Back to School

Remember the feelings you had on your first day of school? Remember the questions that swarmed through your mind? Do I have the right clothes? What teachers will I have? Will I meet new friends? Will the classes be hard? These same questions are still being asked by students today, regardless of their age, gender or school they attend.

The goal of most parents and educational professionals is to provide the best learning environment for each student. Here are some activities parents can do with their children during the last few weeks of summer and the first few weeks of school, before school work becomes too difficult:

• Getting back into the swing of things can be difficult after a long, relaxing summer. Get back into scholastic shape by reviewing some academic skills (especially math facts) before the beginning of the next school year.
• Together with your child, select a quiet place with good lighting and a comfortable temperature to use as a study area for the rest of the school year. Keep the study area free from distractions.
• Organize binders and stock up on school supplies such as: pencils, paper, erasers, a ruler, a calculator, a dictionary and a thesaurus. Use a shelf, drawer or box to store the supplies close to the chosen study place.
• Develop a time-management calendar. Set a definite study time each day, but also include time to play and relax.
• During periods of study, allow time for breaks. Try the 30/10 rule: 30 minutes of study, and 10 minutes of break.
• Preview new textbooks with your child. Check the titles, table of contents, chapter headings, sub-headings, maps, charts, and graphs. Locate the index, glossary, and other reference information.
• Renew you family's library cards.
• Encourage your children to find out more information about the classes they are taking. What is the instructor's teaching style, his/her expectations, grading and homework policies, project deadlines, etc?
• Encourage your children to review new information soon after each class, and to ask for help if they do not understand the material.
• Most of all, keep a positive attitude and help your children set attainable goals for terrific first quarter grades!