randomly name four numbers, such as 17, 36, 54, and 98. Can your youngster repeat the numbers back to you? Try again with five num-bers, then six, and then seven. Talk about what strategies he uses to remember. Maybe he

recites them in his head or relates them to numbers in his life—perhaps your house number is 54 or your phone num-ber ends in 98.

2. Remember details. Together, look at a photograph for one minute. Put it away, and take turns asking each other

questions about it. Exam-ples: “How many trees are there?” or “Who is wearing a striped shirt?” Try again with a new photo—your child is likely to look more closely this time and recall more specifics.♥

What a memory!

Independent meThe end goal of parenting is to work

your way out of a job. You want to teach your youngster to spread her wings and eventually take care of herself. Consider this advice.

Let her try. Out of habit, you might do tasks that your child could do for herself. If you’ve always done her laun-dry, for instance, you may not realize she’s able to do it on her own. Show her the steps, and see how she does with it for a week. If she isn’t quite

ready, work alongside her a few more times until she can handle it herself.

Resist “fixing” it. Your youngster proba-bly won’t make her sandwich or pack her overnight bag exactly the way you would. But she will feel more independent if she does it her way. If she struggles, offer gentle support. Say she’s try-ing to put a big batch

of leftovers into a small container. You could set out a bigger one, and suggest that she try again.♥

Fit volunteering into your scheduleQ: I work odd hours, but I still want to pitch

in at my daughter’s school. What are some

options?

A: Any time you spend volunteering will

help the school and show your child that

her education counts.

Get in touch with her teacher about becoming a

volunteer. She may have jobs you can do at home, such as

stapling together student-made books, or tasks that could be done

during the school day like decorating bulletin boards. Don’t forget to check with

her “specials” teachers, too. A PE teacher may appreciate a hand organizing equip-

ment after school, while a music teacher may love assistance making props for the

school musical.

Finally, touch base with the school office and the PTA for other possibilities.

They’re sure to have ways you can help when your schedule permits.♥

Sticky-note mathMy sons love games, but it’s hard to

find ones they can play together that aren’t too easy for my older one or too hard for his little brother. At a recent school math night, I discovered a game that’s just right for both boys.

First, I wrote 10 addition problems on yellow sticky notes for my younger son and 10 mul-tiplication problems on green sticky notes for my older one. Then, I stuck the notes around the house.

To play, the boys race around to grab one sticky note at a time, show it to me, and say the answer. If they answer cor-rectly, they keep the note. If not, I hold onto it for more practice later. The player with the most notes at the end wins.

My little one was happy that having different problems gave him a fair chance to win—and both boys got a chance to work on the math they’re learning.♥

Q&

A

PARENTTO

PARENT

ACTIVITYCORNER

© 2017 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated

Diciembre de 2017

®

Home&SchoolTrabajando juntos para el éxito escolar CONNECTION

¿Prefiere su hijo leer solo, con miembros de su familia o en la compa-ñía de amigos? Con estas ideas este invierno puede hacer las tres cosas.

Elijan temasAnime a su hijo a

que lea más usando motivos invernales para elegir sus libros. Por ejemplo, podría decir “pati-naje sobre hielo” o “pingüinos” y seleccionar la biografía de un pa-tinador olímpico o una aventura situada en la Antártida. Al terminar cada libro puede escribir el título en un copo de nieve de papel y pegarlo en la pared. ¿Cuántos copos de nieve puede colocar?

Hablen de poesíaUn día que nieve—o cualquier día—

lean poemas relativos al invierno. Usen li-bros como It’s Snowing! It’s Snowing! (Jack Prelutsky) o Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold (Joyce Sidman). Refuercen la com-prensión de lectura en su hijo hablando de las palabras que los poetas han elegido.

“¡Lo oí!”Saber escuchar bien

ayudará a su hija a ir bien en todas sus materias. He aquí una forma activa de practicar. Elija una palabra común (tam-bién, porque) y léale en voz alta un artí-culo de un periódico o revista. Tiene que escuchar con atención para oír esa palabra y dar un salto de tijera cada vez que la oiga.

