August 25, 2000

Back to school: What’s a parent to do?

In most families, the start of a school year is a time of excitement and anticipation for young people. Who will I have for a teacher? Will I have any friends in my class? What will the new year hold? Parents can play a major role in helping prepare their children for the new year, and for the rigors of homework and classwork.

The Teachers Network, which is a national teacher recognition and support program, published a handbook on teacher/parent partnerships. Though written for teachers, it contains a wealth of information that is useful for parents as well.

According to Becoming a Nation of Readers: The Report of the Commission on Reading, which is quoted in the handbook, "A parent is a child's first tutor in unraveling the fascinating puzzle of written language. A parent is a child's one enduring source of faith that somehow, sooner or later, he or she will become a good reader."

What's a parent to do? There are lots of good tips. For example:

Breakfast: Make sure your child begins each day with a good breakfast, and then try to arrange to have snacks and other meals at regular times. This helps small bodies adjust and react at maximum efficiency.

Schedules: Inform your child of your schedule at home and on the job. This helps establish a sense of time, but also reassures a child about consistency and order.

Reading: Read with your child every day that you can. Newspapers, short stories, books, and poetry can all be the basis of enjoyable shared experiences.

Homework: If possible set aside a specific time each day for homework. Tell your child that homework is a number one priority but remember to be flexible if soccer practice or band tryouts fall during homework time. Together set a new time for that day.

Don't do your child's homework, but be sure he or she knows you are available for help. Serve as a "consultant." If you feel that your child may be asking for help because he or she wants someone else to do the thinking, just say, "I think you can figure this out on your own. You try first."

There are other good suggestions from the handbook. For example:

Tests: When your child is studying for a test, discourage "cramming" the night before. Instead, ask your child to bring a textbook home every other night and teach you what he or she has learned in school. These discussions could be held at the dinner table for everyone's benefit.

When your child is preparing for a test, help him or her avoid panic. Advise your child to study one section at a time. Encourage a good night's sleep and a nutritious meal before the test.

If your child is a procrastinator and seems to do everything but homework, it might help to set up a reward system. Also, let your child take homework breaks every half-hour to refresh his or her mind.

A tape recorder is a great study aid for children whose parents are short on time. You can record a definition or question on the tape, pause for about five seconds, and then record the answer. Your child can then play the tape, have a chance to test his or her knowledge, and get immediate feedback.

If your child is having trouble with an assignment, be careful not to criticize. Find out what the problem is and try to help solve it.

The most important point for parents to remember, at all times, is that their positive attitude toward homework, teachers, and school can have great influence on their child's success. And that's the bottom line for all of us.
 

A Parent’s Checklist: