Save the DATE!

Falcon Families,

On February 22nd (6:30-7:30pm), please join us for

Family

Night

We will have family opportunities for hands-on learning to showcase the integration of Science,

Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.

REGISTER ONLINE

Step 1: Go to www.engineeringforkids.com/beachcitiesla and click on the green "View Schedule &

Register" banner.

Step 2: Find Fern's 3, 2, 1 . . . Blastoff! program under "Torrance After School Locations".

Step 3: Click on icon to enroll. Click on "Create an Account" link in the pop-up box.

Step 4: Fill out parent information and add student information.

Step 5: Proceed to "Checkout", agree to terms, and enter payment information.

Step 6: Click "Continue my Purchase" and complete the enrollment. Look for a confirmation email!

Fern Parents – We have a registration system!

Engineering For Kids Beach Cities LA

Phone: (310) 492-6221

Email: beachcitiesla@engineeringforkids.com

Website: www.engineeringforkids.com/beachcitiesla

Classes Start

January

Winter STEM Enrichment at Fern

Dates:Tuesdays for 6 weeks

Jan 30, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27,

Mar 6

Time: 3:15 - 4:15 PM

Grades: 1st-5th

Price: $102.00

3, 2, 1 . . . BLASTOFF!Aerospace Engineering for Grades 1-5

Get ready to have a BLAST while exploring the world of aerospace

engineering! Use the Engineering Design Process each week to

design, create, test, and refine a variety of flying machines.

Construct a shock absorbing system designed to protect two

marshmallow astronauts in a lunar vehicle, create their own air-

powered rockets, design a propeller plane that actually takes flight,

and more! Bring each lesson’s build and continue the engineering

fun at home.

Breakfast and a Visitwith theBunny

Printed on Recycled Paper

City of Torrance • Community Services DepartmentRECREATION DIVISION

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

ome enjoy a morning of fun! Activities will include a breakfast consisting of pancakes, sausage, bacon, fruit, juice, milk and coffee; performance by Christopher T. Magician; egg hunt; cookie decorating; picture with the Bunny and more! Music provided by DJ Ozzie. Breakfast is served until 9:30 a.m. All children ten years of age and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Seating is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Please bring your camera for a photo with Bunny!

PHONE-IN and WALK-IN Registrationwill take place at the Community Services Registration Offi ce, 3031 Torrance Boulevard. Registration hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.No walk up registration on day of event.

Resident Registration:Resident Registration:Tuesday, February 27 to Friday, March 23 All participants in party must be residents to register from February 27 .Non-Resident Registration:Non-Resident Registration:Tuesday, March 6 to Friday, March 23

For more information, please call Community Services at310/618-2930 or visit www.Recreation.TorranceCA.Gov

The Registration Offi ce is closed on March 2, 16 and 30, 2018.Mail-in, online and fax-in registration is not available for this activity.

S A T U R D A YMarch 31, 2018

9:00 A.M. UNTIL 12:00 NOON

$20.00 PER PERSON• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

TORRANCE CULTURAL ARTS CENTERTOYOTA MEETING HALL

3330 Civic Center Drive

C

 

 

 

  

HIP – HOP, Popping, & Locking !    Thursdays, March 8- April 19 (no class 3/29) $80 payable to the Advantage Program Classes meet at lunch benches

** Perform with us in the Arnold school Carnival and our Spring Recital !** Classes taught by Hip hop experts!! 

SUMMER CLASSES COMING SOON! ONLINE PAYMENT & REGISTRATION available ilive4mykids@gmail.com www.advantageprogram.org

kindergarten 1:50 to 2:50, grades 1- 5 3:05 to 4:00 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Student’s name: _________________________________________________________ room # __ grade:____ 

