Growing up Sunset

A Sunset Parker Guide to Giving your Child an Advantage in School

 

Just simple steps can give any child a huge advantage in school, especially in the early grades.

 

Steps

1. Just like making a shopping list, make a list of which of these hints you will use and check them off each day.

2. Always be upbeat and positive about school, do not make absence an option for YOUR convenience.

3. No matter how cluttered your apartment may be, have a chair or spot where your child’s clothes are put out in advance for the next day.  Also, have his/her school books & supplies there, ready to go. (thank you Maria Elena Garcia)

4. Each day, ask your child what happened at school and take note of it.

                a. Seek “good” news – and support it with praise

                b. Accept problems as challenges and “work” with your child to problem solve it

                                1. If needed contact the school discreetly about the problem

                                2. Keep the problem in mind and check to see if it has become chronic

                                                a. If it is, meet with the teacher to problem solve

5. Homework should be done before dinner.

                a. Have a homework “spot” for your child, match it to their needs (some kids need a quiet spot)

                b. Be sure everyone respects your child’s work time – it is important

                c. As needed, sit with your child and assist with homework (thank you Carole Schinkel)

6. Extra Credit.

                a. Seek opportunities for your child to do extra work that he/she finds interesting

                                1. A unique family interest or activity, maybe a trip

                                2. A hobby or passion of the child

                                3. An important current event – something in the news or the media

7. Enrichment.

                a. Seek opportunities to broaden your child’s experiences

                                1. Weekend or day trips to museums or points of interest

                                                a. Take pictures, or draw and write a brief report.

                                2. Special television shows

                                3. Visits with family members telling stories of the past or life experiences

8. Culture

                a. Share the pride you have in your culture

                                1. Share with the class interesting aspects of your culture

                                                a. Check with the teacher first and try to get the teacher’s cooperation

9. Involvement in the School

                a. No matter how difficult, visit or contact the teacher at least once a month in a positive way

                                1. Ask if there is some activity you could help with

                                                a. If you cannot attend, maybe prepare a food or item to share

10. Home “bulletin board”.

                a. A small wall area for your child’s work to be posted

                                1. Keep it “fresh” and used.

11. Know other parents.

                a. Participate in the Parents Association or PTA (thank you Shirley Steiner Innella)

                                1. Bring your concerns to the PTA

                b. Speak to other parents – share your phone number or email with them

                                1. Reach out about concerns

                                2. Plan “play” dates with your kids

12. Support your child making friends with classmates.

                a. In case your child is absent or missed info, they can then call a friend to catch up

                b. School can sometimes be a “cruel” place, friends make it much better

13. Take advantage of Special Services and Special Education

                a. NYC schools have numerous special services that address specific needs

                                1. Learn what services are available if you know your child needs help

                                2. Never take the first “no” as the final answer – be persistent asking for help

                b. Special Education can be a cesspool but it can be a life changer, it is up to you

                                1. The greatest plus to Special Ed is the IEP – Individual Education Prescription

                                                a. This document can give your child special rights – learn about it

                                2. There are Special Ed parent groups that can give you help

                                                a. Reach out to them before making any decisions