By Mimi Doe
Source:
National Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Many teachers have written to me over the years, frustrated with how unprepared their students are—and they don't mean academically. Chris, a kindergarten teacher, wrote what many teachers have expressed, "I would love it if you could write a 10 tips for parents to help us teachers do our increasingly demanding job. Many parents of children I teach have left the job of spiritual, character, and social/emotional education to me. I can't do it all in addition to teaching academic skills. I'm getting burned out and pretty soon won't have the energy left to nourish one child let alone 25."
So here goes—my 10 tips:
Create a smooth takeoff each day. Give your child
a hug before she ventures out the door and you head to work. Look her
in the eye, and tell her how proud you are of her. Your child's
self-confidence and security will help her do well both in school and
in life.
Prepare for a happy landing at the end of the day
when you reconvene. Create a predictable ritual such as 10–20 minutes
listening to your child talk about his day—before you check phone
messages, read the mail, or begin dinner. That way you are fully
present to listen, and your child has a touchstone he can count on
between school and home.
Fill your child's lunchbox with healthy snacks
and lunches. Have dinner at a reasonable hour and a healthy breakfast.
A well-balanced diet maximizes your child's learning potential.
Include calm, peaceful times in your children's
afternoons and evenings. Maintain a schedule that allows them to go to
school rested, and if they are sick, have a system in place so they
are able to stay home.
Remember it's your children's homework, not
yours. Create a specific homework space that's clutter-free and quiet.
Encourage editing and double-checking work, but allow your kids to
make mistakes, as it's the only way teachers can gauge if they
understand the material. It's also how children learn responsibility
for the quality of their work.
Fill your child's life with a love for learning
by showing him your own curiosity, respecting his questions, and
encouraging his efforts.
Fill your home with books to read, books simply
to look at, and books that provide answers to life's many questions.
The public or school library is an excellent resource.
Be a partner with your child's teacher. When you
need to speak to him or her in reference to a specific issue with your
child, do it privately, not in front of your child. Make a point never
to criticize your child's teacher in front of your child.
Set up a system where routine items are easily
located—such as backpacks, shoes, signed notices. Create a central
calendar for upcoming events to avoid the unexpected.
Tuck a "love note" in your child's lunch bag to let her know how special she is. Knowing they are loved makes it easier for children to be kind to others.