Does your child attend the YMCA after our class ? ___

Photo Release and Liability Waiver and Acknowledgment of Risk: READ & SIGN BELOW: I understand and agree that participation in any physical fitness activity, dance class, workshop, rehearsal or performance involves a possibility of physical injury or death. I understand that despite precautions, accidents and injuries may occur. These may include but are not limited to stepping on uneven surfaces, slipping on wet surfaces, tripping, twisting an ankle and/or a knee, broken bones, torn ligaments, spine injuries and even death. I voluntarily agree, therefore, to assume all risks and responsibility for any such injury or accident, which might occur to me or my minor child during any of The Advantage Program classes, rehearsals, performances, or activities. I assume all risks related to the use of any and all spaces used by The Advantage Program. I also voluntarily exempt, release, and indemnify The Advantage Program, its owners, agents, representatives, volunteers, assistants, employees, guest artists, and/or students from any and all liability claims, demands, or causes of action whatsoever from any damage, loss, injury, or death to me, my minor child, or property which may arise out of or in connection with participation in any classes or activities conducted by The Advantage Program, its owners, agents, representatives, volunteers, assistants, employees, guest artists, and/or students. I will not hold The Advantage Program, its owners, agents, representatives, volunteers, assistants, employees, guest artists, and/or students responsible for any personal injury or personal property damage sustained before, during or after The Advantage Program classes, workshops, rehearsals, performances or related activities. I further hereby voluntarily agree to waive my rights   and that of my heirs and assigns to hold The Advantage Program, its owners, agents, volunteers, assistants, employees, guest artists, and/or students liable for such damage, loss, injury, or death. I declare that, to the best of my knowledge, my minor child is free of any physical, medical, or mental condition which would limit or prevent my child from safely participating in any activity conducted by The Advantage Program, its owners, agents, representatives, volunteers, assistants, employees, and/or guest artists. If I am signing this waiver for my minor child, I certify that I am the parent or legal guardian and have the right to waive these rights. I grant to The Advantage Program, its representatives and employees the right to take photographs of my child in connection with the above-identified subject. I agree that The Advantage Program may use such photographs of my child for any lawful purpose, including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content. I have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the above statement . PARENT SIGNATURE:___________________________________________________________________________ Phone number: ____________________________________________  Parent’s Printed name: _________________________________________________ Date: _____________ Email:_______________ _____________________________________   

Emergency contact person’s name and #: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________Fern  

REGISTRATIONRegistration can be completed online, by phone, fax or at the Registration Office. Registration begins February 27 for Torrance residents and March 6 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

$130.00 per week /$145.00 per week for residents for non-residents 7:00 – 8:30 a.m. $20.00/$25.00

4:30 – 6:00 p.m. $20.00/$25.00

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

March 26–30, 2018Monday–Friday

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Spring 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 camperin the event of a late pick up or early drop

off. There is no grace period.

EXTENDED CAREExtended supervision is

available for an additional fee.

®

Home&SchoolWorking Together for School Success CONNECTIONFebruary 2018

© 2017 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated

While the 2018 Winter Olympic Games are taking place thousands of miles away, your child can earn a “medal” in learning at home. Turn Olympic magic into educational gold with these suggestions.

ReadingSpeed skating, ski jump-

ing, luge…which Winter Olympics sports does your youngster enjoy watching? Head to the library together to pick out books about their history, the rules, and how the athletes train. Idea: Hold a “reading Olympics.” Let family members count the books they read in February. At the end of the month, everyone can award medals to their three favorites.

MathYour child will practice gathering,

recording, and calculating data to find out which of his favorite countries wins the most medals. Encourage him to divide poster board into four columns: “Country,” “Gold,” “Silver,” “Bronze.” In column one, he can list teams he’d like

I love you because…

Family members can share what they love about each other with this writ-ing activity. Have your youngster cut out paper hearts. Write love notes on them and hide for others to find. For example, maybe your child will put one under her sister’s placemat that says, “I love you because you make me laugh.”

On the road againCarpooling with other parents is a great way to save time and money—and to get to know your youngster’s classmates. When you drive, you’ll probably hear them discuss school, sports, and friends. Note: Ask parents about booster seats—if a child uses one in his parents’ car, he’ll need one in yours, too.

