Pages

Sunday, August 19, 2012

School Stuff



Focus on their strengths
It is really important that we focus more on a child's strengths rather than their weaknesses. As we focus and give them opportunities to develop and succeed in areas that they have natural interest and gifts, they will develop a healthier and positive view of themselves. If we focus too much on the stuff they are not doing well in, they may develop a negative view of themselves and become unmotivated.When they are feeling discouraged and comparing themselves negatively to others, remind them of their strengths. Encourage them to focus on those. Remind them that no one is good at everything, but if they work at the things that they struggle with, they can improve in that area.
Help them identify their personal strengths (not just academic).

Focus on their effort 
Help build your child up by acknowledging their effort and their opinion. 
"You are working really hard at that."
"You worked really hard at that."
"Why did you get that one right?/How did you do that? You got that problem right? How come?
--- Did you try hard? Are you getting better in that area?"
"To me it's more important what you think. What do you think? It's more important what you think." (We describe what THEY did, and let them do the judging.)
"I noticed you _________."
Helpful resource: Shaping Self-Concept by Jim Fay

Encourage a Growth Mindset
Teach your child that their brain is like a muscle and gets stronger and makes more connections when they use it. Instead of praising and giving all the attention to easy, perfect performance; praise EFFORT and notice perseverance. Help them learn that if they stick with a tough task they can improve, learn, and grow. Here are some simple things you can say to promote a growth mindset.
"We can grow, learn, and improve. We can become more skilled, knowledgeable, and intelligent in any area."
"I want to become better at______so I am going to work at it."
""Oooh. I am definitely working my brain really hard right now."
"Man, this is tough for me, but I am going to keep working at it, so I can get better at it."
"If you work hard and practice, you can learn how to________."
"Oh, man. I made a mistake. I wonder what I could learn from this?"

Model an excitement for learning
Say things like...
"Wow. I learned something really cool this week."
"This sounds really interesting to me. I want to learn more about that."

Help them understand tests/grades/mistakes
Teach your child that it is important to try their best on tests, but teach them what tests and grades are really for. Tests and grades are a way for the teacher to find out what things they know well, and what things they need more practice with. It helps them decide what they need to teach. As they get older test (high school) scores become more important. Grades and tests are not about how SMART or DUMB they are. Everyone learns at different speeds, so it doesn't matter how they compare to their friend. The important part is that they do their best and learn from mistakes.
As parents, when a child brings home a report card, notice the positive first. Then have a conversation about the areas that they are struggle in. To say it in a positive tone, that keeps the responsibility on them you could ask questions like...
Which grade are you most proud of?
Which grade would you like to change?
What do you need to do to get it changed?
What  can I do to help you?
http://www.storknet.com/cubbies/parenting/talking-about-grades.htm

Help the class and the school!
Teachers have a very challenging job. Try to find a way to help support the class or the school where you can. Try to communicate concerns respectfully, be patient, and be grateful for the hard work they do.

Be an advocate for your child!
Be an advocate for you child and encourage the school to adopt policies that are healthy for your child. (Recess, homework limits, discipline approaches...)

Great Resources
Helpful info about how to support your child at each grade level

LEARNING TO READ AND WRITE
readingrockets.org
Sound Steps To Reading
BOB Books
Great Spelling Apps

MATH
IXL Math Website
Kahn Acadamy Tutorials

SOCIAL STUDIES
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/
http://www.usconstitution.net
Time For Kids
National Geographic
http://www.culturecrossing.net
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/
Story of the World Workbook and CD's
http://www.fusd1.org/Page/2266

SCIENCE
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/watercycle-kids.html


Posted by at
Labels: