Getting Ready For Kindergarten

Practice getting ready every day for a few weeks before school starts. Get her up with an alarm, have her get dressed and eat breakfast, and be ready to go for the bus or for her ride.

What immunizations do states require?

You must have proof that your child has had the following in most states:
- Three doses (3) of Tetanus and Diphtheria, usually received as DPT, DT or Td vaccine
- Three doses (3) of Polio vaccine
- One dose (1) each of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella after one year of age (two doses starting in 1998)

Building Self-Esteem

1.Have child make a "book" about themselves, with their own illustrations and wording. "A Book About Me" is a great way to help your child see herself as "somebody."
2.Help your child discover their roots by talking with family members during holiday and other visits.
3.Constantly look for ways to tell your children what you like about them, that you love them. There is no age limit on this. "When I do something well, no one ever remembers. When I do something wrong, no one ever forgets." Those words were written by a high school dropout.
4.Let kids overhear you praising them to others.
5.Try "King/Queen for a Day" for good report cards.
6.Help kids learn from problems, not be devastated by them. Many parents don´t ever use the word "failure." They may talk about a "glitch," a "problem," or a "snag." But even when something doesn´t work out as they´d planned, successful people try to learn something from the experience.

Providing Safe Playgrounds

1- Wear shoes, such as sneakers, that do not slide on wet surfaces. However, check for footwear rules at indoor play areas.
2- Do not play on slippery or wet equipment or force body parts through small spaces.
3- Do not play on hot metal surfaces, such as slides, that may cause third-degree burns.

Pringle´s Time Capsules

Create a time capsule for each of your students!
•First each student decorates a piece of construction paper and then they tape this around an empty Pringles can.
•Inside include a sample of the child´s writing, an illustration, a string to show their height, a page showing how high they can count and any other item that relates to the current theme.
•The time capsules are then stored until the last week of school. At that time students redo all the above activities.
•Put all this together as a book, then and now. They and their parents enjoy seeing the growth that has taken place over the year.

Reading With Preschoolers

Start with short reading sessions and slowly build up to longer sessions.

Saying No

Children don´t like to hear the word "No". Instead of saying "No", tell the child under what circumstances he can get a "Yes" answer. For example, your child wants to watch TV. The dishes and homework are still not done. Rather than say "No", you tell the child that he can watch TV after the dishes and his homework are done. It is now the child´s choice and not your decision.

Homeschool - Traditional Tradesman Crafts

Investigate or even try your hand at some of the traditional crafts and trades that might enhance a related history unit. Try candle-making, spinning, textile-dyeing, weaving, broom-making, rug-hooking, carving, etc. A good resource (though out-of-print) is Edward Tunis´ Colonial Craftsmen. Visit local artisans and tradesmen such as weavers, blacksmiths or potters. If possible, visit a historical village such as Williamsburg or Sturbridge.

Homeschool - Grading Periods

When we want to take extra time off, it isn´t very difficult since we aren´t required to take off federal holidays or the entire summer. In fact, we try to work most of the summer while all the nice vacation spots are crowded and then, when the weather is nicest and all the kids have gone back to school, then we take off an extra week and go on a nice, uncrowded vacation!

Reading With Preschoolers

Find a comfortable and quiet place away from the television and the phone.

Solving School Problems

1.Try looking over children´s study materials and making up a sample quiz as they study for upcoming tests.
2.Talk with school "In time of peace" before major problems develop.
3.How to make report cards a positive experience: Preparation. Ask, "What do you think your report card will tell us?" Getting ready is helpful. Perspective. Understand that a report card is just one small measure of your child. A child with poor grades still has plenty of strengths. Positive action. Find something to praise. Focus on how to improve.
4.Be aware that your attitudes about school affect your child. If you hated math, be careful not to prejudice your child.

Get Organized!

Get a cheap planner from your local teaching supply store. Before you begin you first grading period, sit down and write out your lesson plans.