Indoor “recess”—at homeWhen winter weather keeps your family inside, ask your child to show you what she does during indoor recess at school. She could teach you games, crafts, or songs she enjoys. Then, encourage her to come up with new ideas to try at home or in class.

Worth quoting“Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale.” Hans Christian Andersen

Q: Why did the orange lose the race?

A: Because it ran out of juice!

Olympic-sized learning SHORT NOTES

JUST FOR FUN

Decisions, decisionsLearning to make smaller decisions now will prepare

your youngster to make bigger ones later. Here are ways to build her decision-making skills:

● Hearing you think through your choices gives your child an example to follow. You might say, “I’d like to visit Aunt Sue tonight, but then I might not finish this proposal for work. I’ll go Saturday instead.”

● When possible, give your youngster two to three specific options. That way, she can make a decision without feeling overwhelmed. Example: “Do you want to sweep or dust?” rather than “Which chore would you prefer to do?”♥

to follow. Every day, have him check a newspaper or olympic.org and add tally marks for each country’s medals. After the Olympics end, he can total them up to see who got the most in each category.

Social studies Where in the world do the Olympic

athletes come from? To explore geogra-phy, help your youngster use a map to find countries represented in the Olym-pics. He might put star stickers on the countries on a wall map. Or let him print out a world map and make a dot on each competing country.♥

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® February 2018 • Page 2

Q: When my daughter studies for a test, she simply reads through her notes or textbook chapter once

and announces she’s finished. How can I help her study more effectively?

A: Reading is an important part of studying. But writing and drawing can help cement the information in her mind—in fun and interesting ways.

For example, if she’s studying a text-book chapter, she could write answers to

the end-of-chapter questions or even design her own quiz. When she studies with a classmate, they might write ques-tions on index cards and play “quiz show.”

Sketching pictures is another good study strategy. To prepare for a test on

planets, she can draw and label the solar system. Or she could draw pizzas and write fractions on the slices while study-

ing for a math test.♥

Study with a pencil in hand

An anti-bullying attitude

Having a positive attitude toward others can help to keep your youngster from participating in bullying. With these ideas, she’ll be more apt to be kind to others and want them to feel included.

1. Watch your words. Let your youngster know you expect her to speak kindly. Before she says something she’s unsure about, she could ask herself if she would want you to hear it. If she overhears another

student calling a classmate names or gossiping, she could counter the unkind words with nice ones. (“I hear you’re really good at gymnastics.”)

2. Accept everyone. Leaving people out on purpose is a form of bullying. Suggest that your child look for

chances to make others feel that they belong. For

example, she might ask to join someone who normally sits alone on the bus. Or she could invite a new student to her birthday party. She’ll see how good it feels to make someone’s day—and perhaps she’ll even gain a friend!♥

Safe to make mistakes My third grader, Mark,

gets discouraged when he can’t do something correctly right away. While he was practicing his typing skills, he said, “Forget it, I’m no good at this,” and walked away from the computer.

I told Mark that mistakes are part of learning. I admitted that when I was his age, I wanted to quit the violin because I couldn’t get the notes right on my favorite piece. Luckily, the school music teacher encouraged me to continue, and Mark knows that I enjoy playing the violin to this day.

To show Mark his mistakes were “stepping-stones,” I drew circles across a sheet of paper. Each time he made a mistake while typing, I suggested he cross out a stepping-stone and start the sentence again. I knew that if he kept trying, he’d type an error-free sentence before he got to the last stone—and I was right.

Now Mark has a way to track his progress with typing and other things that require persistence.♥

Inspired by art

Art unleashes your child’s imagina-tion and lets him practice fine-motor skills. Try these tips to encourage him to experiment.

Use natural supplies Challenge your youngster to find free

art materials right in your backyard! For instance, he might use sticks or feathers as paintbrushes. Or he could draw on rocks with colored chalk.

