December already! Time is flying by and there is so much to do and learn in the school year. I want to remind all parents how important it is that your child is the person responsible for his or her homework. Children as young as 1st grade can be responsible for putting his or her homework folder in their backpack. By 2nd grade, all students should be able to take out their homework, do it, and then put it back in their backpack. The only things parents should be doing now is providing the time, space, and materials.
Closed Captioning (CCTV) is not just for deaf people! Closed captioning is a wonderful way to help students improve their reading skills. Most of us have this capability either on our television sets or through our cable service providers. Please see the research regarding this on the Information Links page!
My stomach turns every time I see a student on wheels without a helmet.
Not only is it THE LAW that children wear helmets while they bike, scooter, blade or board, but I have seen first hand the devastating effects of brain injuries. Some brain injuries have life-long effects and are unnecessary. Insisting that your child wear his or her buckled helmet should be a safety rule that is followed 100% of the time or your child's privilege of freedom should be revoked.
By now, all students know their teachers' expectations. Organization is a key component for success, and the classroom teachers and I continue to diligently work to help all students that need assistance.
We ask that parents allow their children to grow as independent thinkers and allow them to pack their own backpack (with guidance) and to take responsibility for their own lapses! This is part of growing up.
What can you do to help your child be successful?
Make TIME for your son or daughter to do homework.
Make a SPACE for work to happen. This does not have to be a desk, but should be an area free from distractions.
Provide MATERIALS such as paper, pencils, or index cards.
Remember that this is
their homework, and we assume all our parents have already graduated from elementary school!
