Back to School
Grab an apple and your Number 2 pencil. School days are here again. Help your kids make the grade with these top 10 tips:
Label It
Do hats, jackets and books just seem to disappear? This school year, be smart and use labels to help your child keep track of their belongings. Use them in their clothes, their shoes or bags. They even adhere to pencils and lunch boxes. It’s a fun way to keep them organized. Plus, it can be a money saver since now your little ones will be less likely to loose their stuff!
As your child enters high school, it’s important for them to know how to organize and to manage their time. Help them create a system that maximizes their potential. Give them their own desk dedicated solely to studying. Stock it with stationary and office supplies so they have everything they need for school projects one place. Then, have them buy a planner so they can organize their daily schedules, making sure they have enough time to devote to homework. This will make it easier for them to tackle their assignments, earn better grades and achieve academic success.
The age of children using computers has become younger and younger each year. Homework, research and playing games are made easier through the use of a PC and the internet. They may be great learning tools, but there are certain risks that kids could encounter online. Explore our link and get tips on how to help younger ones use the internet safely through protective software and controlled access options. Gain a little peace of mind as you discover fun web sites for kids, and safety nets for you!
How’s your child doing in school? Make the most of your next parent/teacher conference by preparing before you go. Take a look at your child’s report card and make notes on anything you might want to bring up with the teacher. Jot down your experiences at home so you’re ready to share things that will give the teacher a better understanding of your child. And know that you are all on the same team. The goal of these meetings is to insure success for your child in the classroom.
Help your children get off to a great start each day with a healthy well-balanced breakfast in each morning. According to allrecipes.com, studies show that good nutrition can help your child stay focused, keep their energy high and their moods well balanced. Check our link for tasty, kid-friendly recipes such as Museli-Applesauce muffins and Hearty Breakfast Cookies.
Is your student carrying a heavy load on their shoulders? To prevent back pain, send them off to school with an ergonomic backpack. Spine-health.com suggests that children should only carry between 10 – 15% of their body weight on their back. Be sure to use a pack that goes over both shoulders. Slinging it over one shoulder will make muscles strain to compensate for the uneven weight. And according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, don’t forget to remind them to pack heavier items first so that they’re closest to the back. This helps keep the weight off their shoulders, offering the best spinal support.
Is your little one known for leaving their lunch box at school? Make it one less thing for them to remember by using disposable bags. Create a fun activity for you to enjoy together. Spend time personalizing a stack of paper bags with markers, paints, stickers, glue and glitter. You’ll be sharing time with your child while encouraging their artistic imagination to come out and play.
Has your child’s daily homework become a dreaded chore? Most children will struggle with at least one subject at school. Be sure to offer support without interference. Try not to hover over their shoulder and try to fix problems, making mistakes is an important part of learning. Seeing their errors can help a teacher gauge a child’s skills and see which areas need attention. Even more important than acing an assignment is developing strong study skills. Setting the groundwork for good homework habits can help them be successful all through life.
Want to play an active role in your child’s education? Get involved! These ideas deserve an A+:
1) Once a week before class starts, pop in and chat with their teachers to see how they’re progressing.
2) Volunteer for school programs or events, such as story reading, bake sales or chaperoning field trips.
3) Take time off from work to help out in their classroom.
4) Get in the know...then stand back watch your child grow!
Got the end of summer blues? Getting ready to go back to the classroom can be stressful for both children and parents. Make it an easy transition for your child with two of the biggest tools for beating stress: planning and organization. Try setting up specific times and areas in your house for the kids to do their homework?away from the TV, of course! Creating a designated study zone will help them focus on finishing their assignments. And, help them feel organized by encouraging them to make "to-do" lists of daily responsibilities. They’ll gain a sense of accomplishment as they cross off each item. Visit our link for ideas.
