Sue Scheff: 2010 Summer Activities Challenge – Start Today!
by Sue Scheff on Jun 07, 2010
Some parents fear that when summer arrives their child’s brain is going to turn to mush. All that pool water is making anything she happened to learn last year dissolve quicker than you think, but think again. You can still have a fun and exciting summer (including swimming) and keep your education flowing in.
Summer Activities Challenge, presented by Education.com, is an opportunity for families to have fun learning together while kids avoid the summer slide academically.
Here’s what’s new this year with Summer Activities Challenge:
- A super-cool grand prize! This year the winning family will win a Funjet Vacations family getaway to Cancun with all-inclusive accommodations at the RIU Cancun for four nights. In addition to the Grand Prize and the Weekly Prizes, 100 families who finish the Challenge will continue their summer fun with a set of Schylling Rocket Balloons
- A prize a week for 12 weeks! Each week during the challenge we’ll send a LEGO prize pack (worth at least $50) to a family that has completed at least one activity that week. Participants can win weekly prizes even if they never finish the Challenge.
- A shorter trip to the finish line! This year participants only need to complete 10 activities to be eligible for the Grand Prize and the Rocket Balloons (last year the bar was set at 20 activities).
- Even more activities to choose from. We now have thousands of activities on Education.com for participating families to choose from. The activities are sorted by grade level and academic subject. Each activity takes anywhere from ten minutes to several hours to complete and the activities typically require basic materials that families will either have on hand, or can easily and inexpensively acquire.
Education.com is one of the most comprehensive websites full of valuable resources and educational articles regarding your kids today.
Want a sneak peek at the thousands of activities your family can choose from? Click here.
Get moving, get motivated, get learning and most of all enjoy your family this summer!
Tags: Education.com, Parenting, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, Summer Activities, Summer Activities Challenge, Summer Fun
Sue Scheff: Summer Activities Challenge 2010 Is Back – Get Ready!
by Sue Scheff on Jun 03, 2010
Some parents fear that when summer arrives their child’s brain is going to turn to mush. All that pool water is making anything she happened to learn last year dissolve quicker than you think, but think again. You can still have a fun and exciting summer (including swimming) and keep your education flowing in.
Summer Activities Challenge, presented by Education.com, is an opportunity for families to have fun learning together while kids avoid the summer slide academically.
Here’s what’s new this year with Summer Activities Challenge:
- A super-cool grand prize! This year the winning family will win a Funjet Vacations family getaway to Cancun with all-inclusive accommodations at the RIU Cancun for four nights. In addition to the Grand Prize and the Weekly Prizes, 100 families who finish the Challenge will continue their summer fun with a set of Schylling Rocket Balloons
- A prize a week for 12 weeks! Each week during the challenge we’ll send a LEGO prize pack (worth at least $50) to a family that has completed at least one activity that week. Participants can win weekly prizes even if they never finish the Challenge.
- A shorter trip to the finish line! This year participants only need to complete 10 activities to be eligible for the Grand Prize and the Rocket Balloons (last year the bar was set at 20 activities).
- Even more activities to choose from. We now have thousands of activities on Education.com for participating families to choose from. The activities are sorted by grade level and academic subject. Each activity takes anywhere from ten minutes to several hours to complete and the activities typically require basic materials that families will either have on hand, or can easily and inexpensively acquire.
Education.com is one of the most comprehensive websites full of valuable resources and educational articles regarding your kids today.
Want a sneak peek at the thousands of activities your family can choose from? Click here.
Get moving, get motivated, get learning and most of all enjoy your family this summer!
Tags: Education.com, Family Time, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, Summer Activities, Summer Activities Challenge, Summer Fun
Sue Scheff: High School Graduation Gift Ideas
by Sue Scheff on May 24, 2010
Education.com is one of my favorite websites, not only for fantastic educational information, they also offer unique tips and ideas surrounding raising today’s children and teenagers! That is not an easy task, but Education.com is one of the best sources of valuable parenting and teacher resources. They just posted a timely article regarding High School Graduation and gifts teens would love.
Ten Great High School Graduation Gifts
By Lisa Cope
Getting the perfect gift for a high school graduate can be a challenge. Here are seven cool ideas for the high school graduate—from college dorm must-haves to experiential gifts he’ll remember for a lifetime.
