School has started and life is changing. There are simple steps to take to ensure that your children not only survive those first week of school activities, but are successful all year long.
A: Access to homework materials; make sure you have all of the necessary supplies for completing homework and projects.
B: Bookshelves to store all of those reference materials and books that will be needed.
C: Computer access is critical. Even younger students may need to type a book report or two.
D: Dinner with the family is proven to have a positive effect on kids. Try at eat together at least 4-5 nights a week.
E: Extra supplies; you never know when your child will run out of loose leaf paper or pencils, keep extras of the basics on hand.
F: Find a quiet spot for homework. The kitchen table isn't ideal, but if it's all you have, make sure it is quiet and clean.
G: Grades; become familiar with your school's grading system and the teacher's policy on homework.
H: Healthy snacks after school are a must.
I: Internet access should be reliable, and be sure to install a parental monitoring program such as K-9 for safety.
J: Jump drive for taking projects to school for presentations.
K: Key to the house: either hide one where you child can find it or keep one in his backpack. Even if you are home most days, you never know when that doctor's appointment could run late.
L: Locker Combination; if your child has a locker at school, practice the combination to ease those nerves.
M: Money; keep a little extra cash secretly stashed in the backpack for lunch emergencies!
N: Night time routines can lead to a better night's sleep for everyone.
O: Open communication with your children, their teachers, and the school.
P: Pack lunches the night before to help keep your morning less hectic.
Q: Quiet time for homework and before bed. Everyone sleeps better if the TV isn't blaring right up to bedtime.
R: Resource materials; keep them readily available.
S: Study Skills; know when tests are coming and learn what study skills will best help your child. (note cards or quizzes)
T: Talk with your child daily about what is happening at school.
U: Understand that your child may need a few weeks to get adjusted to the new schedule; be patient.
V: Volunteering at your child's school will have a positive affect on your child and keeps you in the loop!
W: Who, what, where, when, why...know what your children are doing, where they are going, who they are seeing....you get the idea!
X: eXtra curricular activities are important to social growth, but don't go overboard.
Y: Yard....get your kids off the couch and out in the yard for some fun; especially when the homework piles up.
Z: ZZZZZ....get enough sleep!
