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- One of the most important things you can do to support and encourage your child is to be interested in their schoolwork. When you ask about their day, be specific. Don’t ask, “How was your day?” or “What did you do at school today?” Instead, ask questions such as, “What did you read about in school today?” What type of writing did you do today?” “Tell me something interesting that happened in class today.” If something said reminds you of your school days, share that memory. Children enjoy hearing about their parent’s experiences, and it helps them academically by adding to their background knowledge.
- Studies show that students who grow up with many books in their home are better readers. If you don’t have many books at home, make regular trips to the library. The books shouldn’t be just for your children. When children see adults read, it encourages them to read on their own, not just for school. Have your child keep a list of books and/or magazines he or she would like as gifts.
- Read to your child. When you read books above his or her reading level, it improves listening vocabulary, builds background knowledge and shows that you value reading. As you read, talk about the author’s style, and what makes powerful writing, as well as what is happening in the story.
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- Play word games such as Boggle, Hangman, Yahtzee or Junior Scrabble.
- Talk about interesting words or language.
- Encourage your child to write to friends and family out of town.
- Purchase a dictionary and thesaurus and show your child how to use them.
- Involve your child in doing research before you make a major purchase or go on a trip.
- Encourage your child to share finished writing and to talk about his or her writing process.
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Get an “A” for Your Child’s Report Card
by Soledad O’Brien
USA Weekend Magazine, October 7, 2005
This fall, opening report cards may be a bit more stressful in some households, as public schools in some cities give even Kindergartners grades. To help ease anxiety for kids and parents we asked John Wherry, president of the Parent Institute, for advice on how to handle report card woes.
DO look over the report card privately and decide what you want to focus on before talking to your child.
DO start with what your child did well. You might say, “I’m so proud of you because I know how hard you worked on geometry.” Let your child talk about his or her success.
DON’T get angry. Even if the report card is all bad, stay calm.
DO go over trouble spots and ask what happened. Let your child respond. Then, develop a plan together. For example, if sharing is a problem, then suggest that your child work on sharing just Legos this week, then Legos and crayons the next.
DO celebrate a good report card. Do something with your child like getting ice cream or buying a new book to read.
DON’T humiliate a sibling whose grades may not be as good by over celebrating or by comparing your children.
DO ask about school regularly. Specific questions such as “What’s the most fun thing you did today?” are good for younger children. Checking in keeps you from being surprised by report cards and tells your child that school is important.
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