Learning School Edu-Speak

Photo: Grandparents Teach, Too

 At the beginning of the school year, parents and other caregivers  receive information about rules, routines and special opportunities for students.  Sometimes educators use language that is unfamiliar.  Below are some words and ideas that may be new to parents of preschool and early elementary children.

TEACHER LANGUAGE

Developmentally appropriate:  activities that are just right for a child’s age and learning curve. 

Cognitive development:  the process by which we use experiences and thinking skills to build ideas and figure out solutions to problems.

Common Core:  an effort to develop nation-wide expectations for student learning at each grade level—especially in reading and math. 
STEM:  learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. 
Oral language development:  activities related to listening and speaking and the building of a growing vocabulary. 
Motor skills:  Gross motor skills describe how a child uses his body to do large muscle body activities.  Fine motor skills relate to how children use their fingers and hands to do smaller movements like drawing, crafts, and printing. 
IEP:  a special plan for a student that includes objectives and how they will be accomplished.  This individual child specific plan is developed by school staff and must be approved by parents. 
ELL:  English language learners—Students who are learning English as their second language. 
LEARN THE LINGO 
Learning disability:  a student is identified when testing shows that there is a significant difference between intellectual ability and current achievement. 
Special education:  a term which explains that some children need extra help from teachers and flexibility in the school day in order to achieve their greatest learning potential. 
Homogeneous grouping:  Children are put together with others who are similar in developmental or academic level.

Photo: Grandparents Teach, Too

Heterogeneous grouping:  Children are mixed together with others who have various developmental, academic levels or learning styles. 
Learning centers:  a way of delivering instruction or practice where students go to a specific section of the classroom to complete activities. 
Cooperative learning:  Students work together in small groups. Each person within the group has a task to help complete a project or activity 
Specials:  Physical education, art, music, library time, etc. 
Standards:  descriptions of what students should know or be able to do at a specific level.

Teachers value parent interest and participation.   Do not hesitate to ask questions, to request clarification or suggestions about ways you can help your child at home. 

More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest