It's Back to School Time!

As summer vacation draws to a close and the new school year begins, help ensure a successful school year for your child from the start! Here are some tips on how you can support your child in school:

Ask your child about school everyday
> Don’t ask too soon
> Develop a ritual
> Ask specific open-ended questions
> Read everything the teacher sends home
> Give your child space

Make sure your child is ready for school
> Goes to bed at reasonable hour
> Eats a filling and nutritious breakfast
> Wears proper clothes for day’s activities and weather
> Label all belongings
>Make sure child has lunch/lunch money
> Put homework/paperwork in backpack
> Remember special supplies for special days
> Make sure child knows who will pick him/her up and where
> Get your child to school on time – every day

Regularly tell the teacher about your child:
> Positive and negative changes
> How your child feels about school
> How your child feels about school friends
> What your child’s special interests are
> What your child’s special needs are

Support your child’s teacher and school rules
> Conflict resolution:
* Make an appointment
* Consider carefully what you want to say
* Voice concerns in friendly tone, non-threatening
* Prepare to listen to the teacher’s side
* Enlist help of principal if solution cannot be reached
* Use these same steps if teacher contacts you with a problem

Teach your child how to listen
> Read aloud to your child – even after they learn to read
> Limit “screen” time
> Make eye-contact, gently touch shoulder or arm, to secure attention
> Ask child to repeat back to you when giving directions
> Play talking/listening games
> Model good listening behaviors
> Spend time with them doing quiet activities
> Teach them respect for adults

 




 

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