BE PART OF YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATION - THINGS TO DO AY HOME

BE PART OF YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATION - THINGS TO DO AY HOME

 Parents are a child's first teacher.  Many studies have shown that when parents are involved in the child's education it effects how the child feels about going to school and how successful they are.  How a child is supported at home is directly related to the child's success in school.

Here are some ways that you can successfuly support your child duriing the school year:

BE FAMILIAR WITH YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL

One of the most important things you can do is develop a partnership with your child's teacher.  Let the teacher know you want to help your child learn and would appreciate it if she would let you know if she has any concerns or problems with your child.  

Ask the teacher who else will be involved in your child's education. (additional teachers: gym, art, music, etc)

Attend all teacher-parent conferences.  Make sure you communicate with the teacher whenever you have questions or concerns.  Many teachers will communicate by phone, text messaging, and/or email.  

SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S LEARNING

Talk to the teachers about your child's strong points and weaknesses.  Make a schedule to work with your child everyday to strengthen their weaknesses. 

For example"  If your child is struggling with reading, set aside a short time each night to allow your child to read aloud to you.

Make sure you have a quiet place set aside to do homework.  Have all the tools available for your child to succeed.

For example: Put together a homework box with pencils, pens, colored pencils or markers, paper, scissors, etc. Assist your child in making sure all assignments are done.

Make yourself available if your child needs help.

  • Help your child set a schedule to get the work done.
  • Help your child to develop good study habits, thinking skills, and a positive attitude towards education from an early age.
  • Encourage your child to read as much as possible and ask you about words they do not know, this will help to increase their vocabulary.
  • Look for educataional games and programs that engage your child.
  •  Help your child learn how to follow directions carefully.  Allow them to help you around the house or with cooking projects.
  • If your child has multiple assignments from different classes, they become overwhelmed and not know where to begin.  Help them to start with one assignment, finish it, and then go on to the next.

 

HELP YOUR CHILD PREPARE FOR STANDARDIZED TESTS

In addition to these strategies there are a number of ways that you can maximize your child's learning capabilities throughout the school year, which can lead to confident test-taking.  Some of these stratgies include:

BEFORE THE TEST

BE PREPARED

Many teachers will send informtion home about testing schedules and class preparation plans.  Informtion that you should know includes:

  • What is the test and what will it measure?
  • Will the test results affect your child, school, or both?
  • Are there ways that you can help your child prepare for the test?    (Narang, 2008)

HELP YOUR CHILD IN AREAS  THAT ARE DIFFICULT FOR HIM/HER?

If your child has struggled with a particular area or subject in the past, you may be able to help him/her overcome some of that difficulty by providng some extra practice.  Many workbooks target test preparation by offering practice exercises and questions like the questions   students see on the test.  Focus your practice on your child's weaknesses rather than her strengths so that she doesn't get bored with the exercises.  (Narang, 2008)

GIVE YOUR CHILD A CHANCE TO PRACTICE

If your child has trouble taking tests, try practicing questions and studying new words.  Your child's school or the library may have some samples to use.  Keep the sessions short, and set small, managable goals so that the extra practice boosts your child's confidence.

IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE TEST OR TESTING SITUATION, TALK WITH YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER

If you believe that your child's difficulty with standardized tests may be the symptom of a problem such as  language or learning difficulty, speak with your child's teacher to learn if your child qualifies for any assessment accommodations.

ON TEST DAY

MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD GETS A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP AND EATS A HEALTHY BREAKFAST

Many teachers report that students who don't do well on test haven't gotten enough sleep, and haven't eaten breakfast on the morning of the test.  Doing both of these things will ensure that your child is working at full capacity.  (Narang,2008).

MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD IS PREPARED

Some schools may supply the tools your child needs for the tests, such as pencils, an eraser, paper, and a calculator.  Others may require the student to bring those materials themselves.  Check with your child's teacher to see if you need to provide your child with any of these materials.  Also, check to see whether your child will be able to make up the test if he/she is sick on the test day.  (Narang, 2008)

REMAIN POSITIVE

Staying calm will help your child to stay calm.  If he gets nervous about the test or is likely to experience anxiety during the test, help him to practice some relaxation techniques that he can try oncehe's taking the the test.  (Narang, 2008)

AFTER THE TEST

WHAT ABOUT THE RESULTS?

Assements vary from test to test, but the test score should include information that helps you interpret the results.  Talk with your child's teacher if you have any questions about the results.  You may also suggest that the school offer a testing informaton session to parents.  (Narang, 2008)

REVIEW TESTS WITH YOUR CHILD

Help your child review any parts of the test that they did not understand.  (Narang, 2008)

ON A DAILY BASIS

Finally, remember that standardized tests and grading systems are not perfect; each format has its own limitations.  As you help your child do their best on the tests they take and in all of their school work, also remind them that testing is just one part of their education.  With your support and involvement, they will be well on their way to their own brignt future.

REFERENCES

Colorin Colorado;  info@colorincolorado.org

Dietel, R.; Helping Your Child Perform Well on Tests.  April 2, 2008; http://www.pta.org/arcchive_details_1117835382718.html

International Reading Association (IRA); (2002); Prepare Your Child For Reading Tests [Brochure].  Bachman, T.M.: Author.

Narang, S. (2008):  Standardized Tests: What you should know before your child sharpens his #2 pencil.  April 2, 2008,  http://content.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=1403