So you enrolled your child in classes in a great charter school. You bought a new backpack and loaded it up with No. 2 pencils, a composition notebook, a ruler, and a box of tissue for the classroom. You met the teacher and walked your kid to class on the first day. Now, the ball’s in his court —it’s time to sit back and wait for the A’s to roll in. Ridiculous, right? Even wishful thinkers know that parents play a vital role in a child's education. At TIA, the supportive involvement our families offer their students is priceless. As we all shake off our summer slumber, here are some reminders of simple things you can do to ensure a successful school-year.
Simple Things You can Do to Ensure a Successful School-year
Talk. The best way to stay involved is to talk to your child about her day. But sometimes, drawing out kids’ thoughts can be like pulling teeth. Broad questions, such as, “How was your day?” or “What did you learn?” rarely evoke a response. Specific questions, however, like “What did you draw today?” or “What game did you play at recess?” can start the conversational ball rolling. Read aloud. Did you know that reading aloud to your child—at any age—can help them in school like nothing else can? According to Jim Trelease, author of The Read-Aloud Handbook, says this activity strengthens literacy skills, develops imagination, fosters curiosity, and increases attention span, among other things. “Students who read the most, read the best, achieve the most, and stay in school the longest,” he argues. “It’s like a scholastic vitamin,” says writer Michelle Luce. Prioritize homework. Set aside consistent time each day for your child to complete their homework. While it may not seem glamorous, simply providing a quiet and tidy space in which your child can study will eliminate distractions and improve concentration. Encourage extra-curricular activities. Discover what unique interests and abilities your child has. An after-school club or sport can teach specific skills, boost self-confidence, and give your child something to look forward to at the end of the day. Model a Positive Attitude. Without even realizing it, your child is influenced by your educational outlook. Your love for learning, work ethic, and respect for the teachers can be motivating. Build a positive attitude because when you get right down to it, as Scot Hamilton said, “The only disability in life is bad attitude.” Supporting our kids is a big assignment, but as our TIA families know, our students are worth it. It’s going to be a great year! The J3 Effect – Tiffany Richardson