Is she ready?

- The child is in good physical health, the child can see and hear well
- The child is independent in self-care skills like dressing, toileting, eating and hand-washing
- The child can follow directions and has begun to develop an attention span- he or she is able to share and take turns

Teaching Listening Skills

The best way to teach listening skills is to have young children repeat what you have just said. As they get older, having children write what you said teaches the skill as well. As a parent, be careful to state instructions to your children in language that they understand, then immediately ask them to repeat the instruction - in their own words. This is a key since it shows that not only did they hear the instruction, but they are synthesizing the material as well.

Reading With Preschoolers

Make comparisons such as, "That tree is not as tall as our big tree, is it?"

Homework Time

-From kindergarten to third grade, no more than 20 minutes per day.
-From fourth to sixth grade, 20 to 40 minutes per day.
-From seventh to twelfth grade, the recommended amount of time varies according to the type and number of subjects a student is taking. In general, college-bound students receive lengthier and more involved homework than students preparing to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.

Pringle´s Notes

Pringles cans with lids are great for getting important notes home to parents. Clean them out well. Have the child color a picture then glue or tape the picture on to the can, making sure the child´s name is visible. Cover with clear contact paper. Voila, a good sturdy device for getting those papers to the parents.

Television Time

Have TV rules - Set limits. Know how many hours of television your children watch. Limit your children´s viewing to 1 to 2 hours a day. Watching television is often more habit than choice. Establish good viewing habits for your children. Suggest and participate with your children in alternative activities such as reading, sports, conversation, games, and hobbies.

Ten Commandments for Homeschoolers

1 - Develop your own philosophy of education.
2 - Don´t compare your philosophy, system, goals to other homeschoolers.
3 - Borrow from your friends´ that which complements your philosophy.
4 - Give yourself a break. Evaluate yourself, but be nice about it. Learn from your mistakes, but don´t pound yourself on the head with them.
5 - Don´t be greedy. You probably don´t need half of what seems good for your homeschoolers. Put it back on the shelf!
6 - Wait your turn. Before you know it, your children will be able to work on most subjects with almost no supervision, but now they still need your guidance. Be patient.
7 - Avoid Homeschool Contentions. You don´t have to be like everyone else. Don´t try to keep up with the Joneses.
8 - Don´t begrudge. Some people have a gift for creativity in art. Others in music. Improve on what you are really good in!
9 - Have your temper tantrum. Go ahead. Have it and then get over it and drop it!
10- Encourage one another. Lift up fellow homeschoolers and encourage them in their efforts.

Homeschooling - Choosing A Curriculum

1 - Set your educational goals.
2 - Make a careful curriculum match.
3 - Feel free to customize your curriculum.
4 - Evaluate your curriculum carefully.
5 - Get a clue from your kids.
6 - Don´t write your lesson plans in ink.

Building Responsibility

Try a cardboard box to help make your child responsible for school belongings. Have your child choose a place for the box-near the door or in his room. Every afternoon, his first task should be to place all belongings in the box. When homework is finished, it goes in the box, too. In the morning, the box is the last stop before heading out the door.

Reading With Preschoolers

Point out pictures, shapes, colors and page numbers.

Reading With Preschoolers

When reading to your child, let your child turn the pages.

Home Fire Drill

Discuss how your students would perform a practice fire drill at home. Have your class write up a step by step procedure booklet that can be reproduced and distributed not only to your students, but to other students as well. Have them take the booklets home to share with parents. Next, students should draw a diagram of their home,and designate all exits. They need to post this diagram in an area that is frequented by all family members. Finally, students must work with families to develop an evacuation plan and conduct a practice fire drill at least once a month.

