Can you believe this summer vacation is almost over?? All of the teachers, parents and of course the students would agree wholeheartedly!!! Actually, from May to the first of August, time has flown by as ‘time’ itself flies so fast as one gets older (hello, ‘seniors).
Please note that the following title of this article’s contents are flexible for it serves as a blueprint that may be a springboard for you in your household/school district and for your child !!
To ALL STUDENTS:
1. Write down homework, tests, and due dates in a planner (smaller kids need to secure this info from their teacher…so parents, look in their backpacks daily for their handouts AND check with their teachers (it’s not snooping..lol).
2. ASK and ANSWER questions in class…there’s no such thing as a ‘dumb’ question!
Note: Raise your hand to ask and answer in class; if you have trouble paying attention in class, try
to sit near the front so it’s harder to get distracted. If you’re an auditory learner, get permission to
record the lectures so you can listen to them later on.
3. WRITE down important concepts during class.
Note: You don’t have to copy everything the teacher says…write key concepts and remember
to write anything the teacher writes on the board or the projects to the class are probably very important!
Note: Don’t cram (waiting till the last minute).
4. Go to your teacher or classmate for help.
5. Take a 15-minute break for every 45 minutes of your study at home.
Note: Walk around the house; get a snack; take a quick jaunt around the neighborhood.
6. Get a tutor if you need to. Check out high school students/church/civic persons.
7. Make a study schedule For a study group…some of your friends may have notes that you’ve missed in your notes.
8. Try practice tests…your study group can develop ‘true/false’, ‘fill in the blanks’ others for all to
practice afterward, check yours and their answers to see which ones are correct and wrong.
9. EAT a good, HEALTHY breakfast
day; if you’re not hungry, grab a granola bar, yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, fresh fruit for they give you fuel for your mind and your body!
10. Have your clothes/backpacks laid out before you go to bed. This eliminates forgetting something and promotes using your time wisely.
To ALL PARENTS/GUARDIANS:
1. Set Positive Expectations. Most school counselors recommend both parties (you and your child)
should think about the outcomes you want to work towards (reading chapter books, finishing homework on time, speaking up more in class, getting all A’s or getting passing grades. Also, note that smartness and A’s don’t always go together. Focusing too much on grades or performances can be very stressful.
Instead, honor your child where they are!!!
2. Establish a Homework Routine (a time and a good workplace….not the bedroom/turn off the tv)
3. REACH OUT TO THEIR TEACHER: Communicate concerns about learning differences or social-emotional issues that may also be impacting school success.
4. FOCUS HEALTHY SLEEP HABITS
Note: With younger kids, parents may need to offer more direct assistance with their homework.
As students advance in school, they typically become more able to do schoolwork independently.
6. TRUST YOUR STUDENT
Note: Some parents are afraid of letting kids make mistakes. Aim to limit the pressure you put on
your child. Excessive academic stress can backfire, causing burnout, frustration, lower self-esteem
academic achievement or even health issues like depression and anxiety and we DON’T want that!!!
7. LET THEM MAKE MISTAKES
8. FOSTER INDEPENDENCE & SELF-ADVOCACY
Note: Communication about work expectations but hold them accountable.
9. FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS
It is vital to know that every challenge is not meant to be ‘fixed’. Flexibility is the key.
language) will have a positive or negative reflection that your child will notice and
copy…so treat the beginning of school with a gentle approach and a welcoming
adventure toward ‘another phase to explore and enjoy for ‘LEARNING IS AN ON-
GOING Process (formal and informal settings/lifetime journey). As they see your
‘study habits’, such as reading/enjoying new information, they too will ‘join’ in to
ENJOY is looking forward to this new school year. Also, please do not wait to touch
base with the teachers BEFORE report card time or when a ‘problem’ arises that has
already exploded out of hand ..The majority of the teachers are in their profession
for the love they have for all children and treat them as you would like to be
treated! Your child is watching you for you are their ‘first teacher in life. ‘ Show
appreciation before ‘teacher appreciation day’. We all need a ‘pat on the back’ on the
kindness. HAVE A WONDERFUL SCHOOL YEAR students, parents and teachers for this year will be how you plan and handle it, KEEPING IN MIND, THE BEST FOR ALL INVOLVED!!!
a seasoned, retired teacher who loved all my 1st & 2nd
graders (still do) and please contact me for I want the
best for ALL of our children in this village…they are
depending on the US. Praying for their safe, enjoyable school
year (2024~2025)