The sound of the pencil sharpener, the smell of book print, and the sight of new clothes send a clear message — school is in full swing. A new school year brings with it the fun and excitement that comes with learning. School provides discovery, new friends, and personal growth for your child. You can set the stage for a successful school experience for your youngster by using a few common-sense strategies.
• Have a positive attitude toward learning. Encourage your child to do well and expect the best. Participate in educational opportunities together through the community or at the library. Make a commitment to purchase “educational” gifts and books for special occasions. Set a good example for your child by reading a book or taking a class.
• Support the school. Make a commitment to have one parent-teacher conference in person every month. Write, text, or e-mail your child’s teacher, and comment on specific classroom activities. Volunteer your time or resources to help at school. If you have items at home or at work that the school could use for projects, donate them, because “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Enforce the school’s rules and policies at home, and speak highly of the school, the teacher, education, and the joy of learning in front of your child.
• Be prepared. Make it easy for your child to handle all of the “nuts and bolts” of getting ready for school each day. Have adequate school supplies on hand, and buy items ahead of time for future use. Prepay for school lunches whenever possible. Select an outfit for each day at the beginning of the week and keep “school clothes” apart from casual clothes. Establish a drop-off spot for books, backpacks, lunch boxes, and so on. Use a large envelope with the child’s name on it to keep correspondence and school notices handy. Promptly respond to requests from the school or teacher for permission slips, field trip money, or similar items.
• Have routines. Set up a daily schedule for routines of bathing, eating, dressing, homework, and play time. Keep distractions to a minimum, and regulate and limit telephone, television, radio, and computer time.
• Schedule learning time. Set aside a minimum of 30 minutes each day for educational activities, including assigned homework or practice skills that the teacher has sent home. Use workbooks or learning activities, such as crossword puzzles, cards, or board games to encourage logic, decision making, and problem solving. During learning time, do not allow phone calls, television, computers, or visits from friends.
• Create a star! Find something that your child likes and does well, and let him show off a bit. Encourage fun and the pleasure of having a good time in a positive way. Give your child the message that it is OK to read a book, draw funny pictures, play an instrument, plant a garden, groom a pet, collect stamps, or learn about motorcycles. Find a way to showcase his talents, perhaps at a nursing home or with an elderly relative or neighbor. Children need to sparkle and shine!
These are just a few things parents can do to help their youngsters enjoy and maintain an interest in school-related activities and learning in general.
Dr. Valerie Allen is a child psychologist in private practice. She presents seminars for parents and professionals in the field of child development and has published two children’s books, “Summer School for Smarties” and “Bad Hair, Good Hat, New Friends.” Oh, yes, she has also raised six children!
