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We are in the exciting period for young families when everyone thinks
about the start of a new school year. Parents can play a major role
in helping the new routine start smoothly by preparing their children
for the rigors of homework and class work.
For first-time students it’s important to make sure all the proper
immunizations have been given. Parents should check with the school
that the child will attend and make sure the appropriate documentation
is on hand.
For students of all ages there are certain basic areas where parents
can play a role in supporting school achievement. For example:
Breakfast: Make sure children begin 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 children’s homework, but be sure they know
you are available for help. Serve as a “consultant.” If
you feel that your children may be asking for help because they want
someone else to do the thinking, just say, “I think you can figure
this out on your own. You try first.”
Tests: When your children are studying for a test, discourage “cramming” the
night before. Instead, ask your children to bring a textbook home every
other night and teach you what they have learned in school. These discussions
could be held at the dinner table for everyone’s benefit.
When your children are preparing for a test, help them avoid panic.
Advise your children to study one section at a time. Encourage a good
night’s sleep and a nutritious meal before the test.
If your children are procrastinators and seem to do everything but
homework, it might help to set up a reward system. Also, let your children
take homework breaks every half hour to refresh their minds.
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 children
can then play the tape, have a chance to test their knowledge, and
get immediate feedback.
If your children are 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. 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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