1. An instant hit.
Your teen may not have even heard of a Poloroid camera—but he’ll certainly love this new modern version! The PoGo Digital Poloroid Camera is the digital version of the iconic Poloroid, where 2×3 borderless color pictures print instantly from the integrated printer. Your teen will appreciate that it’s small enough to take anywhere, whether on a nature hike or a party. Having the capability to print pictures instantly, anywhere, makes this camera a must-have for the graduate. (Polaroid, $188.44 ) Where to buy
2. Wake-up call.
If your college student is going to get to class on time, he’s going to need a clock radio. Why not get him one he will actually use? The RCA Universal Dock for iPod Clock Radio allows your teen the option to wake up to his own music from his iPod. He will love the high performance sound quality as well as the docking station and charger. With this dynamic alarm clock, your teen can choose to wake to an alarm, radio or his iPod so he’ll have no excuse to oversleep and miss a class! (RCA, $47.65) Where to buy
3. Lap Top Style
Whether they’re headed off to college, to travel the world, or just off to start a career, most grads are always on the go. And being on the go means they need to carry their lap top safely, but also in style. This quality, retro-designed lap-top computer sling bag is made of sturdy, extra thick protective neoprene to handle the wear and tear of a typical teen. Practical and stylish, it’s the perfect gift for the techie with taste. Designed by Alexander Girard, it comes in three different textile designs, each one acceptably cool for the teen looking to impress and be unique. (Alexander Girard, $50.00) Where to buy
4. Flip for this Camcorder
Having the latest video taping device is a definite must have for the graduate who likes high tech gear. The Mino HD from Flip Video is a sleek, small portable video device that is high on quality – and design. Offering a design-it-yourself component, teens can use their own images as a design or choose from a large selection of patterns and ideas. The Mino can create movies with video clips, music and titles, as well as easily upload to Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and other video sharing sites. Easy enough to slip into their purse or pocket, this remarkable camcorder will certainly come in handy for teens to capture special moments in their life. (FlipVideo, $199) Where to buy
5. Oh, the places they’ll go. For the graduate who loves to travel, there’s really no better gift than tickets for an airline. Kids like flexibility and to be on their own schedule, so giving them some airline tickets to use on their own time is a great gift. When you place the tickets inside the book, “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss, she gets not only an opportunity to travel anywhere she wants, but an inspiring book about the journey ahead of her as well.
6. It’s in the Bag!
Being unique, looking different, or standing out are classic qualities in many high school aged kids. Why not give a gift that allows the graduate to design it herself? The “Design Your Own Bag” gift card from Timbuk2 is a fantastic gift idea for the creative and unique minded student. She chooses the style of bag, she chooses the fabric. Creating her own stylish bag has never been easier or more fun. And now, she’ll have the right bag for her next big adventure in life. (Timbuk2, $100) Where to buy
7. Stock up and Keep Cool!
The Pottery Barn Teen Supercool Fridge is a classic graduation gift with a twist. These small compact fridges come in candy-colored hues that will brighten up any room. They are also an essential for any dorm room or apartment. This stylish and functional fridge will keep the food flowing. (Pottery Barn Teen, $199) Where to buy
8. Give the Gift of No More Smelly Socks!
Laundry is the great conundrum of life outside of the home. Get them started on the right foot to doing their laundry, the environmentally responsible way. This laundry gift set is the perfect starter set. Simply purchase the oversized, organic cotton laundry bag (so they can go weeks before doing a load!), some soft, durable, organically grown cotton, dye-free towels, a large tub of non-toxic laundry detergent (Method or Seventh Generation make good ones) and a few rolls of quarters. This gift is a guaranteed home-run because it’s practical and environmentally kind. Now they’ll have no excuse to bring dirty laundry home and they’ll be kind to the environment in the process.
9. Cook it Up!
Going off on your own can be daunting for many teens, especially if they’re used to Mom’s cooking. Give them the gift of never having to eat frozen pizza again! A gift certificate to a cooking school is a fantastic and useful gift that allows teens to learn to cook for themselves. And it’s great fun too! Most major cities have culinary schools that offer gift certificates for week long or even day programs. The CIA in Hyde Park, NY, for example, offers a special Parent and Teen Cooking Day designed especially for the teen who is interested in cooking. A cooking school gift certificate will give them a chance to learn a skill they will have forever.
10. Be up for the Challenge!
What better way to start off a new adventure in life than to have a true adventure experience. A gift of an Outward Bound experience will leave a lasting impression on the teen who wants to challenge herself before starting her post-high school life. Outward Bound offers a variety of challenging and exciting courses, from rock climbing, canyoneering, dog sledding, sailing the ocean, or desert backpacking—it has every type of adventure to choose from. She will learn gain useful skills and test her limits, as she opens herself to new experiences. www.outwardbound.org
Tags: Education.com, Graduation Gifts, High School Graduation, Parenting, Parenting Blogs, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: What is Your Child’s Report Card Saying?
by Sue Scheff on Nov 01, 2009
In many areas the first quarter of school as ended, which means we have either very proud parents, or disappointed ones. Is your child underachieving? Not working up to their potential? Are they exceeding your expectations?
