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From the Chalkboard: Secrets to a successful school year
Topics: school, parents, teachers, students
Posted by lward Tue Aug 15, 2006 14:50:12 PDT
Viewed 455 times
0 responses 0 comments How quickly the summer months passed. For children everywhere it is time to get back to books, bells, routines and organization. 

Making the transition from the carefree days of summer is often difficult. What will my teacher be like? Will I get along with my new classmates? Will the work be too hard? Many will be starting a new school. Generally, these concerns tend to become non-issues as the school year takes off. 

As those primarily responsible for the educations of children, parents can contribute much to maximize school success. I have listed 10 principles that parents should follow to make the school year as successful as possible.

1. Show your child that you value learning and education. Parents’ interest and encouragement enhances a child's learning and sends a message that education is important. 

2. Always speak well of the school and its teachers in front of your children. Like your home, school is not a perfect environment. School related issues are bound to appear. Always resolve issues immediately with the teacher or administration, not other parents.

3. We are not perfect people. That includes teachers. Judgment errors or a thoughtless comment expressed in frustration are distinct possibilities. If your child arrives home with a negative report, always reserve judgment until you have had an opportunity to discuss the situation with school personnel. Students, many times, present self-serving viewpoints of school issues and events.

4. Be sure you and your child respect and follow school rules and policies, even though you may personally disagree. In most cases, schools have good reasons for certain policies that parents don't fully understand. These rules and policies are established to provide an appropriate school environment.

5. Be an involved parent. Children whose parents participate in their education both in and out of the classroom learn more effectively and are happier and more successful at school. Recent research has shown that parent participation increases academic achievement, self-esteem and future success. 

6. Don't overload your child. September is a time when many extracurricular activities begin, and it is easy for students to become overloaded with “extras.” While activities can contribute greatly to a child's achievement, it is important that students not be overloaded, particularly at the beginning of a school year when they are adjusting to change.

7. Get acquainted with your child's teacher early in the year. Form a partnership. Let the teacher know of any special concerns or worries you or your child may have. Teachers can be contacted informally with a note, e-mail or phone call. Be sure to arrange for a teacher/parent conference to discuss things in depth. When teachers and parents work together to help children it makes the year go more smoothly. 

8. Establish home routines. Children need 8-10 hours of sleep at night and regular meals to operate at maximum efficiency. Create a morning plan. Breakfast cereals out the evening before; backpacks loaded and placed by the door before bedtime; clothes laid out in advance; incentives for being on time. This will help to avoid helter-skelter mornings and lessen the chaos, yelling and frustration associated with getting to school on time.

9. Get your kids to school on time! Nothing frustrates a teacher more than kids chronically dragging into school tardy. Since students can't drive, tardiness is usually a parent problem. Demonstrate responsibility by ensuring that your kids arrive on time. Students do better when they come on time and have a good attendance record. It also sends a message that school is important.

10. Organize evenings. Whether it's a bedroom desk or the kitchen table, every child needs a regular place to do homework. Establish the best time to complete homework and be sure to review their work, not do it for them. Homework time should be free from the distractions of TV, video, Internet, music, etc. Siblings should respect the time set aside for homework by not distracting the child who is doing school work.

This is not an exhaustive list, but concentrating on these 10 principles will make this a more rewarding year for you and your children. And remember, it's never too late to become the best parent possible!

E-mail Dick at: dferris@bakersfieldfirst.com
 

 

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