Into the Thick of the School Year
There was so much anticipation to the start of the school year, that once it started, it seems to be steamrolling by. We’re nearly a month in, and what began as excitement and chaos is now slowing turning into the daily grind.
But of course, just as our children are learning new things everyday, I’m finding that as we move along, I’m picking up new tricks to keep things organized, help keep my son excited about schoolwork and homework (not easy!), and manage to get out of the house on time in the morning.
If you’re finding it hard to stay in the your groove, I came across some great tips that’ll help, courtesy of Dr. Mary Mokris, education specialist for Kumon Math and Reading Centers.
Praise your children daily. Let them know that you believe in them, you think they are special and you have confidence in them. In our home, we celebrate on Friday afternoons if my son behaved all week at school, that is, with a trip to the ice cream parlor or some other fun activity. It gives him an incentive to listen, but also lets him know that working hard makes me proud.
Focus on the positives. Reflect on the new skills they are gaining that are needed to be successful in life, such as independence, responsibility, perseverance and time management. I have to do this a lot. My son inherited my perfectionist tendencies (poor little guy), so he tends to be hard on himself if a picture doesn’t come out just right or if he can’t quite master a new skill. Praise, praise, praise really helps.
Set up a study area for your child. Create an area that is well-ventilated and well-lit. Be sure it’s equipped with all necessary supplies. For me, it’s pencils, crayons, construction paper, and scissors. Older kids will need a dictionary, their computer, etc. Most important, no distractions allowed! That means no TV, phone, or instant messaging during homework.
Establish a consistent homework routine from the start. What works for us so far is coming home, washing up, snack (he’s usually famished), then homework. As soon as my son is finished, then he gets to watch some TV or play. No matter when you fit homework in, the idea is to help children see that it is a priority in your home.
Get acquainted with your child’s teachers and keep the communication open. Teachers are so busy at the beginning of the year getting to know their new students. And often, they don’t meet the parents until weeks later at open school night. This year, I made it a point to ask for a quick meeting with my son’s teacher right away. I wanted to get to know her, and stay on top of my son’s progress. I’m so against the idea that teachers are adversaries — we have to do our best to work with the teacher.
Parents, what are your tips and tricks to stay on track now that back-to-school excitement has worn off? Share in the comments below.
-Dawn Papandrea
