When I heard the moan coming from under the covers this morning, I knew the “new school year” excitement was over. My fourth-grade daughter is no longer jumping out of bed, ready and waiting before the bus leaves its garage like she did the first week of school. Now the real work begins.
To be honest, I’m not sure I’m up to the task. Now that I’ve launched my fully outfitted kids into a new year at school, I’d like to sit back, balance my empty checking account and enjoy a cup of coffee. But veteran mom, teacher and education writer Elaine McEwan says that as our kids settle in to new routines and bigger challenges, it’s time for parents to take time from family home activities to listen.
“Parents should be prepared to do some listening,” said McEwan, author of a "Solving School Problems" (Shaw, 1992) and "Raising a Reader" (Baker, 1999). “And don't overdo extra-curricular activities during the first few weeks of school. Give kids time to chill out.”
While they’re chilling, take a little time yourself to put down the paper, turn off the computer and do some listening to your child. The first days of school can cause stress in children of all ages, and a little extra parent support can go a long way.
And as long as your kids are listening, talk to them about how they can make this year the best one yet. Dr. McEwan offers these family ideas.
Tips for Kids: Getting Ahead This School Year
- Don't be tardy or miss class. The simple act of always being on time and in your seat when the bell rings will go a long way toward impressing any teacher with your eagerness to learn.
- Say something nice to your teacher once in a while. Extending common courtesies to teachers will probably bowl them over. Not many kids say hello to a teacher, thank the teacher for anything, or even bring a small present once in awhile. Telling a teacher that you really liked a lesson or think she did a good job will probably cause cardiac arrest.
- Sit in the front row. Some teachers assign seats and often place students with attention problems near the front of the classroom. If you choose a front row seat, you'll get more positive attention from the teacher, will be less distracted by what is going on, and will always be able to see what is written on the chalkboard.
- Make friends with someone in the class who gets good grades. Doing so will prove very helpful if you get in a homework bind. This person not only will know exactly what the assignment is, but also can explain it to you if you call them the night before.
- Do extra-credit work if it is assigned, and do some even if it isn't. Showing a willingness to go above and beyond may give you the benefit of the doubt if you do poorly on a test or miss a homework assignment.
- Remember that the teacher is there to help you. Ask for help if you don't understand. Go in before class to get help with a math problem. Stay after class to double-check that you've understood the homework assignment correctly. Make an appointment to see the teacher if he can't help you right away.
In your child’s world, not everyone values kids who work hard at school. That’s why every child needs at least one adult who will say “school matters to you, and you matter to me.”
No matter how tough and independent they seem, don’t let them fool you. Our kids need supportive moms and dads to help them get up and face a new day.
Linda Wacyk a former EduGuide editor from Grand Ledge, Michigan.