Education Archives:
Get Your Child Ready For A Successful School Year
By Dr. Raymond J. Huntington
For many students, going back to school is an exciting occasion
- a chance to make new friends, embark on new extra-curricular
activities and take on new responsibilities. For all students -
including those who may have struggled through the last semester -
it's also a chance for a fresh start toward academic success. As
the most important "coaches" in our children's race to
achieve, there are three key steps we can take to prepare them for
the journey ahead.
Step One: Create a Learning Space
Studying is hard work, even more so amid the myriad
distractions of television, technology and other factors that may
get your child off-track. Establishing a quiet, neat, well-lit
space for studying will help your child focus on homework, and
significantly enhance his or her ability to retain material. Be
sure to have materials such as paper, pencils and pens, a
dictionary, a thesaurus and a calculator readily at hand. The
seating area should be moderately comfortable - with a
straight-backed chair that will keep your child relaxed but alert
as opposed to soft upholstery, which can encourage drowsiness.
It's also a good idea to have enough space to read and write in
the same area.
Step Two: Establish a Learning Schedule
The beginning of the school year is also a good time to set
parameters that balance study time and leisure time. Setting aside
a designated period of time after school or in the early evening
that is to be used only for schoolwork is a strategy that has been
proven effective for countless students over the years. There are
several factors that can influence the decision about which time
is best. One of the most important relates to your child's rising
and falling energy levels. Some children, for example, may
complete homework more successfully by beginning immediately after
school, leaving the rest of the late afternoon and evening for
other activities. Others may need time to "wind down"
after being in school all day before they're relaxed and focused
enough to complete homework successfully.
Another factor is your child's schedule of extracurricular and
athletic activities. Keeping in mind the significant amount of
study time most children need to make good grades, take a look at
all of the other activities that your child wants to fit into his
or her day. Have a frank discussion to determine which activities
are most important to your child, and see if you can arrive
collaboratively at a decision about which should be pursued. Then
see if you can also determine, together, the best time to be set
aside for studying in the midst of these activities.
While it's important to set and maintain a schedule throughout
the year, most high- achieving students also plan ahead to ensure
they have enough flexibility to fit in extra effort that may be
needed during high-pressure periods, such as the approach of
mid-term and final exams.
Step Three: Set the Stage for Effective Parent-Teacher
Communication
The beginning of the school year also marks a fresh opportunity
for parents to establish the foundation for an ongoing, effective
dialogue with teachers, guidance counselors and other school
professionals. Begin by either going to the school to introduce
yourself, or calling or writing a note. Speak forthrightly about
your child's particular strengths and interests, and areas in
which he or she may need extra help. Ask about milestones - such
as major tests - for the coming year. Find out how you will be
kept informed of your child's progress. Are there other vehicles
and mechanisms aside from report cards that can help you find out
if your child is struggling so that you can take positive steps
for improvement?
The first parent-teacher meeting can also be a good opportunity
to find out how you can best support your child's school. Ask
about meetings and activities of special parent groups such as the
PTA. Find out if there are upcoming field trips or other
extracurricular activities that require adult volunteers.
Finally, make sure the teacher knows to get in touch with you.
Communication will be much easier if the teacher knows your name,
has your phone number and email address, and is aware of the best
time to reach you during the day and evening. By establishing the
right environment at home and a strong, positive connection to
what's happening at school, you can give your child a head start
that will drive success all year long.
Dr. Huntington is co-founder of Huntington
Learning Center, which has helped children achieve success in
school for 26 years. For more information about how Huntington can
help your child, visit www.huntingtonlearning.com
or call 1 800 CAN LEARN.
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