By fourth grade it can be helpful for a child to use a homework notebook. This is a place to jot down homework assignments, due dates and materials as needed. If your child is struggling with any of these pieces, you might ask his teacher to spot check the lists. It can also be helpful […]
Another common homework battle is over place. The goal is a well stocked, well lit space with a good table or desk and a comfortable something for reading. Well stocked means having everything your child might need for homework for the year. In elementary school this might be pencils, erasers, wide lined paper, markers, crayons, … Continue reading Homework Solution #2: Place
The most common homework concerns are related to time, space and organization. I am linking three blog posts with the aim to answer each. There isn’t a best time to do homework, just several options. The idea is to find what fits your family best for now. There are some children who just want it … Continue reading Homework Solution #1: Time
I am firmly in the learning through play camp when it comes to preschoolers and early academics. Done in a good way, this doesn’t mean just let them play and they’ll be ready. It means thoughtfully providing academic experiences in fun, engaging and play based ways. Early Literacy Skills to Keep in Mind – Early … Continue reading Providing a Foundation for Academic Success in Preschool Friendly Ways
Before they are writing There are lots of ways to encourage the skills that support writing from long before they are writing letters and words. Fine motor activities – Starting in the first year, you can give activities that practice the pincer grasp and exercize the fingers. This is picking up small food like Cheerios or … Continue reading Ways to Encourage Early Writing
Build a broad base of knowledge – When the teacher talks about a new topic in class, it’s helpful if your child has a fund of related knowledge. There are several ways to build this. Focus on building your child’s vocabulary – A child’s vocabulary scores are often reflective of their overall cognitive scores. A … Continue reading Ways to Encourage Confidence in the Classroom from Home
At some point, most children go through a phase of not wanting to go to school. For others, that push can ebb and flo for years. My younger daughter, Claire, has always had a difficult time going back after the Winter Break. There were tears in January throughout elementary school. Smooth, calm morning – I … Continue reading What to Do When Your Child Says “I Don’t Wanna Go to School”
For Parents: Before Consider your compliments, questions and concerns – It is nice to be able to greet your child’s teacher with something pleasant. Conferences are also a time to share your concerns about your child, the class or the school, and to ask any questions that you have. It’s best to be prepared. Take … Continue reading Make the Most of Your Parent-Teacher Conferences: For Parents AND for Teachers
If you are hoping to enroll in a preschool, there is a lot to consider. A great place to start is scheduling visits to all the preschools you are considering. This may be individual tours or open houses which could be offered while children are in classes or not. If children are in classes, it’s … Continue reading Things to Consider When Choosing a Preschool
I work as a school and developmental psychologist at a few private schools and in my outside practice. In this role, there is a great deal of effort put into directing families to appropriate assessments and matching children with valuable services. While I understand a parent’s hesitation at the process (it’s big), and their worry … Continue reading Please Don’t Worry About Labels or Early Services – Embrace Them
Parenting by Dr. Rene 