15 Tips for Your Child's School Success

Make a difference – stay involved! Here are 15 ways you can support school success:

1. Show you value school.
• School is more likely to be important to your child if he or she knows it matters to you. Talk about why doing good in school matters. Discuss school and teachers in a positive way. Every day, ask about what your child is learning. Be upbeat about it, even if you don’t understand the subject. Only allow missed school days for serious reasons, such as illness.
2. Encourage daily reading.
• It’s the single most important thing you can do for school success. Read to young children. Let older children read to you – or sit and read your own materials at the same time. Go to the library together. Let your child pick out materials that interest them.
3. Use everyday opportunities to practice skills.
• For example, helping with a recipe lets your child practice reading, math and following instructions. Making a shopping list? Writing. Comparing prices and making change? Math. Discussing current events and visiting museums? Social studies and history. Even discussing a TV show can exercise critical-thinking skills.
4. Ensure a healthy breakfast.
• It provides the energy and focus needed to learn. (It’s hard to concentrate if you’re hungry or on a “sugar high.”) Ensure three healthy meals, plus healthy snacks, each day.
5. Make sure your child gets enough sleep.
• Being tired can harm school performance. Regular bedtimes and morning routines will help your child get off to a good start.
6. Help your child set goals for school and beyond.
• Also, plan the steps needed to reach them. For example, certain high school classes may be needed for college admission. The school counselor can help.
7. Teach discipline and responsibility.
• Set clear rules and expectations for behavior and schoolwork. Follow through on consequences. Give your child chores and other responsibilities at home. Discuss hard work, respect and other values. Be a role model. Know where your child is, who they are with, and what they are doing. Encourage involvement in positive activities.
8. Promote good study habits.
• Set up a regular routine for schoolwork. Let your child do their own work. Be ready to help. Set up a study space that’s well lit and free from distractions (like the TV and phone). Use a desk or table. Have school supplies on hand.
9. Limit “screen time.”
• Allow no more than 2 hours a day for TV, video games and computer use – unless it’s for school. Be sure your child knows what is and isn’t OK to watch, read and listen to. Monitor activity.
10. Monitor progress.
• Help your child organize and keep track of assignments. Review graded work, test scores and report cards. If your child is struggling, talk to his or her teacher. Together, make a plan for getting your child back on track.
11. Be encouraging.
• Praise good efforts. Display art and good test grades, too.
12. Team up with teachers.
• Go to parent-teacher meetings. Ask how your child is doing, and how you can support lessons and help your child prepare for testing. Discuss your child’s strengths and weaknesses, and any situations at home that could affect schoolwork. Ask how you can stay in touch regularly.
13. Learn about the school.
• Attend back-to-school night. Read the student handbook. Help your child understand school policies.
14. Attend school events.
• – especially those your child is involved in. This shows your care about your child and school. It’s also a good chance to meet teachers and other parents.
15. Volunteer.
• Teachers and schools appreciate help! Ask how you can put your skills to use. There may also be things you can do at home on your own time.

Get more tips on being involved from school staff, parent groups or parent-teacher organizations, local or state education agencies, and the U.S. Dept. of Education at http://www.ed.gov/.

(Source: “15 Tips for Your Child’s School Success”, Channing Bete Company, 2010)