Whatever your child’s is saying to you, open those lines of communication, whether it is praise or concern, take the time to have a conversation. Here is a recent article from Education.com that offers some great insights and advice.
Source: Education.com
By Skila Brown
It’s here. The dreaded first home delivery of the report card. Whether you’re pulling it out of a backpack or pulling it up on a computer screen, there’s a moment of anticipation and maybe even dread. Indeed parents seem obligated to use the report card moment as a pep talk. But experts aren’t sure this is the right way to go.
Maria Pickard, guidance counselor in Memphis, Tennessee, warns parents against saying too much. “Students come to rely too heavily on their parents’ reaction to their scores. When what we really want is to have them reacting themselves. If parents could just use that moment to get their kids thinking for themselves about how they did, report cards would be a more effective tool for motivating kids to perform better.”
The most basic advice for parents is to ask open-ended questions instead of yes-or-no ones. Think of the report card as a conversation-starter. A way for your child to talk about how she’s doing in each area, what is easy or hard for her, and how you can help her to do better.
Here are more tips for talking about report cards with your child:
- Ask your child how she thinks she did. This opens up the dialogue for any problems she’s having in the class or reasons for a less than stellar performance. And it sets the tone for parents to listen.
- If the teacher is commenting on your child’s chattiness or inability to listen, don’t set yourself up for an argument. Instead of asking why he’s chatty or why she can’t sit still, ask, “Why do you think the teacher feels you have trouble listening?” Getting your child to explain from the teacher’s point of view enables him to think about how his actions are being interpreted.
- Offer specific praise and encouragement instead of broad statements. Try: “You worked very hard to bring up your math grade this period,” instead of “Great job in math.”
- Separate your child from his grades. No parent wants his child to feel his self-worth is derived from what teachers say about him. Consider statements like, “I love you, but I don’t like this report card” as a way to distinguish between the two.
- Focus on a way to do better. Instead of telling your child to pull up her history grade, talk together to find a way she can improve her scores in that class. Come up with a plan. Write it down. Finally, communicate it to the teacher, so that you’re all on the same page.
- Handle praise with care. If your child consistently brings home amazing report cards, it may be difficult to know what to say. “Good job” loses its meaning and has almost no affect. Consider reminding your child how she got those grades, and prompting her to find some self-satisfaction. “I am not surprised you have all these great grades on your report card. I saw you working very hard this term and it looks like it’s paid off. I bet you feel very proud!”
How big of a deal should you make about report cards? Well, that usually depends upon your child. If he’s visibly stressed out because his report isn’t perfect, your reaction should be very low-key. If she seems ambivalent about the negative comments and poor grades, you’ll probably want to emphasize it more.
Remember that report cards are simply a way for your child’s school to formally record his progress. Progress is the key. It’s a way for you to see what your child is learning and how he is performing in school. But it’s not the final say on how smart he is. If we approach report cards with that attitude, we’ll be able to offer the encouragement our child needs for success in school.
Follow Education.com on Twitter @Education_com
Tags: Education, Education.com, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Teens, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Report Cards, Schools and Teachers, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: Outrageous School Policies: What Parents Can Do
by Sue Scheff on Oct 28, 2009
Has “zero tolerance” gone too far? I hear from parents regularly and I must admit, although I completely understand safety of our children is always a priority, some of the suspensions or incidents that land immature young students in alternative school situations, can be troubling – debatable at least. I believe each incident should be reviewed individually, however at the same time we do need policies in effect. This is another time parents need to be involved. Be an educated parent, you could save your child from being placed in a not so good situation.
Source: Education.com
By Bob Ross
There was a lesson to be learned recently in the case of Zachary Christie, a 6-year-old first-grader in Delaware who earlier this month brought a camping utensil along with his lunch. The tool included a folding fork and knife—the reason Zachary took it out during lunch time at Downes Elementary School in Newark last month.
Unfortunately for Zachary, that favorite camping utensil also included a folded knife. That automatically made it a “dangerous instrument” under his school district’s rule, which in this case had zero tolerance for any dangerous instruments brought into school.
So Zachary was sentenced to 45 days in the district’s alternative school, a punishment that drew outrage from parents and lawmakers alike. A few days later, the school board allowed Zachary to return to school and amended the policy to include only a 3- to 5-day suspension for kids caught with dangerous instruments, if they are in kindergarten or first grade.
The incident raises questions about what parents should do if they encounter a school rule that they think is unfair and should be changed. While some observers lashed out against so-called zero tolerance policies—rules that require a certain punishment often without allowing the school principal or administrators any discretion—Diane Cargile, president of the National Association of Elementary School Principals, had a different view.
