Parent: Mrs. Thomas, I just want to thank you for being the first teacher to actually get my child excited about Math and Science.
Teacher: Thank you for sharing that with me. It really does help to know I am making a difference.
Parent: Just one more thing,
Teacher: Sure. What is it?
Parent: Can you start emailing the parents an answer key with the homework? I know I am not the only parent over here struggling!!!
All jokes aside... It takes a village to raise even just one child. I am excited to feature my Aunt Jennifer on my blog. This guest post will share her insight as an educator for more than 20 years.
A Parent's Guide To A Successful School Year
Children are born learners and very curious about the world around them. Parents, we are our children first and most important teacher. Parents, teachers, and school should have a collaborative partnership for successful learning for the school year. Let’s discuss some ways we as parents can help our children have a great successful school year.
1. Get to know your child’s teacher and know what they expect.
2. Compare goals you have for your child to the goals your child’s teacher’s goals.
3. Let your child see your interest in their school. This will show them what they are doing is important.
4. Inform teachers of things that may affect your child, such as; recent family deaths, divorce, and/or moving to a new home, state, etc.
5. Get answers to all of your questions about homework, dress code, curriculum, conduct and discipline rules.
6. Communication is always key.
Talk to your child about their concerns. Are they being picked on and/or ignored? If these things are happening, contact the appropriate school official and address these concerns. If you cannot visit your child’s teacher in person, don’t sweat it. Telephone conferences, emails, and a note in your child’s folder will be suffice. Just remember to keep the communication lines open.
7. Follow up. Check to see how your child is doing, and let your child’s teacher know it is fine to contact you about your child to discuss both positive and negative behavior.
8. Be a cheerleader for your child. Praise them for their efforts. Do not make them feel like a failure. All children do not learn the same.
9. Avoid giving your child a reason to make excuses. Success relies on your child doing the best they can.
10. Make learning real - Hands - on learning: Cooking - fractions and telling time, balancing a checkbook, estimating and rounding while grocery shopping, writing reminders, shopping list, and/or thank you notes.
11. Set aside a time and place for homework Quiet time, consistency, and well lighted places is the best environment. Assist any way you can answering questions and offering suggestions.
12. Volunteer at the school when you have available time and join the PTA.
13. Attendance is important. Assure your child attends school. If your child will be absent, contact the teacher and/or school to inform them. Assure your child receives make up work.
I would like to share websites that you and your child(ren) can explore at home.
25 Great Educational Websites For Kids - https://www.care.com
www.starfall.com - PreK, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade - children
read with phonics, phonic games and interactive books. This is also
a great intervention site if your child is a struggling reader.
Book Adventure: www.bookadventure.com - Interactive reading
assessment, management, and rewards program. Offers alternative
assessments for various learning styles.
Scholastic - http://www.scholastic.com/parent/home.html
Activities and recommended reading list for children.
funschool.kaboose.com - Reading and math skills for toddler to 6th
grade.
Now let's continue to foster the greatness in each and every child.
If you would like to contribute a guest post on parenting, health, nutrition, or community activism please email me contact@drkanish.com
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