Not only is Shevaun Brown a friend of mine, she is also a teacher in the NY City Public School System.
Today, she is sharing some tips with our parents to help our children get off to a great start in the new school year.
1. Make sure that your child gets a good night’s sleep
2. Keep their bedtime early and consistent (even on weekends)
3. Start them off with a healthy breakfast
4. Designate a specific time and place for homework
5. Designate between 15-60 minutes of reading each night (will vary by age & grade)
6. Require your child to study each night between 15-30 minutes
7. Keep study and homework areas free of distractions, i.e. tv, radio, video games, cell phones, etc.
8. Check to make sure that all homework or other assignments are being completed
9. Check to ensure that all supplies and assignments are packed the night before to prevent unpreparedness in class
10. Always ask your child about their school day, such as, “What did you learn today?”, or about their relationships with teachers & classmates, difficulties in school, interests, etc.
Let’s use the comments section to ask any questions, or share any best practices.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Back to School
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4 comments:
Shevaun,
Thanks for sharing these tips. I hope that those who read this understand that the home environment is just as important, or maybe even MORE IMPORTANT, than the school environment in helping our children learn. Please create a culture in your home that is conducive and supportive of learning.
As a fifth grade teacher, I am often blown away by kids who tell me that they have no bedtime or that they didn't eat breakfast in the morning. Far too often lack of sleep or nutrition seriously impacts the performance of a child. Parents need to make sure their children have routines established at all times. It makes a child far more responsible and alert. Imagine going to bed late, getting up the next day not having breakfast and then having specials such as gym before lunch. That is exhaustion and dehydration just waiting to happen. If there is no time to eat, have quick snacks like dry cereal, breakfast bars, or better yet, fruit, on hand. These items can be carried to the bus stop or eaten in the car. If you expect the best from your kids, then you have to give them the best care possible!
Parent involvement is VITAL. If a teacher does not see a parent, they are more apt to treat your child differently. Also, keep the communication lines open with your children. Do not be afraid to contact your child's teacher, guidance counselor, principal, etc., if you have concerns, or need tips on helping your child. Keep an eye on your child's friends and any shifts in behavior. Sometimes behavioral problems can occur when your child is around the wrong company or when they are being bullied or mistreated by children and YES, by teachers. Make sure that they know AND understand what is expected of them and what the consequences are for not meeting certain expectations. Lastly, pray for your children and/or give them a word of inspiration before they leave in the morning. You won't believe how far a "YOU CAN DO IT" will go. I have 101 ways to praise your child, if anyone needs it.
I have alwasy attended back to school nite.
In fact, my child said to me today..
"Why are u asking -already-
when is that date..?
School has just started"
yes, I want to *know* everything, and I want to see everything that is being distributed in the school.
I want to be that parent (mainly because my parents didnt attend PT conferences etc) that is vey interested in what goes on in the school, and with my child.
And yes, all my kids, have scheduled bedtimes..
I firmly believe in that, especially if they are in school, and no matter how old they are..
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