Cargile pointed out that many schools have zero tolerance rules covering a variety of different behaviors. At her school in Terre Haute, Ind., for example, an incident like the one with Zachary would go to a committee with the discretion to determine the intent of the child.
The main point that Cargile made is that parents should, and can be, vital partners with schools in setting up important rules and policies. Principals and administrators want input from parents when rules are being discussed. It’s important for parents to know the policies and rules at school and become active and involved. Don’t wait until there’s a problem to show up at school, Cargile said. “We want parent involvement and that’s how schools are made,” Cargile said. “And then when you are surprised (about a rule), you know what to do to rectify the situation. You aren’t a stranger.”
But Kathy Cowan, director of marketing and communications for the National Association of School Psychologists and a parent of four, said the plain truth is that parents often don’t know the rules and policies at their school. “Parents these days are so busy and may be working two jobs,” she said. “I don’t think it’s because they don’t care, it’s because they are busy.”
Both Cowan and Cargile agreed, however, that parents probably have more power to affect rules and policies at their children’s schools than they realize.
Here’s how parents can flex their muscle at schools around the country, according to the pair:
- Know the rules at school. It takes some work, Cowan said, but that handbook that goes home at the beginning of the school year is worth reading and understanding.
- Make sure your child knows the rules. Once you’ve gone through the handbook, it’s time to sit down with your child and emphasize the rules you think are most important for him or her to keep in mind.
- If a rule seems unfair, contact your school. Whether the issue comes up after reading the school rules or after an incident like the one with Zachary and his camping tool, don’t hesitate to make your opinion known. “It can be difficult for some parents, may be busy or feel intimidated,” Cowan said. “But a really good school administration is open to conversations with parents.”
- The next step is the school’s parent teacher organization. The PTA should have a good working relationship with school officials. “One of the responsibilities of the PTA,” Cowan said,” is to fully understand what the laws are and the consequences.”
- Be prepared to go to your School Board. While changing school rules isn’t impossible, it usually takes a little pushing, Cowan said. Many of the rules started with the School Board, and parents are one of the main constituencies of school boards.
Cowan added that, in the opinion of the school psychologists association, zero-tolerance policies that don’t provide school officials with any discretion aren’t good for schools. Rules that keep kids safe are important, but rules should have clear standards for behaviors and reasonable consequences when the rules are not followed, Cowan said.
For example, a sexual harassment policy that punishes an innocent first-grader being silly on the playground in the exact same way that an 18-year is punished for more serious behavior is absolutely wrong.
“If the parent community doesn’t understand the consequences of zero tolerance and stand up to it, then zero tolerance will live forever,” Cowan predicted. “At its best, zero tolerance is a tool schools use to shield themselves from liability.”
Follow Education.com on Twitter @Education_com
Tags: Education.com, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, School Policies, Sue Scheff, Teen Help
Sue Scheff: Girls can be mean – Be an educated parent
by Sue Scheff on Oct 14, 2009
Girls can be mean. That has been proven over and over again. Whether it is jealousy, or a sense that one girl is better than another – mean girls bring bullying to another level. Growing up we always heard about “sticks and stone can break your bones, but words can never hurt you.” That is simply not true. Words can hurt emotionally and cause many negative feelings including low self esteem, depression, headaches and other illnesses.
Learn more about the effects of bullying, mean girls and how to help your daughter if she is being harassed by other girls (and boys).
Source: Education.com
What to do About the Mean Girl
If you have a daughter, take the time to read this. It could save her a lot of heartache. Not to mention stomach aches, headaches, missed days of school, lower grades, eating issues and depression.
The sad truth is that every school, whether public, private or parochial, has mean girls. I bet you can still even remember who they are from your school. As a school counselor and mother of three daughters, I know firsthand – both personally and professionally – how much it hurts when girls are targeted by bullies.
The old adage “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” couldn’t be further from the truth. While boys usually bully through intimidation, girls bully through exclusion, also called relational aggression. Here’s an example of a case of relational bullying, taken from my experience as a school counselor:
“Heather” was miserable because a girl in her class, “Leslie,” was not only saying mean things to her face, but getting the other girls in the class to exclude her with the age old line “You can’t be friends with me, if you’re friends with her.” In our sessions, Heather would complain that she didn’t have anyone to play with because girls were afraid that if they hung around her they’d become Leslie’s next target. Leslie had immense influence over the social dynamic among these girls.
In order to improve the situation, I had to not only reduce the power Leslie had, but empower Heather as well. Here are some ideas that helped, adapted for use by parents:
- Ask for specifics when your daughter hints at bullying. Who? Where? How?
- Tell the principal and classroom teacher the specifics of how she is being bullied. Have them tell other teachers (i.e., gym, art, music), recess aides, hallway monitors and cafeteria staff so that everyone who comes in contact with her can be on the lookout and poised to intervene.
- Explain to her that reporting an incident is not the same as tattling, and have her tell an adult at school when she is being bullied.
- Encourage her to stick with a friend at recess, lunch, in the hallways, on the bus or walking home because she is more likely to be targeted when she is alone.
- Teach her to convey self-confidence by walking confidently, with her head up. Bullies target those they think are weaker.
- Pay attention to how she is sleeping, eating, feeling and doing in school. If you notice changes in any of these areas, have her see the school counselor.
- Arrange opportunities for your daughter to socialize with her friends outside of school to help her maintain a strong social support system.
In Heather’s case, these steps alleviated the problem. But because it’s tougher to catch girl bullies, it’s extremely important for girls to tell an adult if they are being bullied. Unlike boys, who usually bully physically, mean girls often spread rumors, whisper as their target walks by, talk loudly about a party she wasn’t invited to, give her the silent treatment, and as discussed above, tell others not to be friends with her. School personnel are there to help, but in order to do anything they must know a problem exists!
To read more about relational aggression, I recommend the following books:
- Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls by Rachel Simmons
- Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends and Other Realities of Adolescence by Rosalind Wiseman
Shannon Hutton has a Master’s of Education, and currently works as a school counselor for kindergarten through eighth grade. She counsels students on a host of issues, including anger management, peer relationships, divorce, and test anxiety. She is the mother of three children.
Tags: Bullying, Education.com, Mean Girls, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Stop Bullying, Sue Scheff, Teen Depression, Teen Help, Teen Issues
Sue Scheff: Assessing 21st Century Skills: Tests of the Future
by Sue Scheff on Aug 23, 2009
School is open for many tomorrow, and the contrast from years ago is all about the world of technology and changing the way students are learning today – as well as what they will need to be accepted into the job market of the 21st Century. Education.com offers some great insights for parents of today’s students.
Source: Education.com
Assessing 21st Century Skills: Tests of the Future
By Cheri Lucas
It’s a fast-paced, ever-changing world out there, and the classroom – and eventually the workplace – will require your child to have the skills and knowledge for a new century. What kinds of skills are needed, and how will we know if the next generation of workers has what it takes to succeed?
The 21st-Century Job Market
New technologies and a global economy require an innovative, flexible workforce. In the 21st-century job market, no matter what field your child undertakes, she must know how to analyze and evaluate multiple sources of information and create new ideas from what she absorbs, says Elena Silva, a senior policy analyst at Education Sector and the author of a recent report, Measuring Skills for the 21st Century.
But what are 21st-century skills? Traditionally referred to as “soft” and “interpersonal” skills, they include critical thinking, collaboration, cross-cultural skills, and technology and media literacy.
“While these aren’t new skills, they are essential in ways they weren’t in past centuries,” reports Silva. “Most of the simplest jobs are done by computers, which means today’s workers need to do more than that – they need to think analytically and creatively so they can make sound judgments about everyday problems.”
Furthermore, understanding a wider context when facing an issue – the ability to answer the question, “What does this all mean?” – is crucial. At the core of 21st-century skills are “what students can do with knowledge rather than the individual units of knowledge they have,” reports Silva.
A greater danger, warns Silva, is tacking on “21st-century skill” to any future initiative. While there are currently several education reform bills that use the term, it’s vital for educators and parents to understand what it means to gauge whether a new program or assessment test may be effective.
Cheri Lucas, a writer in San Francisco, is interested in media and visual literacy and finding ways to blur the line between education and entertainment for kids. Holding a BA in screenwriting and an MFA in creative nonfiction, she worked with language arts students at Corte Madera Middle School for six years. She has three nephews, Lucas, Maverick, and Gunnar.
Follow Education.com on Twitter at @Education_com
Tags: Academics, Back to School, Education.com, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, Teen Help, Teen Issues
Sue Scheff: Self-Advocacy in the Classroom
by Sue Scheff on Aug 19, 2009
A very timely article was just posted on the fantastic website of Education.com about helping your child help themselves when they start school. Here are some educational tips and resources, take the time to be an educated parent.
Source: Education.com
Take Charge! Self-Advocacy in the Classroom
By: Merry Gordon
As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, and that includes a solid education. But recent sweeping budget cuts at the federal and state level may have rendered your child just one face in a crowd of 30—or even 40—other kids clamoring for the attention of one teacher. How can you make sure your kid isn’t just another name on the roster? Now more than ever, children need to learn how to become self-advocates in the classroom. This term has been more often applied to special needs students, but all students can benefit from the concept of self-advocacy. When children can communicate what they need, what their resources are and what they can do to achieve their goals, they become partners instead of pawns in the academic experience.
