The Beginning of a New School Year – Starting the Year Out Right!

Each new school year is always a studentpicture3: brand new adventure.  Everyone is excited and probably a little nervous.  What will my child’s new teacher be like?  Will my child be successful in their new class?  How can I help my child be successful through out the year?  These may be just a few questions you are asking as your child moves forward in their school career.  We hope you will take a few minutes to read this article.  We believe it will give a couple of ideas on how you can help your child have a successful start to their new school year.  You will also find ideas on how to develop a productive and positive relationship with your child’s teacher.  We look forward to having you visit our site often.  We will be featuring many of the outstanding events happening at schools throughout Kern County.

This is a Brand New Year
One of the first steps to beginning a successful year is to remember this is a new year and with the new school year comes the opportunity for a brand new beginning.  This is an excellent time to review and reevaluate regular routines and implement new strategies to help your child become successful at all areas of getting ready for and participating in their schooling.

 Bus2: The school year does not have to be filled with arguments over completing homework or in debates over bedtime rules.  While charts and homework schedules are a good idea, they work best when parents clearly communicate what is expected.  It then becomes very important to follow through on those expectations and, if necessary, become a broken record by continuing to repeat the expectations when the debates start.  It is important to talk about the homework rules and the daily routines before school starts and most important to enforce these rules consistently.

Children will often reflect the attitude of the parents when it comes to completing projects and other homework assignments.  It is very important that parents keep a positive attitude to help encourage their child to do their very best.  Emphasizing homework as an opportunity to learn or an opportunity to show their teachers what they know is a much better approach than focusing on the idea that clipboard1: homework is something the child “has to do.”

Start now and make plans, set expectations and communicate these with your child.  One thing you can count on is that there will be a variety of surprises and unexpected events that pop-up from time to time.  Be ready and think ahead to what different situations may arise and be prepared for any of those surprises.  Talk early to your child’s teacher and develop a plan on the best way to talk with the teacher whether it be through some kind of notebook, telephone calls, or through email.  Most teachers are very eager to have a way to regularly talk with parents to help each of their students achieve success.

Preparing Children for Their New Adventure
Children may become very nervous or anxious as the new school year starts.  Particularly as they start a new grade or have moved to a new school.  You as the parent can truly help ease your child into their new situation by helping them feel prepared for the new situation.  If your child walks to school or rides their bike, studentspicture2: then walk or ride the route with them.  If they ride the bus, show your child where the bus stop is and make sure they know the schedule.  Also, make sure your child understands how to find the bus after school.  Remind them where they are to go after school, whether it is home, to an after school program, or to a babysitter.  The new school year also presents your child with a variety of whole new situations, some will be pleasant and some will be difficult.  Think ahead to what difficult situations may occur, such as making new friends, and talk with your child about ways to deal with these situations before they occur.  The important thing to remember is that your child needs to know they are supported by you, their parent. 

Get Involved in Your Child’s Education
Teachers are always very excited about meeting their new students and the new parents.  When the school day ends for the students, teachers may just be beginning as they prepare for future lessons or meet with other teachers.  It is always best to make an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher to introduce yourself and let them know you are there to support your child’s learning.  Taking time to meet and introduce yourself and your child to the Principal is also a way to let your child know there are other adults on campus there to help your child.  These are especially good ideas to use if your child has special needs or if the family may be going through difficult times such as divorce, an illness or death of family member, or a recent or pending move.

Find ways to get involved more with your child’s education.  Schools provide a variety of ways for parents and other adults to volunteer time at the school to help in many activities.  Simple activities like listening to other students to read can be extremely valuable for many students who may not have anyone to listen to them.  Even with very busy schedules, parents can make a real difference in their child’s education by encouraging them to talk about their day and by listening to the child explain the highlights.  This sends the message that you value their education and provides an opportunity for children to use language they are learning in school.

gradedpaper2: No Child Left Behind (NCLB) has made standardized test more important than ever.  California has developed standards for every grade level and most schools have developed parent handouts or brochures to help parents know what their child will be expected to do by the end of their grade level.  By taking time to talk with your child’s teacher about the standards, parents can gain valuable information on what the teacher plans to teach and develop ideas on how to help their child at home in developing the skills they will need to be successful.  Playing rhyming games with young children and by encouraging more advanced readers to discuss what they have read is a great way to help your child develop their reading and comprehension skills.  Many of these kinds of reading games and activities can be fun and very rewarding to do with your children.  Ask your child’s teacher for more ideas that can be done to better help your child.

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