Try new formatsSuggest that your child arrange objects

(toys, fruits) on a table and sketch a still life. Or go outdoors where he can paint a land-scape of natural scenery like trees or a pond. If he wants to draw a portrait, he could ask a family member to pose—or look in a mirror and create a self-portrait.♥

Q&

A

PARENTTO

PARENT

ACTIVITYCORNER

© 2017 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated

Febrero de 2018

®

Home&SchoolTrabajando juntos para el éxito escolar CONNECTION

Aunque los Juegos Olím-picos de Invierno del 2018 tengan lugar a miles de mi-llas de distancia, su hijo puede ganar una medalla leyendo en casa. Convier-tan la magia olímpica en oro educativo con estas sugerencias.

LecturaPatinaje de velocidad,

salto de esquí, luge…¿cuál de los deportes olímpicos de invierno le gusta ver a su hijo? Vayan a la biblio-teca para sacar libros sobre su historia, su reglamento y el entrenamiento de los atletas. Idea: Celebren una “olimpiada de lectura”. Que los miembros de su familia cuenten los libros que leen en febrero. Al final del mes, cada uno puede entregar me-dallas a sus favoritos.

MatemáticasSu hijo practicará la recogida de datos,

su anotación y su cálculo para averiguar cuál de sus países favoritos gana más me-dallas. Anímelo a que divida una cartulina en cuatro columnas: “País”, “Oro”, “Plata”, “Bronce”. En la primera columna puede escribir los equipos que le gustaría seguir.

Te quiero porque…

Los miembros de su familia pueden com-partir lo que aprecian de cada uno con esta actividad de escritura. Dígale a su hija que haga corazones de papel. Escri-ban notas cariñosas en ellos y escóndan-los para que los demás los encuentren. Por ejemplo, debajo del mantelito de su hermana su hija podría colocar uno que diga “Te quiero porque me haces reír”.

Otra vez en rutaCompartir el transporte a la escuela con otros padres es una forma estupenda de ahorrar tiempo y dinero y de conocer a los compañeros de su hijo. En el auto escucharán que hablan de la escuela, deportes y de sus amigos. Nota: Pre-gunte a los otros padres si usan eleva-dores de asiento para sus hijos, pues si un niño lo usa en el auto de sus padres lo necesitará también en el de usted.

“Recreo” dentro de casaCuando en invierno tengan que que-darse dentro de casa por el tiempo, pí-dale a su hija que le enseñe lo que hace durante los recreos dentro del colegio. Podría enseñarle juegos, manualidades o canciones que le gusten. Luego aní-mela a que piense en nuevas ideas para ponerlas en práctica en casa o en clase.

Vale la pena citar“La vida es el más maravilloso cuento de hadas”. Hans Christian Andersen

P: ¿Por qué perdió la carrera la naranja?

R: ¡Porque se quedó sin jugo!

Aprender olímpicamente

SIMPLEMENTE CÓMICO

Decisiones, decisionesAprender a tomar pequeñas decisiones ahora preparará a

su hija a tomar otras mayores en el futuro. He aquí for-mas de que desarrolle su habilidad en la toma de decisiones:

● Escucharle a usted sopesar sus opciones le dará a su hija un ejemplo a seguir. Usted podría decir: “Me gus-taría visitar a la tía Sue esta tarde, pero tal vez no me dé luego tiempo a terminar esta propuesta para mi tra-bajo. Mejor voy el sábado”.

● Cuando sea posible, dele a su hija dos o tres opciones específicas. Así puede tomar una decisión sin sentirse abrumada. Ejemplo: “¿Quieres barrer o limpiar el polvo?” en lugar de “¿Qué tarea prefieres hacer?”♥

NOTAS BREVES

Dígale que consulte cada día olympic.org o un periódico y que haga una señal por cada medalla de cada país. Cuando terminen los Juegos Olímpicos puede sumarlas para ver quién ganó más en cada categoría.

Estudios sociales¿De qué lugar del mundo proceden los

atletas olímpicos? Ayude a su hijo a que use un mapa para localizar los países represen-tados en las olimpiadas y explorar la geo-grafía. Podría poder pegatinas de estrellas en los países sobre un mapa de pared. O bien impriman un mapamundi y coloquen un punto en cada país que compite.♥

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

© 2017 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated

Home & School CONNECTION® Febrero de 2018 • 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

P: Cuando mi hija estudia un exa-men, lee sus apuntes o el capítulo de su libro de texto y anuncia que ya

ha terminado. ¿Cómo puedo ayudarla a que estudie con más eficacia?

R: La lectura es una parte importante del estudio. Pero escribir y dibujar puede ayu-darla a cimentar la información en su me-moria de forma divertida e interesante.

Por ejemplo, si está estudiando un capítulo del libro de texto podría escribir las respuestas a las pre-guntas del final del

capítulo e incluso diseñar su propia prue-ba. Cuando estudie con una compañera, podrían escribir preguntas en fichas de car-tulina y jugar a competir en un “concurso”.

Hacer dibujos es otra buena estrategia de estudio. Para preparar un examen sobre los planetas podría dibujar el sistema solar con

sus correspondientes nombres. También podría dibujar pizzas y escribir fracciones en las porciones cuando estudie para un examen de matemáticas.♥

Estudiar con un lápiz en la mano

Una actitud anti acoso

Tener una actitud positiva hacia los demás puede evitar que su hija partici-pe en acoso escolar. Estas ideas la ca-pacitarán para ser más amable con los demás y a no rechazarlos.

1. Atención a tus palabras. Que su hija sepa que usted da por sentado que hablará con amabilidad. Antes de decir algo de lo que no está segura podría pre-guntarse si a usted le gustaría escuchar lo que dice. Si oye que otra estudiante insulta

a alguien o chismosea, podría con-trarrestar las palabras desagrada-bles con otras amables. (“He oído que eres muy buena gimnasta”.)

2. Acepta a todos. Ex-cluir a propósito a la gente es una forma de acoso. Sugiérale a su hija que busque ocasio-nes para hacer que los demás se sientan a gusto en el grupo. Por ejemplo, podría pedir a al-guien que normalmente va solo

en el autobús si puede sentarse a su lado. También podría invitar

a una estudiante nueva a su fiesta de cumpleaños. Le agradará conseguir que alguien esté alegre ¡y puede que hasta consiga nuevas amistades!♥

Cometer errores sin temor

Mi hijo Mark está en el tercer grado y se

desanima cuando no puede hacer algo co-

rrectamente de inmediato. Cuando estaba

aprendiendo a mecanografiar, dijo: “Olví-

dalo, esto no se me da bien”, y se alejó de

la computadora.

Le dije a Mark que los errores son parte del aprendizaje. Le confesé que cuando

tenía su edad quería dejar de tocar el violín porque me equivocaba en mi composición

favorita. Por suerte la profesora de música de la escuela me estimuló a perseverar y

Mark sabe que hoy día sigo tocando el violín y lo disfruto.

Para demostrarle a Mark que sus errores eran “peldaños” dibujé círculos cruzando

un folio de papel. Le sugerí que, cada vez que se equivoque al mecanografiar, tache un

peldaño y empiece de nuevo la frase. Sabía que si perseveraba escribiría una frase sin

errores antes de llegar al último peldaño, y tenía razón.

Ahora Mark tiene una manera de controlar su progreso con la mecanografía y

otras cosas que requieren perseverancia.♥

Inspirados por el arteEl arte libera la imaginación de su hijo y

permite que practique las habilidades mo-toras finas. Ponga a prueba estos consejos y anímelo a que experimente.

Usa materiales naturalesRete a su hijo a que encuentre materia-

les de arte gratuitos en su mismo jardín. Por ejemplo, podría usar palitos o plumas como pinceles. También podría dibujar en piedras con tiza de colores.

