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
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
After a relaxing summer, getting into the school routine can be a tough transition. There are lots of small things to do to help the school year get off to a great start. Good night, good breakfast and calm morning – Do what you can the night before including pack lunches, pick outfits and review … Continue reading A Great Start to the School Year
A foundation piece of self-esteem is a child’s growing sense of skills and abilities. Are they being challenged? Are they learning new things? An easy way to build this in is giving challenges in play. If they are building with blocks, challenge them to build it taller. If they are climbing, challenge them to do … Continue reading Giving Challenges Builds Self Esteem
It’s the start of a new school year. This may be your first year of preschool, or your third year at an elementary school. Wherever your child is in their school career, there is always the possibility of your child having difficulty in the classroom or with the program. When this happens, it is often … Continue reading Parents, Please Assume Positive Intent from Teachers
The theme this week is working through problem solving with your children. Our third guideline is ‘corrections shouldn’t feel like corrections.’ This guideline is easier to follow with younger children. When a two-year-old says, “I need a ram-baid,” we don’t tend to correct in a heavy way such as, “no, you said that wrong! It … Continue reading Corrections Shouldn’t Feel Like Corrections
Continuing the theme of helping children become independent problem solvers, give hints and suggestions not outright answers. A few examples: When your first graders asks, “mommy, how do you spell elephant?” Avoid spelling it for them. Give hints and suggestions for how they can spell it. You might offer to help them learn to look … Continue reading Give Hints and Suggestions Not Answers
Whether your four-year-old is working on a hard puzzle, or your fourth grader is struggling through math homework, when they ask for your help, start by asking them how they would like to be helped. If you swoop in and give them your brand of helping, you may be doing too much, which discourages independent … Continue reading Ask Them How They Want to Be Helped
Throughout your child’s education, it is important to build a sense of home-school connection. There is benefit for your child’s academic motivation if they feel you value their school, and that their school welcomes you. There are so many ways you can work to build this bridge. Take an interest in their progress – Ask … Continue reading Building Academic Motivation
Parenting by Dr. Rene 