Freshman Orientation PowerPoint 2014
How to Prepare your Eighth-Grade Student for High School and Beyond
1. ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENT TO READ
Reading is a critical skill for all students. As they progress through school, they must read and comprehend increasingly challenging textbooks.
- Encourage your student to read a variety of materials including fiction, non-fiction, newspapers, magazines, short stories and novels.
- Make sure you have books and magazines in your home to read.
- Take your student to the library
- Let your student see you reading for information and pleasure on a regular basis.
2. ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENT TO WORK HARD IN MATH, STAY UP TO DATE WITH HOMEWORK, AND ASK FOR EXTRA HELP FROM THE TEACHER WHEN NEEDED
Algebra 1 gives students the basic building blocks for all future math and many science courses. Even if you don't understand the concepts your student is studying you can still encourage success.
- Throughout the school year, ask about your student's grades in math.
- Set aside regular time in the evenings for your student to do homework and study for tests
- Attend parent conferences, and follow up with your student about what you learned from the teacher.
- Talk about ways you use mathematics in your own job and at home (i.e. paying bills, managing bank account, etc.).
3. HELP YOUR STUDENT DEVELOP THE GOOD HABITS THEY WILL NEED IN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE
Earning good grades starting as high school freshmen puts students on the track for college and career success. Even if your child plans to start a career after high school, a 2006 report by ACT notes that students entering the workforce need similar academic skills as students entering colleges.(act.org/research/polocymakers/pdf/readinessbrief.pdf)
- Model time management by showing your children how you keep track of important deadlines and due dates.
- Help your student develop schedules and calendars to track their homework, activities and other responsibilities.
- Help students prepare for tests and projects by quizzing them from their notes.
4.PLAN FOR COLLEGE EXPENSES
The longer you wait to think about the cost of college, the less time you will have to make important decisions and seek assistance.
- Visit the College Board's website to predict college costs: apps.collegeboard.com/fincalc/college_cost.jsp.
- Don't assume that college is too expensive. Learn everything you can about scholarships and financial aid.
- Remind your student that grades, community service, and participation in school activities can help him or her qualify for scholarships.
- Alliance for college readines, a patnership between Elgin Community College and Community District 300, 301, 303, and U-46.