Helping Your Child Adjust To School

Be enthusiastic about the upcoming change. Prepare yourself. Arrange a playdate with another child from the program, preferably one-on-one, so that your child will see a familiar face when she walks in.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a formal term for a learning disability that literally means trouble with words. Children experiencing this problem have constant problems with reading and confuse words like was and saw. If the problems persist they usually fall behind academically despite being very intelligent. If you suspect that your child has this problem you will find lots of help at one of my favorite sites Dyslexia Information.com Knowing more about this relatively common disability will help you determine if your child needs additional help.

Has your child lost interest in school?

Talk to the child´s teachers and find out exactly what´s going on. Once you find out the specifics, talk to your
child. Take these three steps:

1.Put the responsibility for change on the child.
2.Show the child you believe he or she can change.
3.Provide choices for making the change.

Reading To Your Preschooler

--Start with short reading sessions and slowly build p to longer ones.
--Pick a time when the child might be calm - try the same time each day.
--Find a comfortable and quiet place away from the television and phone.
--Let the child sit close to you or on your lap.

Homework

Have a regular place for your child to do homework. Use a desk or table in a quiet room. Be sure there´s plenty of light. Find a regular time for homework. You may want to make a rule, "No television until homework is finished." During homework time, turn off the TV and radio.

How To Schedule A Homeschool Day

1.Set a beginning and ending time.
2.Schedule a lunch time and any other desired breaks.
3.Plan the most demanding one-on-one time when younger siblings nap or are occupied.
4.Coordinate individualized teaching with one child while the other children are working independently or reading.

Teaching Geography At Home

Parents can enhance their child´s knowledge of geography by advocating its emphasis in the school curriculum, but learning should not be restricted to the classroom. Games, maps, and other activities are informal and easy ways to encourage geographic awareness and lay a solid foundation.

Reading With Preschoolers

Pick a time when the child might be calm - try the same time each day.

Reading With Preschoolers

Run your finger under the title, author and illustrator as you read. Young children will begin to associate the sound of your voice with the symbols on the page.

School Safety - Riding in a car

Safety belts are the best form of protection passengers have in the event of a crash. They can lower your risk of injury by 45%. You are four times more likely to be seriously injured or killed if ejected from the vehicle in a crash.

Keeping Track of Grades

If you have MS Office on your computer, then create a simple spreadsheet listing all the subjects your child has during the day. Then once a week - I do it every Friday afternoon - enter all of the grades for the week right into the spreadsheet. This doubles as a report card. Again, this helps you with accountability when the state is checking up on you!

Homeschooling - Figuring a Percentage and Letter Grade

Simple steps to figure out the percentage and letter grade of an assignment or test.

1.Correct the paper.
2.Determine the number of total questions.
3.Count number of correct questions.
4.Take the number of correct questions and divide by the total number of questions.
5.Multiply this number by 100 to turn it into a percentage.
6.Typical grade scale: 93-100% = A; 85-92% = B; 77-84% = C; 70-76% = D; 69% and below = F

Reading with Preschoolers

When reading to your child, let your child sit close to you or on your lap.

Teaching Citizenship

Parents can help their children learn more about citizenship by: setting a good example. Participate in the political system and volunteer for community service projects. Invite your child to join you.

Toddler Swim Lessons

Find a "baby-friendly" swimming instructor. They are sensitive to an infant´s feelings, needs, and fears--is a definite requirement for a baby swimming program.

Homeschool - Teach Multiple Grades?

1.Make a schedule including commitments and activities for each family member.
2.Set up your work area so you can easily help each child.
3.Set up a quiet area for difficult assignments, away from toddler noise and interruptions.

Lighten the backpacks

Parents, are you concerned about all the weight your student is carrying? Begin a campaign (with PTA and the principal or school board) to get classroom sets of books for each teacher at your child´s school. Students can take home textbooks at the beginning of the year and will always have their books at home to do homework!

