Back to School Education Advice
As parents prepare to send their children back to school, a lot of attention
is focused on buying the best backpack, the cool clothes and just the right
lunch box. In fact, a recent study found that consumers will spend an average
of $457 per household on back-to-school shopping this year.*
However, the most important thing a parent can do to get ready for the upcoming
school year doesn't cost a dime. "Creating a plan for two-way communication
between parents and teachers is essential to a child's success in class,"
said Dr. Richard E. Bavaria, VP of Education for Sylvan Learning Center. "Now
is the time parents should put "Back to School Night" on their calendar,
and think about how they will best communicate with their child's teacher."
Helping children get back into the routine of school days is equally important.
Sylvan Learning Center, a national education leader, recommends that parents
begin establishing "school routines" early. Back-to-school tips for
parents and children include:
- Organize your family's daily schedule by creating consistent times for homework,
play and bedtime.
- Encourage recreational reading and journal writing after the "homework
session" is over.
- Never complete your child's homework assignments for them.
- Break homework sessions into small segments of time.
- Stress independent thinking skills, and encourage your child's thinking
patterns.
- Encourage your child's effort to learn by providing a good example -- read
a book, catch up on your own work, be available for questions, discuss what
he/she is learning and address any concerns about school.
- Give your child a homework notebook and encourage him/her to take notes
on the specifics of an assignment when the teacher explains the requirements.
- Set aside time each day for family time. Share the events and details of
your day.
- Before bed each night, prepare for the next day by packing lunches and
backpacks, picking out clothing, and putting all belongings in one standard
location, making the morning rush less stressful.
Sylvan Learning Center offers five suggestions to help
parents create a strong relationship with their child's teacher.
- Place a notebook in your child's book bag. Use this as a communication vehicle
between you and your child's teacher.
- Contact your child's teacher during the first two weeks of school to determine
the homework policy, expectations and opportunities regarding parental involvement
in classroom activities, and recommendations for learning activities at home.
Also establish two-way communication methods -- let them know the best way
to reach you, and find out how they prefer to be contacted.
- Generate a list of questions to ask your child's teacher at the first parent/teacher
conference. Include questions regarding what your child should be learning,
what are his/her best subjects, what do their test scores indicate about their
learning, and whether he/she is completing assignments regularly.
- Ask your child how she thinks she is doing in school. If possible, suggest
a three-way conference with you, your child and the teacher.
- Find out how your child's school accommodates differences in learning styles;
what types of programs are available if extra help is required.
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Source
Sylvan Learning Center
Forums
Education and Kids
Information and news releases furnished by the members of PR Newswire, who are
responsible for their fact and content.
* Source: National Retail Federation 2001 back-to-school survey conducted by
Market Facts, Inc.
CONTACT: Sylvan Learning Center
Date: August 7, 2001