• Top Ten Ways to Help Your Child at Home


     

       1. Read together every day for at least 20 minutes.
              Have your child read an easy book aloud to you for part of the time , and choose another book one or two grade levels higher to read to him/her.
     
       2. Establish a set time and place in your house for doing homework.
              Stock your child's homework spot with a set of crayons, sharpened pencils, scissors, a ruler and glue.  Make sure the area is well lit and comfortable with an adult close at hand to answer questions and offer encouragement.
     
       3. Be an active part in our class and school. The PTA has many wonderful opportunities for parental involvement. You are also always welcome in our class! I'll have a parent volunteer sign up sheet at Parent Orientation in September.

       4. Actively encourage your child.  Praise him/her often for academic progress and positive behavior.  Be your child's greatest cheerleader, and celebrate successes often!
     
       5. Help your child study.
              Begin on Monday helping your child prepare for Friday's tests. Spelling lists and phonics assessment study guides may be broken down into smaller parts. Studying a few words or concepts each day will help make Thursday night much easier on your family.  Also, please go over addition and subtraction flash cards as they come home in your child's folder.


       6. Empty your child's folder together every day.
              Your child will want to make you proud, and will often work harder knowing you are interested in every assignment and project that comes home.  Also, please discuss behavior noted on our chart and sign your child's reading log each night.
     
       7. Be consistent about bedtime, so your child is well rested for school. 
    Six and seven year olds need around ten hours of sleep each night to feel and learn their best.

     
       8. Expect your child to be responsible.
     First graders are capable of many things. Please expect your child to bring home his/her folder, homework and library book every day. Make it his/her responsibility to place it in his/her backpack after it is complete.
     
       9. Experience the world together.
              Find excitement in learning by taking your child to the library, to run errands, or to special events with you. Don't underestimate the importance of time spent together in everyday situations such as talks in the car, preparing dinner together, or tucking in your child at night. Children learn so much from interested, caring parents!
     
     10. Have a wonderful year with your sweet second grader!