Family Involvement: How to Help Your Child Succeed in SchoolWhen it comes to educating your child, we are a team. I am committed to setting up a rich learning environment using our district's adopted curriculum, and following state and national standards in the different content areas that are taught. You can help tremendously by committing to the following: |
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*Make sure your child is fed nutritiously, gets plenty of sleep (9-10 hours is recommended for 4th and 5th graders), exercises through playing outdoors, or sports programs, and feels love and acceptance at home.
*Establish school routines--Ask your child for her Friday folder on Fridays and read through the contents. ++Do homework at a regular time each day. For example, right after dinner while you are cleaning up. ++Check over your child's homework when she is done and make sure the work was done neatly and accurately. If your child has made mistakes on the work, talk about what happened and how to correct it. Praise work that was done neatly and correctly. ++Be on time to school each day. When students are tardy, they feel rushed and a little "out of it."
*READ--Make reading a part of everyday life. Expect it. Your child should be reading at home every day for at least 20 minutes. If your child sees you and other adults reading, he will most likely be a reader. Read to your child (he is not too old for this). Reading aloud a great book to or with your child can lead to many great discussions that might otherwise be difficult to start, develops vocabulary, models fluent reading, and is a bonding, memorable experience. Be sure to focus on the enjoyment of reading!
*WRITE--Writing is thinking! Encourage your child to write daily. He can write simple things, like lists or short notes for you. It's important to show gratitude, so encourage your child to make thank-you notes for others. Email is a great way for your child to write and to keep in touch with relatives who are distant.
*Ask Questions--Ask your child to tell you about her day. Be specific with your questions. For example, ask: "What did you learn in math today? Tell me more about that." Also, ask me questions. If you do not understand how to help your child with a particular homework assignment, please get in touch with me or write me a question right on the homework assignment. Or, maybe you're wondering about classroom, school, or district policies. I will be glad to answer any question you might have, or search for answers.
*Attend fall and spring parent/student/teacher conferences.
*Attend as many of the classroom or school-sponsored family activities as you can.
*If you are able, volunteer.
*Speak positively of school. Not all of public education is wonderful and not all of us had great school experiences as children, but if you are supportive and speak positively, your child's attitude toward learning will be positive.
*Get involved with the PTSO.
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