- Ask the teacher about the best way to contact her. Does she prefer email, notes in your youngster’s
- backpack, or phone calls?
- Sign and return items as soon as possible. Your signature on a graded test or reading log communicates to the teacher that you’re interested in how your child is doing.
- Your youngster’s life at home can have a big impact on his life in school. Talk to the teacher right away about changes like a new custody arrangement or a parent’s military deployment. That way, you and the teacher will both be able to keep an eye out for any changes in his grades or behavior.
Short Notes: Focused on learning Does your youngster know that sitting up straight and watching the teacher helps him stay focused? This position signals his brain to be alert so he can pay attention to lessons and instructions. Tip: To avoid distractions, he might pretend there’s a tunnel directly between him and his teacher. Respect for all teachers Tell your child to treat substitute teachers the way she would treat guests in your home. She should be respectful and provide help if the substitute asks for it. Explain that it’s also important for your youngster to follow classroom rules and routines—just as she would if her regular teacher were there. Time to play No matter what grade your child is in, he’s not too old to play! He’ll stretch his imagination and relieve stress. Try pulling out toys he hasn’t used in a while, like building blocks or toy trains. Having them in plain sight may inspire him to play with them again. Or walk to a playground after dinner—and invite the entire family to swing, slide, and climb. Worth quoting “Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.” - Henry James | Homework: Set the Stage Homework is your child’s job, but you play an important role, too. Here are everyday things you can do to set her up for success. Show interest Before your youngster starts homework, ask her to tell you about her assignments. She could show you her textbooks or worksheets and explain what she is supposed to do. (“I have to finish the even-numbered math problems on this page and answer questions about this poem.”) This shows her that homework is important to you. Create a schedule Encourage your child to list the subjects she has for homework every day, and help her estimate how long each will take. (“Math: 35 minutes. Writing: 20 minutes.”) Keep in mind that some kids prefer to do easier assignments first so they can quickly accomplish something, while others would rather start with harder work. Have your youngster decide which method suits her best. Offer support There are lots of ways to support your child while she works. Let her bounce ideas off of you for a project, or listen as she reads her essay out loud. If she gets stuck, ask questions to guide her rather than giving her the answers. Or suggest strategies like looking at a previous textbook chapter, consulting her notes, or calling a friend. She’ll see that she can rely on herself to find solutions Red Ribbon Week 2016The last week in October is Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is a time for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. We have some exciting activities planned at Bassetti for Red Ribbon Week. Check the calendar on Bassetti Elementary’s website for more information. Your child will also bring home a flyer mid-October detailing the week’s activities. |
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