Step One: Self-Inventory
The first step in teaching children self-advocacy is teaching them to first understand themselves. Help children take inventory of their strengths and weaknesses. These can be social, academic, or even physical—anything that impacts their classroom performance. For example, perhaps your sixth grader is a math whiz, but he struggles to see the board at times because of vision issues. Your high schooler may feel competent at poetry, but challenged when it comes to term papers. Often, self-analysis is one of the hardest steps in self-advocacy: it is difficult for children to evaluate themselves both honestly and thoroughly, and sometimes young children don’t even have the vocabulary to talk about their strengths and weaknesses in this way.
If children are having a hard time assessing themselves, consider looking to a classroom teacher for input. This may not necessitate a separate conference; instead, it might be as easy as looking at the teacher’s most recent comments (both complimentary and critical) on a report card or series of essays. For young children who struggle with self-assessment because of language barriers, try asking simple feeling questions: “How do you feel in science class?” If the answer is “frustrated” or “scared,” there may be an issue worth looking into.
Finally, help your children set realistic and specific goals based on the things that challenge them most: “I want to get better at math” is too vague and difficult to measure, but “I want to memorize my multiplication tables through 12 and do well on the next test” is specific, reasonable and easy to assess. Support your child in writing these goals down in a notebook or on a calendar for future reference. This encourages your child to take ownership of his or her education, an important cognitive shift in becoming a better learner.
Step Two: Locating Resources
Once you have helped your child identify his or her strong points and challenges, it’s time to identify potential resources. It’s a good idea to jot these down by the goals, as the two go hand in hand. If your child is a special needs student, you as a parent will want to be aware of his legal rights as established by federal law—this will give you some idea as to what kind of entitlements are guaranteed to your child in the classroom. But all children are entitled to a good education, regardless of whether or not they are on IEP or 504 plans. Have your child do some research on what resources are available in the classroom—does your son’s 1st grade teacher do before-school tutoring? Does your daughter’s chemistry professor keep a web page with links to help children with difficult concepts? Is there a retesting policy? Many schools sponsor after-school tutoring or open library hours, too; check your school’s website or handbook for information on what is scheduled. It’s important to keep your children as involved as possible in locating resources, as personal involvement increases their accountability.
Identifying support beyond the classroom teacher and school can also be helpful. Perhaps your child knows that a friend is doing well in a class that she is struggling in; this person might be a valuable ally as a peer tutor. Local libraries, if they don’t have study groups formally scheduled, will often at least have separate study rooms that offer a quiet place to work. Outside agencies such as Kaplan or Sylvan may offer specialized academic services (SAT and ACT prep among them) in your community—but for a price. Talk to your child. Keep all options open, and see what seems to make him or her most comfortable.
Step Three: Taking Action
With goals and resources in mind, your child is now fully equipped to take action. The first part of that involves being able to communicate his or her expectations and goals to the classroom teacher. Kids might be more comfortable doing this in writing rather than approaching the teacher face-to-face; either way, it is important for them that they are given the chance to articulate their academic needs instead of depending on a parent to do it for them. Encourage your child to be as specific as possible when approaching a teacher: saying “I’m bad at English and I need help” isn’t as likely to get results as “I’m having a hard time with verbs—can I come in for tutoring on Tuesday morning? Also, it’s difficult to see the board sometimes, so could I be moved to the front?” Educators who see that a student is self-aware, motivated and able to set precise goals are almost always eager to help. This kind of behavior gets kids noticed—and in the best possible way. Teachers are not mind-readers, and all too often (especially in larger classes), children’s needs are often overlooked simply because the teacher is unaware that problem even exists.
Once your child has enlisted his or her classroom teacher’s aid, it’s time to start taking action. This means following through—referencing the written goals and resources, showing up for tutoring, managing time wisely, etc. Kids who have gone through the entire process of self-analysis, goal-setting and communicating with teachers are likely to be successful in meeting those goals.
Step Four: Evaluating
Too many times parent-teacher conferences consist of just that—the parent, and the teacher. But children themselves are the most integral part of the equation of classroom success. Take your children to conferences, help them to reflect on their goal-setting with their instructors present and encourage them to (politely, of course) speak up and be heard in the classroom. They know themselves, and it’s this kind of academic awareness and confidence that can be the difference between being a name on the roster and a full participant in a personal educational partnership.
M.L. Gordon has taught a wide range of subjects, from seventh grade drama to college-level English. She has a Master’s in secondary education and currently teaches high school language arts in Arizona.
