School is well underway and with it the dreaded homework. Homework at the beginning of the year can prove to be a little frustrating to kids because they are being introduced to new concepts and, in the case of middle and high school students, more homework than they may be used to. How can you help? Here are some tips.

Make It Routine

Set aside a specific time each day dedicated to homework. It should be a time when you know you will be available to assist if needed. Setting up a routine ensures your child knows when to focus on homework. It reinforces the idea that homework is a priority. It also lets them know that you care enough about their education to set aside time to help them.

Choose the Right Time

Some children work better right after school, while others may need a break first. Observe when your child is most focused and schedule homework during that time.

Designate a Homework Space

Ensure your child has a quiet, well-lit area stocked with necessary supplies like pencils, paper and reference materials. This can help minimize distractions and create a conducive learning environment. Many Sierra Vista builders offer options to include data or homework centers.

Resist Doing It Yourself

While it’s important to be available for support, resist the urge to do the homework for them. Encourage your child to tackle assignments independently, offering guidance when needed. This approach helps them develop problem-solving skills and boosts their confidence.

Encourage Questions

There are no wrong questions. Encourage your children to ask for clarification and help. If they don’t feel comfortable asking a teacher for help, find out why and then go with them to provide support while they ask for help. Feeling comfortable asking questions is a life skill that will serve them in good stead.

Break It Down

If your child has a large assignment, help them break it into smaller, manageable tasks. That way they don’t feel overwhelmed. Think about how you approach a large project at work. Demonstrate how you would tackle it. Make sure your child takes breaks and doesn’t try to do it all in one sitting.

Reduce Distractions

Creating a focused environment is crucial for effective homework sessions. Limit distractions from electronics, noise and other interruptions to help your child concentrate. Establish rules about phone use, TV and other distractions during homework time.

Be Supportive

Being present and supportive can make a significant difference in your child’s attitude toward homework. Offer encouragement and praise their efforts, which can motivate them to keep going.

Recognize Accomplishments

Recognize your child’s accomplishments, no matter how small. Remember, your child is learning something new, and learning is hard work. If you know your child struggled with an assignment but gave it their all, celebrate when they are finished. It’s about the journey not the destination.

Communicate with Teachers

Staying in touch with your child’s teachers can provide valuable insights into homework expectations and any challenges your child may face. Attending parent-teacher conferences and asking questions about how you can best support your child at home will help you help them.

Your Children Can Attend Alvin ISD Schools

A great education starts with a great school district. Sierra Vista students attend highly regarded schools in the coveted Alvin ISD. Niche gives Alvin ISD an A rating and ranks it 119 out of 1,052 on a list of the best school districts in Texas. Visit us to learn more about our homes, our community and our schools today.

If your dog is getting tired of always being on the leash, you might want to consider a trip to the dog park. Dog parks are great places for dogs to unleash their energy, socialize and take a little walk on the wild side. If you are interested in dipping a paw into dog park territory, here are some dos and don’ts.

Dos

Research the Park

Not all dog parks are the same. Look for parks that have separate areas for small and large dogs, ample space and features like shade and double-gated entrances. Knowing the park’s layout can help you avoid potential dangers.

Exercise Beforehand

Take your dog for a walk or a light jog before arriving at the park. This helps to release excess energy, making your dog less likely to overwhelm other dogs and more likely to socialize appropriately.

Bring Essentials

Always pack poop bags, water and a first aid kit. Some parks may have facilities like dog washes, so be prepared for a post-play clean-up

Unleash Responsibly

When entering the park, unleash your dog in a designated area away from the main play zone to prevent overwhelming them with other excited dogs.

Stay Present

Engage with your dog while at the park. Avoid distractions like your phone, as monitoring your dog’s interactions is crucial for their safety and enjoyment.

Know Your Dog’s Body Language

Understanding how dogs communicate through body language can help you intervene if tensions rise or if your dog feels uncomfortable.

Limit Toy Usage

Bringing toys can lead to possessiveness and potential fights. It’s best to avoid toys altogether in a communal setting.

Don’ts

Avoid Peak Times

Visit the park during off-peak hours to reduce the likelihood of overwhelming your dog and to minimize potential conflicts among dogs

Don’t Bring Young Puppies

Puppies under four months old may not be fully vaccinated, posing a health risk to them and others. Wait until they are fully vaccinated before introducing them to the park environment.

Leave Food at Home

Bringing food or treats can attract unwanted attention from other dogs and lead to fights. It’s best to keep snacks at home.

Don’t Force Interaction

If your dog seems hesitant or uninterested in playing, respect their feelings. Forcing them into social situations can lead to stress and anxiety.

Avoid Intact Dogs

Unspayed females in heat or intact males can cause disruptions and fights. Ensure your dog is spayed or neutered before visiting the park.

Yes, Sierra Vita Has a Dog Park

When it’s time to find a new home, make sure its one where your pooch can play. Sierra Vista has its on dog park plus a number of other amenities that humans enjoy. Visit our model homes and plan your next move.

Not far from Sierra Vista is a shopping, dining and entertainment mecca unlike any other — Pearland Town Center. This 700,000-square-foot open-air complex offers a perfect blend of big-city amenities with Pearland’s small-town charm. What will you find there? Let’s explore.

