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6707 Old Dominon Drive, Suite 320
McLean, Virginia 22101-4556 |
Telephone (703) 442-8850
Facsimile (703) 790-0845 |
From the Desk of the School Principal:
September 1, 2001
We need your help!
Parents really do make a difference when it comes to helping children stay excited and productive throughout the school year. We all know, several weeks into the school year your child doesn’t show that same “first day” enthusiasm when heading off to school. However, that doesn’t have to be the case this year! Here are 10 tips to ensuring your child has an exciting and enjoyable school year while staying productive.
Secrets to a Successful School Year
- Stay in touch. Contact your child’s teacher prior to the official “Meet the Parents” night to re-introduce yourself and establish a way to have your child’s homework schedules sent to you. Check with the teacher every other month to see if there are any additional ways to ensure your child stays productive.
- Get in the swing. After your child wakes up, begin to play their favorite CD to keep them moving throughout the morning. Tell them they have a certain number of songs to perform a specific a task, such as getting dressed.
- Test their knowledge. Try looking over child's study materials and making up a sample quiz as he/she studies for upcoming tests.
- Put it in perspective. Help your child understand, and take responsibility for, the consequences of their choices. “I chose to do my homework. The result was I got an ‘A’ on my math test.” “I chose to get up 15 minutes late. The result was I missed breakfast … and nearly missed the bus.”
- Keep communications open. Frequently talk about school with your child “in times of peace” before major problems develop. Never scold them for telling you something is wrong.
- Anticipate grades. Before the report card arrives ask, “What do you think your report card will tell us?” Getting ready for the actual report can be helpful. Keep in mind a report card is just one small measure of your child’s abilities; find something to praise, and focus on determining steps they can take to improve.
- Treat them like royalty. If your child brings home a good report card, make them “Prince/Princess for a Day.” Pamper them with treats and let them do what they please for a day (within reason, of course).
- Zip your lip. Be aware your attitudes about school affect your child. If you hated math, be careful not to prejudice your child.
- Look for the positive. Some researchers believe every child is gifted – we just need to look at the individual strengths of each child. Helping a child see his giftedness is very motivating.
- Become the apple of the teacher’s eye. Keep your child on the right foot by periodically sending your child off to school with a shiny apple to present to the teacher!
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