Start the School Year Off Right For Your Student
- Set up a schedule for studying, sports and other extra circular activities – then, stick to it. It’s best to create a quiet study area for homework. The study space could be a certain chair at the dining room table where each night after meal time it gets cleared and becomes a study space. The important thing is the expectation is set that this is where and when we study. Soon it becomes more than a habit, it’s a special place for learning.
- Show your commitment to their school. If you don’t seem to care, why should they? Attend Parent Teacher conferences, Back to School Night, and concerts, plays and student performances. Not only will teachers notice who wants to help the student, the child sees school matters to you.
- Ask your student specific questions about their school life. Learn the names of their teacher and friends. Ask what they are like and how they are doing? These are the people who play very important roles in your child’s daily life.
- Protect bedtimes and limit screen times. A good night’s sleep is critical to your student’s health and ability to perform in school. Studies show that the ideal number of sleep hours are 10-11 hours per night for 7-12 year olds and 8-9 hours per night for students ages 12-18.
Keep abreast of yours student’s progress. It’s easy for them to fall behind. It is hard to catch up. Look at their assignments frequently (nightly, if possible) and grades (often online). Do not hesitate to reach out to school if you think your child needs extra attention, help with a class or test prep.
