Neighborhood Kids family fun in bellingham & whatcom county

Getting a Great Start at School

With the beginning of school parents are hopeful that their children will have a successful year. For some parents this time is filled with tension as they wonder whether their children will “get the right teacher,” excel at their studies or in some cases just stay out of trouble. Children are individuals and each school year brings new challenges and concerns. While parents cannot control all that happens during a school year, they can take active steps to encourage a positive experience for all involved. Following are some practical suggestions to help parents get their children off to a good start.

Ensure success for your kids as they start another school year.

1. Meet with the Teacher(s). Request a meeting with the instructor within the first few weeks of school. At this meeting, discuss your child’s past school experiences (including areas of strength and weakness), your hopes for the year, channels and frequency of communication, the teacher’s style and expectations related to teaching, discipline, class goals, and homework. Every effort should be made to establish a sense of agreement and teamwork that insures that together you and the teacher(s) will be working to make this a good year for your child.
2. Meet the Support Staff. Get to know the building administrators, office staff and counselors as well as any specialists that your child will be involved with. Again, an effort should be made to establish open communication and a cooperative atmosphere.
3. Know the Schedule. Try to know the answers to the following questions. What will your child be doing during the day? What teachers will she/he be with? When should she/he be home?
4. Get Involved. Join the parents organization, serve on the site council of a school or district committee, volunteer in the classroom or to help with extra-curricular activities. These opportunities provide you with an insider’s view of life at school and can help you earn the right to be heard when you have questions or concerns.
5. Take Your Child on a School Visit. If you have moved or your child is changing to a new building, it is helpful to take them to the building before school starts. Kids can feel less overwhelmed during the first few days when they know where things like the office, library, restrooms, lunchroom and play area are located.
6. Know Basic School Policies (especially in discipline). Find out: What is expected behavior? What is the process for discipline? How are parents informed and involved?
7. Get school supplies. The sooner your children have their supplies the sooner they will be able to get to work, hopefully preventing falling behind.
8. Establish a Home Study Time. Set aside a portion of time during the evening when the TV is off and homework is completed. On days there is no homework, the time can be used for reading or playing “learning games” with the family. It is helpful to have a container of basic supplies at home so there is no excuse for not being able to do homework because, “I don’t have the right stuff.”
9. Encourage Participation in School Activities. Clubs, music, sports and other activities at the school can provide excellent opportunities for applying what has been taught at home and school in practical ways as well as being positive outlets for kids to have fun and build friendships.

As parents work to become informed and involved thought these and other positive efforts, kids will be able to experience increased success in a new school year and parents can breathe a sigh of relief.