Fashion enthusiasts will find themselves spoiled for choice at Pearland Town Center. The complex boasts an impressive array of popular retailers, including anchor stores like Dillard’s and Macy’s. For those seeking trendy apparel, stores such as Chico’s, Forever21, and H &M offer the latest styles. Barnes & Noble is perfect for book lovers and those seeking a quiet spot to relax. Several chic boutiques have also opened. Jenni Belle Boutique offers unique women’s clothing and jewelry. The Crystal Loft is a luxury spiritual boutique focused on manifestation and healing.

After a day of shopping, visitors can refuel at one of the many dining options available. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is an excellent choice for those craving American cuisine and craft beer. Seafood lovers will appreciate Fish City Grill, known for its fresh catches and casual atmosphere. Tiff’s Treats and Smallcakes bake up sweet indulgences.

Pearland Town Center is not just about retail therapy; it’s a lifestyle destination. The open-air design of the center creates a pleasant atmosphere for strolling and window shopping, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon out. Make an appointment at Lotus Foot Spa for a relaxing massage. A Shaving Place Barber Shop caters to men’s grooming needs. Luu Luu Nails & Spa will keep your hands and toes looking pretty.

Service providers range from optical and dentists to florists and doggy day care.

As a central gathering place in Pearland, the town center often hosts community events and activities. In July, the complex hosted the Alvin ISD Book Bus so kids could easily get lost in a good book. In August, visitors can celebrate the upcoming school year during the Back 2 School Bash. The event will feature vendors, food, music, inflatables, raffles and a backpack and school supplies giveaway. September events will include a car show, El Grito Market and 5K fun run.

What’s the best thing about Pearland Town Center? How close it is to Sierra Vista! Imagine spending the morning shopping then coming home to float down our new lazy river. Stop by our model homes and start your new home journey today.

If you think moving is stressful for you, think how much more stressful it can be for your pets. You know what’s going on. They don’t and until we learn to speak dog or cat, it isn’t easy to tell them. Many Sierra Vista residents have moved with their animals. Here are a few of their tips:

Visit Your Vet

Before you pack those moving boxes, schedule a check-up to ensure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. If you are changing vets due to the move, obtain copies of medical records, a health certificate and any required medications. Discuss ways to manage your pet’s anxiety during the move. If you have not found a new vet, ask your current vet to recommend one.

Packing Up

Your pets will likely be sniffing (or in the case of cats) playing in your moving boxes. Let them sniff to their hearts’ content, but watch for signs of anxiety. Prepare a quiet, secure area in your current home where your pet can stay during packing and moving day. Include familiar items like toys, bedding and food. Try to keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible leading up to the move to reduce stress.

Moving Day

Pack a bag with your pet’s essentials, including food, water, bowls, medications, toys, litter and any comfort items. Keep this bag easily accessible during the move. Arrange to have your pet stay with a pet sitter, friends or kennel to keep them out of the way during the move. If that isn’t possible, keep your pet in a secure and quiet room during the moving process to prevent them from getting stressed or escaping. Place a sign on the door to remind movers and family members to keep the door closed.

Get Settled

Once you’ve moved, set up a designated area in your new home with your pet’s familiar items. Cats should be gradually introduced to the rest of the house. Dogs should be walked around the block and taken to a dog park so they can get used to their surroundings and spend time with their favorite human. Stick to your pet’s regular feeding, walking and playtime schedule to provide a sense of normalcy.

Keep an Eye On Them

Most pets are happy as long as they are with their humans, but some can become depressed and miss their old home or neighborhood. Keep an eye on your pet’s behavior and appetite. Some stress and anxiety are normal, but consult a vet if you notice any concerning changes. Be sure to update your pet’s microchip and ID tags with your new address and contact information in case they try to return to their old home. Gradually introduce them to the new neighborhood and surroundings under supervision.

Make the Move to Sierra Vista

If you and your pets are ready for a change of scenery, visit us and learn how you can make your home in our neighborhood.

Last October’s opening of H-E-B at Manvel Town Center was just the beginning of what’s in store for the 273-acre retail development.

And that’s good news for residents of Sierra Vista, which is located just about five miles away.

The 106,000-square-foot H-E-B broke sales records in its first five days of opening last year, offering not just groceries, but also fuel pumps and a pharmacy. Plus, it’s the first store south of Houston to offer True Texas BBQ. In addition to H-E-B, a McDonald’s opened in Manvel Town Center last year and a Whataburger is underway. Coming this fall is Milano Nail Spa, a 6,000-square-foot salon with 50 spa chairs and 25 nail stations.

And there’s much more on the way, according to the Weitzman Group, developer of Manvel Town Center. Their website shows a number of businesses have signed contracts, and even more have expressed interest. In addition to those already mentioned, businesses who have executed contracts include:

Great Clips
Marble Slab
Chipotle
Eye Trends
Jersey Mike’s
Aki Steak & Sushi
MH Go Health
Verizon
Memorial Hermann
Smoothie King
Heartland Dental

Potential tenants include Ross, Lowe’s, Target, Petco, Three Brothers Bakery and others. We’ll keep you updated when the next round of tenants is confirmed!