La importancia de la lealtadA su hijo puede parecerle más fácil que-darse callado cuando otras personas ha-blan mal de un amigo. Pero explíquele que cuando hable en su defensa demos-trará lealtad y eso es lo que debe hacer. Ayúdelo a pensar en qué decir, por ejem-plo “Eso lo entristecerá” o “Tú te disgus-tarías si alguien dijera eso de ti”.

Vamos a lavarnos las manosLavarse las manos es una de las mejores formas de que su hija siga sana y de evitar propagar los gérmenes. Su hija podría hacer un cartel escribiendo e ilustrando los pasos: 1. Humedecer. 2. Enjabonar. 3. Frotar 30 segundos. 4. Enjuagar. 5. Secar. Dígale que cuel-gue en el baño el cartel como recorda-torio, para ella y para el resto de la familia, de que hay que lavarse bien.

Vale la pena citar“Un problema es una ocasión de hacer las cosas lo mejor que puedas”. Duke Ellington

P: ¿Qué pasa por ciudades y colinas, pero no se mueve?

R: Una carretera.

Lecturas de invierno

SIMPLEMENTE CÓMICO

Sobrellevar el estrésTanto si su hija está estresada por un examen

o preocupada por una discusión con una amiga, ponga a prueba estas estrategias para ayudarla a hacer frente a ese estrés.

● Pónganle nombre. Pídale que diga, en tér-minos concretos, qué la estresa. Quizá tema que se le olvide todo lo que ha estudiado o que no sepa qué decirle a su amiga.

● Concéntrense en las soluciones. Ayude a su hija a pensar en formas de aliviar algo de esa presión. Podría repasar su guía de estudio por última vez la mañana del examen o escribir una nota a su amiga diciéndole que la echa de menos y que quiere jugar con ella.

● Piensen de forma positiva. Recuérdele a su hija los exámenes que hizo bien o cómo solucionó en el pasado los problemas con sus amigas. Sugiérale frases que se podría repetir para animarse como “¡Sé que puedo hacerlo!”♥

NOTAS BREVES

¿Por qué escribió Prelutsky “el aire es un borrón plateado”? ¿Qué quería decir Sid-man con “la oblea pálida del sol”?

Lean con amigosSu hijo puede reunirse con sus amigos

durante las vacaciones de invierno y al mismo tiempo practicar la lectura formando un club de lectura. Podrían elegir el capítulo de un libro para leerlo y luego reunirse para comentarlo y para disfrutar de una merien-da, hacer trabajos manuales o jugar. Cada niño podría también traer un libro ilustrado y leerlo en voz alta por turnos. Idea: ¡Sugié-rales que extiendan su club al año entero!♥

Torrance Unified School DistrictBen Egan, Director - State & Federal Projects

© 2017 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated

Home & School CONNECTION® Diciembre de 2017 • Página 2

Proporcionar a los padres ideas prácticas que promuevan el éxito escolar, la participación de los

padres y un mejor entendimiento entre padres e hijos.

Resources for Educators, una filial de CCH Incorporated

128 N. Royal Avenue • Front Royal, VA 22630800-394-5052 • rfecustomer@wolterskluwer.com

www.rfeonline.com

ISSN 1540-563X

N U E S T R A F I N A L I D A D

La memoria de su hijo es como un músculo: ¡cuanto más la use, más fuerte será! He aquí dos formas divertidas de fortalecer la memoria de lo que ve y lo que oye.

1. Recordar números. Diga al azar cuatro números como 17, 36, 54 y 98. ¿Puede repetírselos su hijo? Prueben de nuevo con cinco números, luego con seis y luego con siete. Hablen de las estrategias que usa para recordarlos. Quizá se los recite en su cabeza o los relacione con

números en su vida, por ejemplo si el nú-mero de su casa es 54 o su número de te-léfono termina en 98.

2. Recordar detalles. Miren una foto-grafía durante un minuto. Apártenla y túr-nense haciéndose preguntas sobre la foto.

Ejemplos: “¿Cuántos árbo-les hay?” o “¿Quién lleva una camisa de rayas?” Háganlo otra vez con una foto distinta: lo más probable es que su hijo la observe con más atención esta vez y re-cuerde más detalles.♥

¡Qué memoria!