Reinforcing Learning

1.Encourage kids to collect things. Whether they collect rocks, shells, leaves, or bugs is not important. But by collecting, children are learning new ways to make sense out of their world.
2.Estimating is an important math skill. We estimate how much our groceries will cost. We estimate how much time we´ll need to complete a project at work. You can help your child learn to estimate at home. Here´s one idea: As you´re driving, estimate the distance to your destination. Then estimate how much time it will take to get there. Use the odometer or a map to check your work.

Homeschooling - Covering A Subject You´re Unfamiliar With

1. Learn the material along with your child.
2. Team up with another homeschooling family and team teach the subjects you´re strong in.
3. Contact local support groups for team teaching possibilities.
4. Hire a tutor to teach the subject, possibly a local college student.
5. Use a video course.

How To Keep Records For Your Homeschool

Keep records of your child´s homeschooled years.
1.Check to see if your state has specific record keeping requirements.
2.Obtain your child´s cumulative (cum) file from the public or private school they previously attended.
3.Begin keeping a cum file or portfolio if your child is just beginning school. You can use a regular file folder or purchase a cum file from a school supply store.

Homeschooling - Beginning the School Year

You can create your own schedule. Most states mandate 180 days of school per year, but they don´t tell you when you have to hold school. Our school year starts in January. Do what works best for your family!

Tips For Tutoring Young Writers

The typical adult wants to correct everything he or she sees in a child´s composition. Please remember that you want your child to make progress over many years of education. Do not expect perfection in the second grade. Your role as a homework tutor can be extremely beneficial if you follow these powerful guidelines:

1. Bring the purpose of the composition into focus.
2. Ask your child to clarify those statements that are confusing or opaque.
3. Lead your child to self-correct punctuation, grammar, and spelling by circling errors and writing the correction.

Through these techniques you will be able to have helpful, even friendly, conversations with your children over the compositions that they produce throughout their school years.

Perfomance Assessments and Your Child

Ask the teacher to explain the types of performance assessment to be used so that you can answer your child´s questions and help him or her decide how to prepare for the assessment.
2- Request that the school give a presentation on performance assessment for parents.

Homeschooling - Taking a field trip?

Make matching tie-dyed shirts for your kids by mixing Rit dye with hot water in squirt bottles. Offer a couple of colors and show the kids how to adjust the nozzles to make designs. They will be easy to find in a crowd!

Helping Your Child Read Better

--Occasionally read materials that are a little more difficult than what your child is used to reading.
--Emphasize certain words and vary your voice for more dramatic and interesting read-aloud sessions. If it`s not fun, don`t do it!
--If you are a father, make an extra effort to read to your children.
--Encourage questions from your child while you are reading. Emphasize that asking questions is a positive act.

Making Schools Safe

1- Visit frequently, being sure to register with administrative personnel when you arrive.
2- Volunteer to help in your child´s classroom or elsewhere in the school as often as you can and encourage other parents to visit and volunteer. The more parents are involved and visible, the safer their children´s schools will be.

Pre-K: Refrigerator Reading

Purchase a set of magnetic letters. You can find these at larger toy stores or shops that sell educational materials. Find pictures that represent simple words: dog, cat, Mom, Dad, girl, boy, cat, bat, and so on.

Motivating Your Child

Children need the 4 "A"s as well as the 3 "R"s: Attention, Appreciation, Affection, and Acceptance.
Some researchers believe every child is gifted-if we will just look for the ways. Helping a child see his giftedness is very motivating.

Reading With Preschoolers

Make storytime a fun time. Enjoy the story and your child. Discuss the pictures and the story. Let your child ask questions, too.

Reading To Your Children

Try relaxing your family´s bedtime rules once a week on the weekend. Let your child know that he can stay up as late as he wants-as long as he´s reading in bed.

Homework

1- Share any concerns you may have regarding the amount or type of homework assigned with your child´s teacher or principal.
2- Encourage your child to take notes concerning homework assignments in case questions arise later at home.
3- Provide a suitable study area and the necessary tools (for example, paper and books) to complete the homework assignments.