LESSON
Identify fact versus opinion
READING
GET READY
Emily helps with event planning in her younger son’s school. They are publishing a
newsletter about how parents can be involved in their children’s education. Do you
think it is important for parents to be involved in their children’s education? Why?
READ
Listen and read the article. In what ways can parents get involved?
Everyone wants their children to get an A+
report card. One of the best ways to help your
kids is to be an A+ parent. Research shows that
children with involved parents tend to get better
grades, have more positive attitudes, and
experience fewer problems in school.
A+ parents stay in touch with teachers. Give
teachers your contact information within the first
few weeks of school. Let the teachers know you
want to hear both the good things and the bad
things. It may be hard to hear the bad news, but
being open to it will make teachers less hesitant
to contact you about problems.
It is a good idea to schedule time to get
involved. People think it may be difficult to have
frequent individual meetings. Consider joining
the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Being a
member of the PTA will keep you updated on
school issues and will offer opportunities to see
teachers outside of school hours.
Another easy way to be involved is to volunteer
once or twice a year. Some good volunteer work
includes reading stories at the school library,
coaching one of the sports teams, or
accompanying children on a field trip. A lot
of parents have participated, and they think
it was fun.
Being involved extends beyond school hours.
A+ parents are involved at home as well. They
set homework time and study hours. They
attend their children’s extracurricular activities,
such as the school play or football game. We
know a lot of people might disagree, but
surveys have shown that students love having
their parents there.
Last, but not least, you should show your kids
that you think reading is important. Let them see
you reading often or read the same books your
kids are reading. Ask them questions about the
books they are reading. Schedule time to
discuss ideas in the books. Arrange trips to the
library, the bookmobile, or literacy events. If you
show that reading is important to you, your kids
will think it’s important, too.
By doing these few simple things, parents are
more likely to help their kids succeed throughout
their schooling. Everyone can be an A+ parent.
6
Writers often include both facts and
opinions. A
fact
is something that
can be proven or is true. An
opinion
is
what someone believes or thinks. As
you read, be careful to
identify facts
versus opinions
.
Reading Skill
124
UNIT 9