Soy independienteAl educar a sus hijos el objetivo final

de los padres es hacer menos tareas. Usted quiere enseñar a su hija a que se atreva a hacer más cosas y, con el tiempo, a que se ocupe de sí misma. Tenga en cuenta estos consejos.

Deje que lo intente. Por pura cos-tumbre, usted quizá haga tareas que su hija podría hacer sola. Si siempre le ha lavado la ropa, por ejemplo, puede que usted no se dé cuenta de que es capaz de hacer eso sola. Enséñele los pasos

necesarios y vea cómo lo hace durante una semana. Si no está totalmente lista, acom-páñela unas cuantas veces más hasta que sea capaza de hacerlo por sí misma.

Resista la necesidad de “arreglarlo”. Es probable que su hija no haga su sándwich o pre-pare su bolso de viaje exactamente como lo haría usted. Pero se senti-rá más independiente si lo hace a su modo. Si le cues-ta trabajo, ofrézcale un po-

quito de apoyo. Digamos que está intentando poner un montón de restos de comida en un recipiente pequeño. Usted podría sacar uno más grande y sugerirle que lo intente de nuevo.♥

Incluyan el voluntariado en su horarioP: Tengo horas raras de trabajo, pero quiero

echar una mano en la escuela de mi hija.

¿Qué opciones tengo?

R: Cada momento que usted trabaja como vo-

luntaria en la escuela de su hija ayudará a la

escuela y le demostrará a su hija que su educa-

ción es importante.

Pregúntele a la maestra cómo puede ayudar. Quizá haya

trabajos que pueda hacer en casa como grapar libros hechos por los

estudiantes o tareas que pueden hacerse durante el horario escolar, como decorar ta-

blones de anuncios. No se olvide de preguntarles también a los maestros “especiales”

de su hija. Un maestro de gimnasia agradecerá una mano después del colegio para or-

ganizar el equipo deportivo y la maestra de música apreciará ayuda para hacer los de-

corados del musical.

Finalmente, pregunte en la oficina y en PTA si existen otras posibilidades. Segura-

mente le sugerirán formas de colaborar cuando su horario se lo permita.♥

Matemáticas en notasA mis hijos les encanta jugar, pero es

difícil encontrar juegos que puedan jugar juntos y que no sean demasiado fáciles para el mayor y demasiado difíciles para el pequeño. En una noche de matemáticas en la escuela hace poco, descubrí un juego que es perfecto para ambos niños.

En primer lugar escribo 10 sumas en papelitos adhesivos amarillos para mi hijo más joven y 10 multiplicaciones en papelitos adhesivos verdes para el mayor. Luego pongo los pa-pelitos por toda la casa.

Para jugar, los niños compiten para en-contrar los papelitos de uno en uno, ense-ñármelos y dar la respuesta. Si responden correctamente, se guardan la nota. Si no, me la quedo yo para usarla como práctica más tarde. Gana el jugador que tenga más papelitos al final.

El pequeñín estaba contento porque al tener problemas distintos tenía la posibili-dad de ganar y los dos niños tienen la po-sibilidad de practicar las matemáticas que están estudiando.♥

P&

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DE PADRE

A PADRE

RINCÓN DEACTIVIDAD

The Library could use your help!

Are you interested in volunteering? Do you have free time during school hours?

Do you like books? The Library is looking for steady volunteers that can commit to a couple hours (or more) a week. No experience necessary, we will teach you all that you need to know! Duties include:

Monitoring the library during class times, recess & lunchtimes

Checking books in and out-using provided computer

Being a kind, friendly face to the children, teachers & staff

Answering any questions that children or teachers may have

Putting books away on the shelf All Volunteers MUST be “Cleared” through the school office. Please visit the school office to fill out a Volunteer Form, Health Questionnaire and leave a copy of your current Photo ID.

For more information please email: FernAveLibrary@gmail.com