Curriculum & Instruction

How can I help my Child???

Parents play a vital role in helping children succeed in school.  Here are some tips on ways to help your child thrive in school at every level:

• Talk with your child about the importance of education.  Let him/her know that you care about how he performs in school.
• Set aside time to talk with your child about school each day.  Ask questions about what your child is learning in school.  If you ask your child what she did in school today and she says "nothing", ask specific questions.  For example, what story or book did you read today?  What was the best thing that happened to you at school today?  What kind of math did you use in school today?  Expect your child to be able to tell you about her day.
• Make it a point to attend "Meet the Teacher Night" or "Open House".  This is a great time for you to meet the educators who work with your child and to get a feel for the environment in which your child spends his day.
• Get to know the teacher's policies on homework.  Enforce these policies with your child.  Many teachers have homework routines so that parents and students can know what to expect.  If your child is expected to write down assignments in an assignment book, expect them to bring it home daily.  Look through it with your child.
• Arrange for your child to have a quiet place and a designated time to complete homework each day.  If your child attends a day care or after school program, talk with your child and the staff about making sure your child takes advantage of homework time.
• Communicate any concerns you have about your child's performance to your child's teacher. 
• Attend Parent Teacher Conferences.  This is the best opportunity to get an understanding of how your child is doing in school and what you can do to help.  If you cannot meet with your child's teacher on the assigned day and time, call to schedule an mutually convenient conference time.
• Help your child understand the importance of paying attention and trying her best even when she does not like a subject or activity.
• If you have concerns or complaints about the school or your child's teacher, discuss them privately with the teacher and/or the principal.  Do not say bad things about the school or teacher in front of your child.  Your child needs to know that you and the teacher and principal will work together.