CONSEJOS ESCOLARES PARA PADRES HISPANOS

A Spanish-language guide for parents of elementary school students in the United States.

The target audience of debut author Navas’ book is the parents of students in kindergarten through fifth grade (i.e., elementary school in the U.S.). Her goal is to furnish a simple, easy-to-use guide that Spanish-speaking caregivers can consult when navigating their children’s education. The opening chapters explain how the school system operates and define key terms and concepts, including public and Montessori schools. Navas addresses how readers can help their children succeed, such as asking open-ended questions (inquire about the best and worst parts of their day), and outlines important concepts, including grading systems. She playfully observes, “¡La nota ‘F’ no significa fantástico!” (A grade of “F” doesn’t mean fantastic!). The wide-ranging guide also covers noticing symptoms of depression in young people and preventing a “Summer Slide,” where students lose some of their academic skills, during their off-season from school. The author wisely reminds parents, “¡Las familias son los primeros maestros de sus hijos y el hogar es su primera aula!” (Families are their children’s first teachers and the home is their first classroom), and she helps them maintain their roles as educators. For those unfamiliar with the American school system, the book is an ideal starting point. Chapters get to the point quickly, resulting in a manageable length of under 300 pages. Still, some tips lean toward the obvious; for example, one should eliminate distractions while their children do their homework, or when reading to a child, it’s best to pick books that interest them. Nevertheless, the work is indispensable for those who need a primer on education, whether at home or in school.

A valuable, well-considered tool for navigating a child’s early education.