Parent Tips
from "Helping Students Learn"
reprinted with permission from
The Parent Institute newsletter
Quick little tips on how parents can help their child/children do better in school........
May 2006:
It's Easy to
Improve Writing
If your child wants to improve his writing, he
can:
1. Write often. Try thank you notes, poems, stories and journal entries.
2. Share his writing. Parents should give helpful compliments and
feedback.
3. Read, read, read. Nothing improves writing like reading.
4. Learn the basics. Review spelling, grammar, and punctuation tips.
5. Be himself. Each person has a special, unique writing style.
Will Your Child Have a
Good Summer?
Summer is a relaxed time, but it's not a time to put learning or
responsibility on hold. Here's a quiz to see if your family is prepared. Give
yourself 5 points for something you do often, 0 points for something you never
do--or any score in between.
____1. I help my child find interesting summer reading materials.
____2. I arrange to have more time with my child.
____3. I research fun, educational summer activities.
____4. I make plans so that my child is always supervised in the summer.
____5. I limit TV viewing in the summer and encourage learning activities.
How did you score?
20 points or above is good. 15 to 19 is average. Under 15? Use the ideas in the
quiz to make this summer more pleasant.
April 2006:
Everyday Activities Help Reinforce Math
Skills
Many everyday tasks involve math. Ask your child to help with jobs like
these:
1. Putting up a picture.
2. Following a recipe.
3. Designing a garden.
4. Double-checking a bill.
5. Measuring a room.
6. Calculating a tip.
Make Time for Discussions
Here's a way to keep your child's brain active. Make a habit of discussing
issues that matter to him/her. For example, "Should students have homework?" Try
this each night at dinner time. If a debate arises, keep it friendly.