Encouraging Success in School

Education does not take place just at school.  A child does best when her parents reinforce at home what she is learning at school.

Read to your child each night and let the teacher know you are doing this.  Ask her to suggest books you could read to your child.

Make sure you read all the information sent home with your child from school.

Be sure your child has all the needed supplies - all year long.

Each day after school, sit down with your child and let him tell you about his day.  You can encourage this by looking at his papers with him and asking open-ended questions about his day.  Some examples are:  "What was the most favorite thing you did today?" "What was the best thing that happened today?"  "What did you not like?"

As you look through the work and papers your child brings home from school, don't pick out the low grades to recognize.  Find the ones she has done well on and praise her for the good work.  If there is a low grade in the stack, gently ask about the paper and try to find out if there is something she does not understand.  She may need some extra help in that area.

When it is time to do homework, encourage your child by turning off the television and making it a quiet time at home.  Everyone at home can "study".  Read a book, pay bills, write a letter.  This way your child will not feel as though homework is punishment.

Make sure your child gets plenty of rest each night, and especially before a test.  Keep up the good habits you established with him as a toddler - regular bedtime and bedtime routines.

Studies have shown that children who have a healthy, vitamin-packed breakfast do better in school.  You can also spend breakfast time talking to your child positively about school - telling her what a great day she is going to have, learning and exploring!