School+and+Grades

How can I help my child be successful in school? 1. Provide needed materials and a quiet, well-lit open area away from distractions. No TV or loud music. Students who have computers in their bedrooms and do homework there usually are not focusing on their work. The ideal place for a computer is in an open area. If your child has a laptop, he/she should use it only in open areas. 2. Have a regular time each day for homework and study time. At least one hour a day is suggested for intermediate students. Decide together what time is best for you and your child. If homework is done before the hour is up, allow her to decide what she would like to do for the remaining time--study for an upcoming test, look over notes, read a book, work on an upcoming project. 3. Allow no phone calls, eating, or disruptions during homework/study time. If needed, allow a __short__ break with the understanding that he must continue immediately with his schoolwork when done. 4. Help your child with organization. Provide her with folders, binder, trapper keeper, or whatever works best for her to be organized. Have her clean out papers on a weekly/biweekly basis. (Be sure she keeps papers that will be needed for projects or to study for tests/quizzes.) 5. Have your child use his agenda book. Look over homework assignments with him. Have him do the tough assignments first. When finished with homework, compare the agenda book and homework to make sure everything is done. When all homework is finished, make sure he places it in the appropriate folder/notebook and puts it immediately in his backpack/bookbag. If he tells you his homework was done in school, tell him he stills needs to bring it home so you can review it. 6. Help your child with time management. Show her how to break down long-term projects into smaller assignments. 7. Teach your child to review his work for errors. As each assignment is completed, have him place it __immediately__ in the correct folder and place it in his backpack/bookbag. 8. Have someone available to answer questions while she is doing her homework. Try to do a problem or two together, then watch as she tries one by herself. __Avoid giving the answer__. Instead, ask questions to help her understand the steps in doing the problem. If you do not understand the homework, write a note to the teacher and ask the teacher to explain it to your child. 9. Review graded and completed assignments. Talk with your child about errors and make sure he understands his mistakes. Give him praise and encouragement for doing a good job. If your child is struggling, show understanding and make suggestions in a positive way. 10. Maintain regular contact with your child’s teachers through phone calls or emails. Request a meeting with the teacher(s) to discuss ongoing problems or concerns. 11. If you have access to the Internet, check your child’s grades regularly. This can be done by going to the district website ( [|www.esasd.net] ) and clicking on Parent Access under ProgressBook. If you do not have your user name and password, please contact the Guidance Office at 424-8431.