Identifying support beyond the classroom teacher and school can also be helpful. Perhaps your child knows that a friend is doing well in a class that she is struggling in; this person might be a valuable ally as a peer tutor. Local libraries, if they don’t have study groups formally scheduled, will often at least have separate study rooms that offer a quiet place to work. Outside agencies such as Kaplan or Sylvan may offer specialized academic services (SAT and ACT prep among them) in your community—but for a price. Talk to your child. Keep all options open, and see what seems to make him or her most comfortable.
Step Three: Taking Action
With goals and resources in mind, your child is now fully equipped to take action. The first part of that involves being able to communicate his or her expectations and goals to the classroom teacher. Kids might be more comfortable doing this in writing rather than approaching the teacher face-to-face; either way, it is important for them that they are given the chance to articulate their academic needs instead of depending on a parent to do it for them. Encourage your child to be as specific as possible when approaching a teacher: saying “I’m bad at English and I need help” isn’t as likely to get results as “I’m having a hard time with verbs—can I come in for tutoring on Tuesday morning? Also, it’s difficult to see the board sometimes, so could I be moved to the front?” Educators who see that a student is self-aware, motivated and able to set precise goals are almost always eager to help. This kind of behavior gets kids noticed—and in the best possible way. Teachers are not mind-readers, and all too often (especially in larger classes), children’s needs are often overlooked simply because the teacher is unaware that problem even exists.
Once your child has enlisted his or her classroom teacher’s aid, it’s time to start taking action. This means following through—referencing the written goals and resources, showing up for tutoring, managing time wisely, etc. Kids who have gone through the entire process of self-analysis, goal-setting and communicating with teachers are likely to be successful in meeting those goals.
Step Four: Evaluating
Too many times parent-teacher conferences consist of just that—the parent, and the teacher. But children themselves are the most integral part of the equation of classroom success. Take your children to conferences, help them to reflect on their goal-setting with their instructors present and encourage them to (politely, of course) speak up and be heard in the classroom. They know themselves, and it’s this kind of academic awareness and confidence that can be the difference between being a name on the roster and a full participant in a personal educational partnership.
Tags: Back to School, Education, Education.com, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, Teen Help
Sue Scheff: The Difference Between Big and Small Schools
by Sue Scheff on Aug 12, 2009
What is best for your child? This is a another great article by Education.com and offers two perspectives that can help you better understand the differences between large and smaller schools. I have seen success in both, depending on the child, the size of the school is an individual decision.
The Difference Between Big and Small Schools
by Merry Gordon
“Supersize me!” While this approach may be a deal in the world of fast food, is it equally effective in education? Or is there something to be said for the iconic one-room schoolhouse of the 19th century? No real concurrence exists on optimal school size, and both small and large schools offer experiences that can add to your child’s academic experience.
Good Things Come in Small Packages: What’s So Great About Small Schools?
It’s a matter of logic: smaller schools typically have smaller classes, and low teacher-student ratios translate into more focus on your child and his education. From a cognitive standpoint, scaling back class size is good because it offers the opportunity to delve deeper into the curriculum and move through it at a faster pace. In fact, many studies show improvement in instructional quality and academic success at small schools. It’s equally beneficial from a social standpoint—fewer students in the room make class participation inescapable, but also usually less intimidating. The size of such schools actually promotes belongingness; it becomes difficult for kids to go unnoticed and slip through the proverbial cracks. The Chicago Public School system small schools website puts it this way: “Smaller numbers of students, a more intimate and personalized learning environment, and a cohesive vision among teachers characterize small schools.”
Smaller schools operate more like a community than a corporation. They frequently have a greater sense of unity, especially if they are built around a particular belief system (religious, educational, cultural, philosophical, etc.) shared by the parents and faculty alike. Another reason for this close-knit feel is that there are often more opportunities for kids to participate. Take, for example, a typical high school sports team. In a big school, competition is fierce for a coveted few spots; those students who make the team gain a personal investment in the school, while those who don’t make the roster—and their families, by extension—may walk away feeling marginalized. In smaller schools the chance for student participation is recurrently higher because students are required rather than redundant; as a result, children in smaller schools and their families have more of a stake in their school.
Larger than Life: What’s So Great About Big Schools?
On the other hand, larger schools can be equally advantageous for different reasons. One of the primary arguments for large schools is the curricular diversity, or variety of classes, they offer. While small schools may only be economically equipped to offer Spanish, for instance, larger schools might offer instruction in Japanese, German and French as well, or offer more opportunities for gifted education, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate coursework. Large schools generally have more to offer students in the way of extracurricular activities too. Take, for example, G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School in Dade County, Florida. Over 4500 students strong, it boasts more than 60 clubs and activities that range from salsa dance to Amnesty International—and that’s not even counting their sports programs. This large school also delivers on academics, ranking within Newsweek’s top 5% of high schools in the U.S. for its graduation rate and Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate test scores. Big schools are also succeeding at the elementary level. Grenada Elementary School in Grenada, Mississippi, has a Kidzeum for their 1800 K-3 students. The Kidzeum, “the first full-scale school-based children’s museum,” according to the Grenada website, has been honored by Business Week and American School Board Journal for excellence in education. Clearly, big things are happening at big schools.
