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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 school year, and for the
rigors of homework and class work.
The Teachers Network published a handbook on teacher/parent partnerships.
It contains a wealth of information useful for parents.
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 capacity.
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
 Did my child
get a good breakfast this morning?
Did I provide
a nutritious lunch or money to buy one?
After school,
did my child have a chance to tell me about what happened today and
to share concerns or exciting events?
Did my child
use the agreed upon time to complete all homework?
Did I make time
to help my child with any problems that arose?
Does my child
have any tests tomorrow? If so, has the necessary studying been completed?
Have I read
with my child today? Has my child read alone?
Will my child
get to bed at the regular time tonight?
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