Middle School Principal
by Tom Jahde
February 01, 2010
Student Success Starts in the Home
You probably know that a student's academic success is affected by many factors. When it comes to achievement, activities outside the classroom, especially at home, can be just as influential as what happens inside the classroom.
Following are five important areas to emphasize to ensure the success of your children:
Establish a daily routine by providing a quiet time and place for your children to study. Be firm about bedtimes so the child is well-rested and alert in the classroom. Having dinner together as a family is also important, because it gives you an opportunity to talk about your children's daily school activities, projects, and expectations. Encourage communications through conversation and questioning.
Monitor your children's extracurricular activities closely. Whenever possible, arrange specific after-school activities or supervised care, always monitor television watching, and install computer software to block inappropriate websites. Also be mindful of video game content. If you can't be home right after school, call or email frequently to check in with your children, or have a trusted neighbor, relative, or friend stop by. Search out after-school programs and association activities that could serve as alternatives for children going home alone after school.
Reading books, magazines, and newspapers and talking about what is learned from them is another important aspect to pursue at home. Discussing current events and/or the day's activities is a good habit to develop. Tell stories, share problems, and write letters, notes, and messages to one another. These types of communication bring families closer together, especially today, when everyone is busy with his or her own individual activities and commitments.
Stay in touch with teachers and school staff, and express sincere interest in your children's progress at school. Work together with your children's teachers to set age-appropriate goals and standards, and to recognize and promote special talents. Compliment your children and share school success stories with family and friends.
Be a positive role model. Demonstrate ways that achievement relates to hard work and dedication. Discuss the value of a good education to possible career options, and explore ways your children can turn their true interests into satisfying career possibilities.
This article was taken from the February issue of Cut & Paste Magazine