Big schools also tend to have more diversity in their student body. A varied representation of ethnicities, creeds and races at a school can mean more multiethnic, philosophical and interracial dialog. Historically, the benefits of racial and ethnic diversity in education have been viewed in this way, as explained in 2007 by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights: “Recent studies have shown that students of all racial or ethnic groups who attend more diverse schools have a higher comfort level with members of racial and ethnic groups different than their own, an increased sense of civic awareness, and a greater desire to live and work in multiracial settings relative to their segregated peers.” As we move toward a more global marketplace, this ease with diversity can benefit kids in both their future personal and business relationships.
Size alone does not determine a school’s success, but it certainly can be a contributing factor to the success of your child. Whether big or small, embrace what your child’s school has to offer and make the most of the upcoming school year.
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Tags: Education.com, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, School Sizes, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: The Transition to College – Parenting Tips
by Sue Scheff on Aug 06, 2009
It is that time of year again, whether your child is starting school, or your young adult “teen” is starting their next step of their education. Education.com is one of the most comprehensive websites with excellent articles, tips, resources, books and more to help you be the best parent you can be.
I just found this fantastic tips sheet and I am sure it will help many parents out there that are preparing to send their teen into their exciting new venture – called: college.
The Transition to College: Five Tips for Parents
A lot happens between being accepted to college and the first day of class. Now is the perfect time for parents to prepare, get organized and plan ahead. Below are 5 tips for parents with college bound students.
How to pay a tuition bill you might never see. By now you should have already received and paid the college’s first semester tuition bill. Some colleges and universities are still mailing the bill to students at their home address, but most are now electronically posting bills to the student’s college account. If you haven’t seen the bill, your child will need to access the bill through their electronic college student account, print a copy and give it to you for payment if you are helping with this cost. Students can also grant parents access to this account. It’s very important to note that the “date due” is not considered the postmark of the payment but rather the date the monies have been processed through the college financial system. This may take several days with cash payments sometimes taking 2 days.
You don’t need to pay for health insurance twice. Read the itemized college tuition bill carefully before paying it. Often there is a health insurance charge that can be opted out of. Contact your health insurance company now to determine if your child will be covered while away at college. If so, ask for a separate insurance card in the child’s name or a letter stating that you have coverage. You’ll need this documentation to opt out of any insurance coverage fees that some colleges automatically assess on the tuition bill.
Create a health care proxy. This document can designate you as the health care agent for your college bound student. The HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requires all adult (or anyone over 18) medical information and records be strictly confidential. As a college parent, this means that you will not be able to voice your opinion to any clinician about your child’s medical care should they get sick or become hospitalized while out of town. Without a copy of this form, you will also not have access to their x-rays or other medical records that your child might ask you to procure for them. Your child will need to fill out this form and file it with the appropriate college office and you will need to have an additional copy at home that you can fax to doctors and hospitals.
Create a budget with your student. Now is the perfect time to discuss money management with your college bound child and to understand how your child’s college cash account will work. Many colleges and universities now allow students to use their student ID cards as “money cards.” As parents you can load an account with a preset amount of money. The card is used like a debit card with washing machines, book stores, convenience stores and even select coffee shops allowing the student to “swipe the card” through their register systems with the cost deducted from the existing account balance. At many colleges and universities, when the money draws down to a $0.00 balance, the card becomes a “credit card” allowing the student to keep charging – sometimes up to $1,200 dollars. Students need to monitor their spending and especially this account and be aware of this provision.
Have your child communicate with her new roommate Dorm rooms are small and there is never enough room for everything that is brought in that first day. Have your student and the new roommate communicate and decide ahead of time what items they can share rather than duplicate and possibly not purchase at all. Examples of such items are refrigerators, microwaves, fans and TV. Also remember that computers can serve as DVD players , cell phones are wonderful alarm clocks and most colleges have computer labs scattered on campus with printers where you child can use their “print allowance.”
Marie Carr, author of “Sending Your Child to College“, is the mother of 3 college daughters who has spent the last 7 years sending them to 4 different schools and studying abroad. She has been an active participant on 3 college parent councils and coached hundred of parents of college bound students.Tags: College Tips, Education.com, Parenting, Parenting Books, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff
