eTIPS for Parents

Have your child visualize writing on a mental message board

When your child has to memorize something, explain how to create a mental image. Have your child imagine a message board, and "write" the facts to remember on it. Later, when it's time to recall the facts, your child can close eyes and visualize the message board with the facts written down.

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Keep an eye on your child's schoolwork

Children get more out of schoolwork when their families monitor their efforts. Each day, take some time to review assignments and any classwork your child brings home. Is it neat? Complete? Ask your child to explain anything you don't understand. This will reinforce the material in your student's mind and help you both know if your child understands it. Together, double-check the assignment to make sure your child has completed everything.

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Take a learning approach to sports

Athletics teach kids lots of lessons, from sportsmanship to determination. To help your child benefit from sports, look for one your student will enjoy. Often, this means a sport that friends are playing. If it's a team sport, make it clear that teammates will count on your child to show up and work hard. At games, remember to leave the coaching to the coach. Help your child see that it's fun to be fit and that winning is just an extra bonus.

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Pack your child some lunchtime reading

Do you want to squeeze a little more reading into your child's day? Include a note with your student's lunch. It doesn't have to be sentimental. You could give a compliment or offer encouragement before a test. Or, write down a joke or a silly poem. You could share some good news: "Surprise! Grandma's coming today!" Encourage your child to write notes back to you, too.

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Support your child's efforts to reach a challenging goal

Sometimes, children set goals for themselves that are higher than their families would set for them. And that’s OK! If your child has set a lofty goal, help break it down into a series of smaller, achievable steps. If the going gets rough, offer encouragement and help your student stay focused on the goal. And if your child doesn't quite meet the goal, point out progress. "You didn't get an A this time, but you got a B plus. That's a tremendous improvement!"

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Acknowledge negativity, but don't indulge it

Some children seem to have been born with a negative outlook. If this is true of your child, here are some tips for responding in positive ways: First, accept your child, who probably isn't being negative on purpose. But don't pay so much attention to the negativity that your child learns to use it to get attention. Instead, listen to complaints so your child feels heard. Then, change the subject to something your student feels positive about.

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Set your child up for success with assignments

What can you do to help your child succeed with schoolwork at home this year? First, make sure your student has a quiet, well-lit place to work, a regular daily study time and basic supplies, such as paper, pencils, pens and a ruler. Then, ask questions, such as: What's your assignment today? Is it clear? When is it due? Do you have a long-term assignment? Have you made a plan for completing it? Do you need any special resources?

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