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Tips to ensure the best school year possible
Tips for parents to help children have the best school year possible
With each new school year comes a new set of challenges and adjustments for students, teachers, and parents. There are a number of things that parents can do to encourage children to put their best foot forward and get the most out of the school year.
Here are a few helpful tips about how parents can help their children achieve success both inside and outside of the classroom. By taking advantage of these tips, parents can build a strong foundation for their children and help them to understand why getting a good education is so important.
At School
▪ It is important for parents to build relationships with teachers and other school personnel who are working with their children and make sure they stay informed about what is happening at school.
▪ Understanding a child’s behavior and attitude at school goes a long way in helping track a child’s progress during the school year. When asking about a child’s academic performance, be sure to ask the teacher about behavior and attitude, too.
▪ Form a partnership with the child’s teacher to enhance student achievement. It is important to have teacher/parent cooperation and support on an everyday basis.
▪ Frequent communication with a child’s teacher makes it easier for parents and teachers to address a problem should one arise.
▪ When speaking with the child’s teacher, make sure to ask the most important questions first.
▪ Each semester has a period of adjustment. Knowing a child’s strengths and weaknesses in the classroom helps to better understand his or her progress. Fall is a great time to learn more about what might have an influence on a child’s academic progress. In the spring, review the child’s progress and think toward the future about what can be done to provide summer enrichment opportunities for the child.
At Home
▪ Make an active effort to pass on a feeling of excitement and enthusiasm for learning.
▪ On a daily basis, parents should ask their children about what they learned at school. Be specific with the questions and leave them open-ended. Avoid yes or no questions. Use what the children share to generate a conversation that is positive about school and their schoolwork.
▪ Lay the groundwork for habits that encourage learning at home like providing a place to study, setting aside specific time for reading and homework, and cutting out unnecessary distractions.
▪ Give priority to a child’s academic interests and value other endeavors such as extracurricular activities and hobbies.
▪ Instill a strong work ethic in the child and show pride in his or her academic growth and accomplishments. Praise the child for efforts, not just results.
▪ As a family, be sure that children know that learning is held in high regard. Set standards and have high academic expectations. Help children understand why education is important to their future.
Sources: N.C. Department of Public Instruction and N.C. School Boards Association