How parents can help the learning process
All,
The kids are getting into the groove of CA Flex, and our teachers are feeling increasingly comfortable with the new mode of instruction. Both are good things! I would like to share a few simple ways that parents can help the learning process along. Far from being “rocket science,” these are normal, everyday things that can make a difference over time. As they say, a good portion of success in life is simply “showing up” on time, being fully present, and giving it a good try. With that in mind, parents can:
Respect the letter, not the spirit, of the school vacation schedules. Every once in a while, there is a true emergency that demands having a child miss a few days. In general, we send a great message to kids about the importance of school when we arrange our family and vacation schedule to show our kids that every day of learning matters.
Drop your child off at school with five minutes to spare, so your child can get organized. Every once in while there is an accident or car trouble, but in general, kids pick up from us whether on-time arrival matters and is a priority. Kids also benefit greatly from arriving with five minutes to get organized at school before class begins. This “get it together” and say “hello” to friends time often sets kids on an “I’ve got this” trajectory.
Help your child create a thoughtful, organized, and quiet learning space at home to do work. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but having a space that is conducive to doing homework matters.
Avoid overscheduling. COVID has cleared away a good deal of the “bustle” that used to shape a student’s afternoons and evenings. This creates time and opportunity for kids to complete what is necessary for the next day AND to do a bit of pleasure reading.
Schedule necessary appointments carefully. Once again, we send a message to kids about how we value school time when we schedule doctor, dentist, and orthodontist appointments. Please try to choose “low impact” times when possible.
Come to conferences whenever possible. Next Monday parents will get the opportunity to sign up for “online” conferences. This is a great chance for parents to find out more about how your son/daughter is doing at school and get to know their teachers. It will definitely be a two-way conversation, as we want to hear how things are going through your eyes and ways that you believe we can best support your child.
There are so many aspects of parenting Middle School age children that are tricky, nuanced, or complex. It is nice that there are a few fairly straightforward things that we can do that are likely to encourage our kids to prioritize learning.
If I can be helpful in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best,
Bill
Back
The kids are getting into the groove of CA Flex, and our teachers are feeling increasingly comfortable with the new mode of instruction. Both are good things! I would like to share a few simple ways that parents can help the learning process along. Far from being “rocket science,” these are normal, everyday things that can make a difference over time. As they say, a good portion of success in life is simply “showing up” on time, being fully present, and giving it a good try. With that in mind, parents can:
Respect the letter, not the spirit, of the school vacation schedules. Every once in a while, there is a true emergency that demands having a child miss a few days. In general, we send a great message to kids about the importance of school when we arrange our family and vacation schedule to show our kids that every day of learning matters.
Drop your child off at school with five minutes to spare, so your child can get organized. Every once in while there is an accident or car trouble, but in general, kids pick up from us whether on-time arrival matters and is a priority. Kids also benefit greatly from arriving with five minutes to get organized at school before class begins. This “get it together” and say “hello” to friends time often sets kids on an “I’ve got this” trajectory.
Help your child create a thoughtful, organized, and quiet learning space at home to do work. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but having a space that is conducive to doing homework matters.
Avoid overscheduling. COVID has cleared away a good deal of the “bustle” that used to shape a student’s afternoons and evenings. This creates time and opportunity for kids to complete what is necessary for the next day AND to do a bit of pleasure reading.
Schedule necessary appointments carefully. Once again, we send a message to kids about how we value school time when we schedule doctor, dentist, and orthodontist appointments. Please try to choose “low impact” times when possible.
Come to conferences whenever possible. Next Monday parents will get the opportunity to sign up for “online” conferences. This is a great chance for parents to find out more about how your son/daughter is doing at school and get to know their teachers. It will definitely be a two-way conversation, as we want to hear how things are going through your eyes and ways that you believe we can best support your child.
There are so many aspects of parenting Middle School age children that are tricky, nuanced, or complex. It is nice that there are a few fairly straightforward things that we can do that are likely to encourage our kids to prioritize learning.
If I can be helpful in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best,
Bill
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