Just for Parents

"Children learn to smile from their parents"

~ Shinichi Suzuki

As a parent and an educator, I know that children learn the most from his/her parents or guardians. Parents/guardians play a crucial role in the learning process. I hope you can use the tips listed below to support your child's success in school.

• Provide your child with basic needs (proper diet, clothing, school supplies).
• Provide a study environment conducive to learning at home.
• Contact your child's teacher(s) and visit your child's school and classroom.
• Meet and talk with other parents and school staff.
• Learn about your school's curriculum and support services.
• Reinforce learning at home, in the community and on vacations
• Notice when your child completes homework and provide encouragement (For example, you can say, "I really like the way you're getting your homework done. That's what I expect from you.").
• Recognize progress. Praise steps taken and efforts made.
• Help your child stay calm and confident on test days, and send him/her to school well rested and having had breakfast (or your child can have breakfast at school).
• Encourage your child to talk to teachers if he/she does not understand an assignment.
• Read and talk about information sent home from school.
• Talk about school every day. When your child knows that you think school is important, he or she will take it more seriously.
• Discuss with your child how learning in school helps in everyday life.
• Teach your child to set goals.
• Be a good example yourself that learning is a lifelong process.
• Have a dictionary available for your child to look up new or unfamiliar words.

~~~ Great Websites for Parents ~~~

www.parents.com

www.php.com

www.ala.org/parents

www.parentstages.com

www.kidshealth.org/parent