For all:
* It is critical that parents use BULGARIAN at all times while in the club, when entering the study spaces, etc. Parents are responsible for reminding other parents (in particular Bulgarian native speakers) to speak in Bulgarian. It's a perfect opportunity for all of us to be surrounded by Bulgarian language and practice (for those who are not native speakers).
* For performances (Christmas, end of year, other performances), we need to have commitment from parents in terms of who is going to perform. If a child is committed, that child needs to attend classes and practices regularly. We really appreciate everyone's understanding in this - kids put a lot of work to prepare for these parties and we want to make sure that everyone has a good time and is satisfied and proud of their performance. These are usually group activities and not individual performances so kids depend on each other. This is a great way to develop their team work and discipline which will serve them well beyond Bulgarian school.
Pre-school
- Please discuss with your kids the appropriate way to behave in class. We acknowledge that the kids are rather young and these are skills they are only now acquiring so we are looking forward to growing together. As you can understand, it is critical for expectations to be stressed at home as well as in school for them to stick.
- It is really important for parents who attend during class time to speak Bulgarian only. while it might seem challenging for the kids to understand, the only way for them to learn is to be immersed and not have a 'way out' so to speak.
1st grade
- Kids from this group are having a hard time speaking Bulgarian and understanding instructions. It is important that parents focus on Bulgarian speaking in their daily lives at home. We completely understand how challenging that can be especially in families with mixed backgrounds, but that is essential for the kids to be able to progress. While we can't stress this as a requirement, we want everyone to understand that if we are challenging our kids to come weekly to the school, do homework and work hard, we need to work hard as well. Otherwise, all the tears and grumpiness on Sunday morning is for nothing :).
- Children from this group are very diligent, they just need to focus as the work is important.
- Please read from Bukvarche to help them learn and absorb the new material.
2nd grade
- The kids are covering very demanding material. We can cover only the very basic at school and it is essential for parents to work at home with the kids.
- When working at home, please focus on reading, telling the story, answering questions about the story.
- This year, the kids are covering grammar which is definitely a more challenging material - more work at home is needed.
- We discussed the possibility to purchase 'Ucha se' site access (15 leva/month) which is an interactive site that leverages the material from the textbooks. Katya/Vanya to work through details but it seems like a good idea.
4th grade
- Advanced material, they are working hard and progressing well.
Dance
- Pre-school – they are very young, so we don't foresee them participating in any other activities other than the Christmas party and end of year party. That will still give them opportunities to perform and exposure on stage without challenging them inappropriately and stressing them out.
- 1st grade - unless we have 6 kids present for performances, we won't have them perform. It is not worthwhile to practice and develop dances for groups less than that.
- 2/4 grade - they are working on Cherkezka, Shopska, Kameren tanz for Chicago. They need to practice a lot but are excited about the dances and continue to progress.