Prueba con nuevos formatosSugiérale a su hijo que coloque objetos

(juguetes, frutas) en una mesa y que dibu-je una naturaleza muerta. Salgan al aire libre para que pinte un paisaje al natural como árboles o un estanque. Si quiere di-bujar un retrato podría pedirles a sus fami-liares que posen o mirar en un espejo para crear su autorretrato.♥

P&

R

DE PADRE

A PADRE

RINCÓN DEACTIVIDAD

REGISTRATIONRegistration can be completed online, by phone, fax or at the Registration Office. Registration begins February 27 for Torrance residents and March 6 for non-residents. Proof of residency is required. For more information regarding camp registration, please call the Registration Office at 310/618-2720.

Spring Teen Camp is open to middle school

students, and 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

$140.00 per week for residents

$155.00 per week for non-residents

For

Ages 12–14

March 26 –30, 2018

Monday–Friday

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

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

Summer Campwill be available beginning

June 25

GreenwoodPark

Visit us online atwww.TorranceCA.Gov/DayCamps

1520 Greenwood Avenue

7:00 – 8:30 a.m. $20.00/$25.004:30 – 6:00 p.m. $20.00/$25.00

TeenCamp

EXTENDED CAREExtended supervision is

available for an additional fee.

Additional fees will be charged per camperin the event of a late pick up or early drop

off. There is no grace period.

TK/Kinder 1:55-2:40

Grades 1-5 3:15-4:00

Grass near play

structure.

Registration is Online

only. We provide all

equipment & pick up

Kinder students from

their teachers.

Wear comfortable

clothing, tennis

shoes/sneakers and

bring water.

Space is limited!

Reserve today!

Fern Elementary Tuesdays

1/30/18-3/20/18

(8 weeks)

SPACE IS LIMITED. RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

$120

Winter SEASON 2018

Copyright © 2018 The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc. www.parent-institute.com

Talk with your child about thinking strategiesIn order to improve their thinking skills, children need to consider how they think. Let your child know that good thinkers:

• Plan. Careful thinkersget information beforethey act. If they receivenew information, they adapt their plans.

• Draw on past knowledge to addresscurrent problems.

• Look for other ways to solve prob-lems if the first way doesn’t work.

Source: D. Wilson and M. Conyers, Teaching Students to Drive Their Brains, ASCD.

George Washington’s birthday is celebrated on February 19 in the United States. The holiday is an ideal time to help your child think about history and what it means to be president. Try these activities:

• Take a virtual tour of GeorgeWashington’s home, MountVernon (www.mountvernon.org/site/virtual-tour). Learn about thefirst president and life at his 18th-century Virginia estate.

• Find a book or go online tosee pictures of U.S. presidents.Give your child a penny, a nickel,a dime and a quarter. Can he usethe pictures to name the presi-dents on the coins?

• Ask your child to imaginebeing president. Have him writedown his answers to questionslike: What would he want to dofor the country as president? Whatwould his day be like? Whatpowers should a president haveor not have?

• Tell your child that Washingtonwas praised for his honesty. Askwhat other qualities he thinks apresident needs.

Provide perspective when social problems crop upIt’s tough when friends turn out not to be friends, and it can dis-tract your child from learning. Remind her that she is worthy of real friends. Kids who talk mostly about themselves, or who want your child to help them cheat, or who say one thing and do another, aren’t real friends.

February 2018

Teach organization to encourage responsibility for learningYour child’s organizational skills affect her performance in school. As students get older, their ability to keep track of their schoolwork, and to plan and follow through on assign-ments, becomes increasingly important. To help your child stay organized, have her:

• Record all assignmentsin a planner or notebook.Review her planner with hereach day. You both will beable to see what she has to do for each subject, all in one place. Encourageher to write her assignments in complete sentences so she will be able tounderstand them later.

