How to help your child succeed
As a parent, I know the desire of wanting your child to be successful, especially when it comes to their education. While a huge percentage of a student's success is measured by the effort he or she puts forth, there are a few things you can do to help your child succeed.
Inquire about what they're learning
A lot of what we do in the classroom will need to be continued at home on a regular basis. There will be homework assignments such as finishing a chapter we started in class, polishing a paper, or reflecting on a class discussion. When you see your child working on an assignment, no matter what class it's from, ask them to explain it to you. Offer to proof-read a paper or ask how they like a book they're reading. When your child notices that you're interested in what they're learning, they'll be excited to show you what they know!
Encourage them to read non-school related literature
Often I find that students don't qualify reading as one of their favorite pastimes. When I question them on why they don't read more, I usually receive statements such as, "I don't have time" or "We read in school, I don't want to waste my free time doing it at home too." I always encourage students to read literature outside of the required school materials, and I would like to provide you with some tips on how you can help encourage more reading at home.
Picking a Book
Choosing an interesting book can be half the battle. A good place to start is your local library. The librarians are knowledgable about the Young Adult literature available and can help your child pick something based on their interests. Research has shown that when a person is personally interested in the reading, they're more likely to stay engaged and take something away from the literature. If you would prefer to order books online, a good resource for choosing books is www.litcircles.org/books/books.html. You could also choose to pick a book to read as a family and dedicate 20 minutes each night to reading a chapter.
Motivation
Once your child has chosen a book, it doesn't mean they'll actually read it. Get them motivated by asking them to share with you what's happening in their book, or ask them to read their favorite part to you. Being a model reader can also encourage them. Let your child see you reading a book, newspaper or magazine, or leave these items out around the house where your child can access them.
Forcing your child to read will have an adverse effect on their enjoyment of reading. Be persistant on offering to take them to the library or suggesting a few books you read about on the internet that might be of interest to them. It may take time for them to pick up a book of their own accord, but reading is one habit you won't want them to kick!
Contact me with concerns
If a concern ever arises, please do not hesitate to contact me (use the "contact me" tab to the left). I will try my best to keep the on-line gradebook as up-to-date as possible, and if I notice a change in behavior or academic performance I will address the issue with you in a timely manner. I am also available before and after school to provide extra help to my students or schedule a conference with a student and/or parent(s) as needed. The success of my students is as important to me as it is to you!
Inquire about what they're learning
A lot of what we do in the classroom will need to be continued at home on a regular basis. There will be homework assignments such as finishing a chapter we started in class, polishing a paper, or reflecting on a class discussion. When you see your child working on an assignment, no matter what class it's from, ask them to explain it to you. Offer to proof-read a paper or ask how they like a book they're reading. When your child notices that you're interested in what they're learning, they'll be excited to show you what they know!
Encourage them to read non-school related literature
Often I find that students don't qualify reading as one of their favorite pastimes. When I question them on why they don't read more, I usually receive statements such as, "I don't have time" or "We read in school, I don't want to waste my free time doing it at home too." I always encourage students to read literature outside of the required school materials, and I would like to provide you with some tips on how you can help encourage more reading at home.
Picking a Book
Choosing an interesting book can be half the battle. A good place to start is your local library. The librarians are knowledgable about the Young Adult literature available and can help your child pick something based on their interests. Research has shown that when a person is personally interested in the reading, they're more likely to stay engaged and take something away from the literature. If you would prefer to order books online, a good resource for choosing books is www.litcircles.org/books/books.html. You could also choose to pick a book to read as a family and dedicate 20 minutes each night to reading a chapter.
Motivation
Once your child has chosen a book, it doesn't mean they'll actually read it. Get them motivated by asking them to share with you what's happening in their book, or ask them to read their favorite part to you. Being a model reader can also encourage them. Let your child see you reading a book, newspaper or magazine, or leave these items out around the house where your child can access them.
Forcing your child to read will have an adverse effect on their enjoyment of reading. Be persistant on offering to take them to the library or suggesting a few books you read about on the internet that might be of interest to them. It may take time for them to pick up a book of their own accord, but reading is one habit you won't want them to kick!
Contact me with concerns
If a concern ever arises, please do not hesitate to contact me (use the "contact me" tab to the left). I will try my best to keep the on-line gradebook as up-to-date as possible, and if I notice a change in behavior or academic performance I will address the issue with you in a timely manner. I am also available before and after school to provide extra help to my students or schedule a conference with a student and/or parent(s) as needed. The success of my students is as important to me as it is to you!