“Helping Your Child to Be Successful in School” Contributed by Jeff Kinsella

Sometimes the simplest ideas make the most sense. If you have children (or you have friends with children), here are some simple tips to help your children learn. These tips will also help them become happier and more successful both at school and at home.

But first, here is the background story to the author of the list below: Jeff Kinsella is a veteran elementary school educator and Title 1 Specialist who works with new teachers and with disadvantaged kids at an elementary school in Medford, Oregon. He created an easy-to-read one-page of suggested things parents can do to help their kids learn. The list was translated into Spanish, as well.

I’m posting the list here because many teachers and trainers still have little ones at home and these ideas are invaluable in terms of children’s success in learning and in school. The list title is also a link to the free PDF one-page in both English and Spanish. You are welcome to download and share the information with anyone who might find the information helpful. If you would like to contact Jeff about more tips to help your children learn and be successful in school, you can email him at: [email protected].

5Helping Your Child To Be Successful In School

1.  Eat together as a family whenever possible.

2.  Find a quiet place and read out loud with your child for 20 minutes each school day.

3.  Take turns reading out loud; this is together time.

4.  Talk about the story, make predictions, discuss the characters and the setting.

75.  Talk to your child about the things that interest him or her.

6.  Be a respectful listener, answer their questions.

7.  Make sure your child attends school daily.

8.  Spend time together doing family activities.

9.  Have consistent and fair expectations for your child.

10. Clearly state your expectations and make sure your child understands them.

211. Show compassion and empathy to your child.

12. Be a positive role model.

13. Have fun, but remember that you are the adult.

14. Remember that talking is more effective than yelling.

15. Let you children know that they are loved.

Thank you for reading!