• Create checklists. Whether it’s a list of items she needs to bring for anactivity in class or things to check when she proofreads her writing, mak-ing a checklist will help her remember everything.

• Break long-term projects into smaller pieces. Help her figure outwhat she needs to do and plan how much time each step will take. Then,help her schedule the time she needs.

• Write her due dates, test dates and activities on your familycalendar. If everyone’s commitments are in one place, you will be able tospot any conflicts in time to make adjustments.

This month, learn about presidents

Education is a family affairYears of research have shown that parent practices affect children’s achievement in school. To support your child:

• Make learning a family priority.Show your child that it is worthwhile!

• Enforce daily routines for sleeping,reading and studying, etc.

• Look for answers together. Whenyour child has questions, help him useresources to find answers. Use his ques-tions as opportunities to investigaterelated ideas, too.

Torrance Unified School District

Copyright © 2018, The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc. www.parent-institute.com

Get to the heart of mathFebruary is American Heart Month. Ask your child to estimate how often her heart beats:

• In a minute. Have her count the beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by 4.

• In an hour. Have her multiply the num-ber of times her heart beats in a minute by 60 minutes.

• In a day. Have her multiply the beats per hour by 24 hours.

• In a week. Can she guess the formula?

Source: “How fast does your heart beat?” Figure This! Math Challenges for Families, niswc.com/heartbeats.

Mix up some grammar funHere’s a game to build your child’s grammar skills: Write a simple sentence, such as “My dad gave me an orange.” Cut out the words and mix them up. Can your child put them in the right order? Use terms such as subject and verb to guide him. As his skills improve, make the sentences more complex.

___1. Do you offer your child plenty of opportunities to make decisions by herself? This skill takes practice.

___2. Do you help your child appreciate her strengths?

___3. Do you remind your child of the obstacles she has over-come in the past when she struggles with a new problem?

___4. Do you listen when your child is talking about a prob-lem without solving it for her?

___5. Do you tell your child about the problem-solving

process you use when you face obstacles?

How well are you doing?More yes answers mean you are prepar-ing your child to meet challenges head on. For each no, try that idea.

February 2018

A weight issue is becoming a school issue. What can I do?

Q: My son doesn’t have many friends at school. I think it is because he is overweight. We have met with his doctor, and my son is on a diet. In the meantime, though, he is losing interest in school. What can I do? A: One in five school-aged kids in the U.S. struggle with obesity, and they miss more days of school than students of lower weights. Working with a doctor is important. Follow the doctor’s guidelines for your son and concentrate on making positive changes for the whole family. In addition:

• Help your child focus on health. He shouldn’t fixate too much about the number on the scale. Instead, he should concentrate on establishing habits that will help him feel healthy and strong.

• Make it easy for him to get active. Plan frequent family walks to interesting places. Involve everyone in active weekend activities—kick a ball around the park or create a scavenger hunt.

• Talk to your child’s teacher. Let her know what your son is going through and ask for her help in supporting him at school.

Source: “Childhood Obesity Facts,” Healthy Schools, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, niswc.com/healthykids.

Are you helping your child persevere?Obstacles are a fact of life. The ways your child deals with them aren’t. Are you helping your child address challenges in positive ways? Answer yes or no to the questions below:

”You just can’t beat

the person who

never gives up.” —Babe Ruth

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 © 2018, 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 1526-9256

Try three ways to motivateHow can you boost your child’s motivation to learn? Experts say that it helps if parents:

1. Foster a positive attitude. Tell your child you know she can succeed in school. Correct mistakes in a positive way: “You spelled everything right except these two words. I bet you can fix them!”

2. Encourage independence. Let your child make age-appropriate decisions. Allow more freedom as she demonstrates responsibility.

3. Stay involved. Monitor homework. Communicate with the teacher regularly, and ask for help if your child is struggling.

Source: “Student Motivation—An Overlooked Piece of School Reform,” Center on Education Policy, George Washington University, niswc.com/motivate.

333333333

1527-1013

X02618959