BY TODD HALLMAN
On Monday, students in our area will have their first full day of school for the 2017-2018 school year. Each classroom will be filled with students with varying backgrounds and different needs. In order to make the most of this academic year, I would encourage parents to get more involved in their child’s life by being involved in their child’s school and in dialogue with their child’s teacher. Together we can have a game-plan on how to get the most out of our year both socially and act academically. I would encourage us to forget about test scores! Test scores will take care of themselves. If parents are actively involved in their child’s classroom and school experience, and our students are supported at home, then test scores will improve, because our students and teachers will have the support that they need. In short, I would recommend the following in order to insure a prosperous and exceptional year:
1. Talk to your child’s teacher and discover if there is anything that is needed in the classroom (i.e. reams of paper, pencils, scissors, printer ink, etc), and if possible volunteer to supply extra materials. You may be thinking as I have thought, “I pay taxes. Why should I have to supply additional materials? I have already picked up a number of supplies for the classroom.” The reality is that most teachers have placed on their lists exactly what is needed to accomplish day-to-day operations. I do not believe we merely desire to have an ordinary classroom experience. We want our kids to have an extraordinary experience so they can have the tools to excel. Those tools cost, and not every child is going to come to class on Monday with the same amount of resources. Others of us can help provide a framework for success.
Be a team player with your child’s teacher, and support the teacher as you support your child.
2. Spend time reading with your child every evening, and if they are in upper grade levels (middle school and senior high) have a time to talk to your child about their day. While they may not like your prying into their lives, it is absolutely necessary. Intervention is crucial to success and there is no substitute for parental involvement.
3. Limit the amount of time your child is on personal electronics (smart phones, video games, etc.). In fact, encourage your child to play outside or participate in some physical activity. This will relieve stress and will also help your child be more alert and prepared for their school day.
4. Be aware of your child’s participation in social media (Facebook, SnapChat, Instagram, etc). If your child is in an 8th grader or younger, and you haven’t gotten them a smartphone yet — then DON’T!!! Children need to be children. Studies have shown that for kids who have smartphones, they mainly use their smartphones for social media, and as a result there are drastic increases of anxiety disorders as a result. Our kids have enough problems with adding a social anxiety disorder to it. For those parents whose children do have smartphones, be aware of their social media habits. Know the apps that they have on their phones and have conversations with your child about the dangers of social media.
5. Be a good listener! Listen to your child’s conversation. Listen to their behavior. Listen and watch — look for their frustrations. Be present for them. Create a relationship with your child so that when they have questions, concerns, or struggles, they will come to you. The best social media our children can have is the dialogue they have with us as caring and supportive parents!
When we partner with our teachers — when we support our kids — when we take an active part in our schools — we will all be better equipped in providing a dynamic and successful school year, but we will also be better prepared to deal and troubleshoot concerns that our kids face, our schools face, and our society faces. Together we can make a difference, and we will find that our involvement directly impacts our child’s performance.