Excellence In Education
Most kids spend nearly 1,500 hours in school each year. As parents, there are a lot of things we can do to assure that time is well spent.
GET THEM TALKING
If your kids are like most, it can be hard to get them to talk about their school day. Some kids are more reluctant than others. But most can be coaxed to open up, with parenting tips like these.
1. Follow Their Lead
Some kids aren’t ready to talk immediately after school, but will open up just fine once they’ve had time to process their day, have a snack, and touch base at home.
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Rather than, “How was school today?” which is sure to elicit a monosyllabic response, try asking about specific things like, “Tell me about the game you played at recess today” or “What are y’all doing in gym now?”
3. Use their Take-home Work to Generate Conversations
Showing interest in a child’s work can increase their self-esteem. Offering to help study with an older child or commenting positively on the artwork of a younger child can establish a link school and home.
4. Listen, Listen, and Listen
Once your child gets started talking about her day, hold off on questions and let them talk. And don’t let their sharing turn into lecture time, or they may not share the next time.
PRODUCTIVE PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Attending parent–teacher conferences is one way to let your kids know school is important to you and vital to them. A parent–teacher conference is an opportunity to:
• discuss your child’s progress
• and work with the teacher to help your child do well in school.
These tips can help you make the most of a parent/ teacher conference:
1. In the weeks before the conference, review your child’s homework, projects, tests, quizzes, report cards, or progress reports.
2. Ask your child if there are things they’d like you to discuss with the teacher.
3. Share your child’s interests, strengths, and favorite subjects to help the teacher know your child better.
4. Come with prepared questions you’d like to ask or topics you’d like to discuss.
