Back to School Tips for Moms from a Teacher
It’s the second full week of school here in Brooklyn! Parents are usually very enthusiastic about school the first week. After that, they assume that their child can handle the school day. Yet many children have difficulty adjusting after a long relaxing vacation. School work, homework and after school activities are a big change from the easy summer days. Be sure your child is getting enough sleep now that school has begun.
Being organized really helps children succeed in school. Children need to learn how to become organized. It isn’t automatic simply because folders and a planner/homework pad have been purchased. Here are some tips that I have told parents over the years:
1. Have an area that your child can work at each day. A desk is best, but the kitchen table is fine as well.
2. Hang a calendar at your child’s height and each week be sure to add project due dates.
3. On Sunday night, check your child’s bag with them. Remove any old papers, organize folders and replenish any supplies that may have been used or wore out. Pens and looseleaf always seem to run out quickly.
4. If your child has a locker at school, encourage them to store extra looseleaf and pens there.
5. In your child’s backpack, put a small travel size bottle of Purell and some facial tissues.
6. If your school has a website, check it regularly. Some teachers even post daily homework assignments on the web.
7. Join the PTA and offer to help once in awhile. We’re all busy, but spending a little time with the PTA will help your child’s school. You’ll also be able to get the inside scoop on upcoming events and school news.
8. Try to conect with your child’s teacher through a note. Giving a teacher your cell or e-mail is very helpful. I love to let parent’s know of student’s progress or difficulties. Keeping your child’s teacher updated about any changes in your home is helpful too (ex. births, deaths or divorces).
9. When your child struggles through homework, something is wrong. Contact the teacher with a note as soon as possible. Don’t wait for parent teacher conferences to address this.
10. If a child says that the teacher doesn’t like him or her, dig deeper. Your child is probably experiencing difficulty in a class and is upset about it. Your child may also be very sensitive and taken something the teacher said the wrong way. In either case, after speaking with the child, contact the teacher. A teacher doesn’t want a child to be uncomfortable in class.
11. Talk to your child about their school day. Ask about other students in their class. Find out who your child regards as a friend. Ask if their are any bullies. If your child is being bothered by a bully, contact the teacher. Even if your child pleads with you not to tell the teacher, call, write or schedule a meeting with the teacher. Children are afraid of bullies and even more afraid of what bullies might do if they tell. If you hear of any bullying in your child’s class, a simple note or e-mail to the teacher is helpful.
Have a great school year!
Hugs,
marlene
Topics: Uncategorized | 5 Comments »
September 15th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Great Tips! :D
Laras last blog post..Help for a Bad Hair Day
September 16th, 2008 at 3:21 am
Really great tips. We’ve been in school about a month, but we’re still struggling with the “being
organized” part. We’re working on it. Thanks!
September 16th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Yes Queen that swap should be a lot of fun. Val is such a dear heart.. anyone getting her as a partner would just swoon getting one of her lovely aprons :)
M
Marcels last blog post..Hot Drinks for Hot Mamas Apron Swap
September 17th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
This is great! I love that it gives tips for organization, planning ahead, and it promotes becoming involved with you child’s daily events. This is something that every parent should read!
Emilys last blog post..{babypop}: Does your Cat Want to be a Superhero?
December 5th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Informative post, thank you.