1. With your words, actions, and scheduling, show your child that a solid education is a high priority for your family. 2. Try to be an active part of the home/school partnership by participating in PTA meetings, school activities, parent/teacher conferences, and Back-to-School-Night. 3. Provide a consistent routine and space for doing homework. Monitor homework completion nightly. 4. Maintain open communication with your child's teachers and counselor via a brief note, phone-call, or email. (For positives and/or concerns!) When in doubt on a situation, it’s usually best to address the concern quickly and directly with the person involved so that everyone can continue to positively work together for the benefit of the child. Extend the courtesy of getting the facts first before involving too many others. After, if you are still concerned or feel that additional attention should be given to the matter, then contact administration. Mrs. Smithson/Mrs. Moraff will certainly work together with you to address the matter at hand. They love hearing positives, too! 5. At home, surround your child with books and reading opportunities. In addition to independent practice, children of all ages can enjoy a shared reading with a parent or loved-one. 6. Provide clear and consistent reinforcement for the behaviors you expect of your child. Try to set an example with your own words and actions. After all, you are your child’s first teacher and little eyes are admiring YOU! 7. Maintain daily communication with your child so that he/she feels valued and important. For some children, a generic inquiry of “How was your day?” can elicit merely a one-word or vague response. Instead, try asking a more specific question to serve as a springboard to further dialogue and discussion. For example, “Did you learn anything new in Science today? “Tell me about your recess time. Who did you play with?” “If you had to pick three words to highlight your day, what would they be? 8. Recognize that difficulties and setbacks may occur during the year and that they are part of the learning process. Most important is the student’s response and reaction during the challenge since this can be a true display of inner character. Giving support and a helping hand is good parenting, but allowing your child to tackle these challenges with growing accountability can also help to avoid establishing habits of learned helplessness. 9. Acknowledge growth and progress. Most importantly, remember to highlight your child's EFFORT, PERSEVERANCE, and INITIATIVE, even more-so than a specific outcome of a high score, talent, or win. Purposeful praise and acknowledgement can help your child to cultivate a Growth Mindset. Remember: rewards and acknowledgment doesn't always have to come in the form of store-bought items. 10. Remember to laugh and have fun together! |
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE CORRESPONDING LINKS:
ABC News: Balancing 'Back to School/Work' 10 Tips: Balancing Parenting, Work, School Care.com: 16 Ways Parents Can Be Involved Becoming Active with the PTA Dept of Education: HW Tips for Parents HealthyChildren.org: The Importance of Family Routines Positive Home/School Communication Great Schools: Best Ways to Stay Connected to Your Child's School Reading Rockets Literature by Topic 10 FREE Reading Websites for Kids Discipline Basics Love and Logic Basics Discipline: Communication is the Key Aha Parenting: 175 Conversation Starters for Family Discussions Aha Parenting: Foolproof Strategies for Getting Kids to Talk Family Education: Tips on Listening to Your Child Character Building Thoughts Learned Helplessness Quiz Psychology Today: Parenting- Disappointment is Good Mindset Introduction for Parents Free Reward Ideas for Home Bright Horizons: Laugh More Books for Laughing Together Jokes and Riddles for Students |