Your child may translate in the beginning, but this process should disappear quickly. The act of translation will disappear as your child’s vocabulary increases. The only time your child will need to translate is when he s asked to do so or needs to explain something to someone who does not understand the language.
Is it normal for my young child to exhibit signs of anxiety while learning a second language?
Posted by IMSweb on December 30th, 2009
It is absolutely understandable that your child might show some signs of anxiety when learning a second language during the first few weeks or months of school. Children in a bilingual language program are being placed in a situation where they may have difficulty understanding what teachers tell them or may feel like they are not keeping up with the class. Children may need to use their native tongue to communicate, but the teachers will always try to link this communication back to the second language. Teachers use a variety of methods outside the language, such as using gestures to give clues as to their meaning in order to link the verbal communication with something the child already knows and understands. As a result, your child may sometimes feel confused in the classroom instruction or learning process. In addition, sometimes your child may not understand the reason why (s)he has to learn a second language. We have observed that parental support is extremely important in supporting and encouraging a child through this learning process.
Is it normal for my child to switch between languages and/or mix the two languages?
Posted by IMSweb on December 30th, 2009
What should I do? It is normal for children who are becoming bilingual to switch between languages and occasionally mix the two languages. This is known as code switching. This occurs naturally and depends on the audience and purpose of the communication. Code switching generally occurs when a child is trying to clarify a statement or resolve an ambiguity. It is also used to attract or retain the listener’s attention and to elaborate. Children sometimes mix two languages when attempting to communicate a word or an expression that is immediately accessible to him in one of the languages but not the other. Like monolingual children, bilingual children also play with their two languages by making words rhyme, inventing new words or using certain words in inappropriate contexts.
Code switching and language mixing are mostly temporary phenomena in the second language acquisition process. As children become more adept in their two languages, the perceived need or desire to combine them is greatly reduced.
Children understand that each language has its own vocabulary and syntax. They also understand that certain people with whom they come in contact do ot speak both of the languages that they speak. Consequently, they learn to use only one of their languages with them. Parents are encouraged to speak to their children in their native language and/or designated “family language,” so as to serve as an appropriate and correct language model.
Getting Started
Posted by IMSweb on December 29th, 2009
When you file your taxes, you will need to itemize your donations on Schedule A of the 1040 form. You can download this form and the instructions for how to fill it out from the IRS Web site.
Your charitable giving will help so many — and work to your advantage as well.
We hope that you’ll consider a donation this year.
Can I deduct expenses I incur from volunteering?
Posted by IMSweb on December 29th, 2009
Although individual taxpayers may not deduct the value of their volunteering services, some expenses incurred while volunteering, for example, travel expenses are deductible if they are not reimbursed by the charity. The mileage rate for charitable deductions for the 2007 tax year is 14 cents per mile plus tolls and parking for non-Katrina related mileage. For Katrina relief efforts, you may deduct $0.32 or be reimbursed 44.5 cents [IR-2005-138] [see IRS code Sec 170(i)]. However, travel expenses are deductible only if there is no significant element of personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation associated with the travel and then limited to necessary lodging and meals while away from home overnight in rendering these services. For example, if you volunteered to help with a youth club campout, but visited friends along the way or spent time with your own family, you could not deduct these travel expenses.
IRS Volunteer Mileage Deduction: Volunteer Mileage Rate $0.14
When I donate, will I get a receipt?
Posted by IMSweb on December 29th, 2009
Yes.
When you donate directly to IMS via a check, Ann Cotton, our office manager, will give you receipt.
When you donate through Network for Good, you will always receive a confirmation e-mail, which will serve as your receipt. You also can print the confirmation page that appears on your computer screen after you’ve completed your contribution — that can also serve as a receipt. You should always keep a hard copy of your receipt for your tax records. A canceled check or credit card receipt is no longer allowed for any donation greater than $250. It is a good policy to obtain a receipt for any donation you make and most charities will issue one automatically.
I’ve heard that some donations aren’t fully tax-deductible, even if they’re to an IRS-recognized charity. Is that true?
Posted by IMSweb on December 29th, 2009
Some contributions can be tax-deductible for less than the donated amount if the charity provides you with something of substantive value in return. Since IMS does not give you anything of substantive value in return, 100% of your donation to IMS is deductible.
I want to donate as much as I can this year. How can I do that, taking my own needs and expenses into consideration?
Posted by IMSweb on December 29th, 2009
This would be a wonderful time to sit down with your own tax or financial advisor — he or she can help you decide how much you can give this year. There are also a number of online tools that can provide you with a rough estimate for giving, including the charitable giving calculator from the New Tithing Group.
How much can I legally deduct on my taxes for charitable contributions?
Posted by IMSweb on December 29th, 2009
You can only deduct the amount of a contribution given voluntarily, with no expectation of a commensurate return. Generally speaking, you may deduct up to 50% of your aggregate gross income — half of your total income, subject to income phase-outs. There are some specific types of donations (such as gifts of stock, or donations to certain types of organizations) that have lower percentage ceilings.
Is it worth the time and effort to itemize just to get a deduction for charitable giving?
Posted by IMSweb on December 29th, 2009
The answer to that varies from person to person and is subject to phase outs at higher income levels. The following table shows the automatic deduction the IRS provides. While this is more than most people contribute to charity in a year, there are other items that are included in this amount such as including interest on a home mortgage, medical expenses and business expenses that exceed certain base amounts, state taxes withheld, and real estate taxes paid. Your charitable donations in the form of cash and volunteer mileage may help to lower your tax bill. As with any major tax decision, confer with your own tax or financial advisor so you’re sure you get the most out of all your deductions.
