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Helping your Child with School

School sure seems much different today than it did 30 years ago.  We were never allowed to use a calculator for math when we were in school!  This 'new math' and all the charting and patterns kids are learning now are mind boggling.

Nonetheless, parents can still be a big help to children with school.  One of the easiest and most effective ways to help is to show an interest.  Make it a habit to ask your child about her day. 

If you know that each Monday the kids have a pre-test for their final spelling test on Friday, make sure that on Monday night you start going over the spelling words.  Don't wait until Thursday night.

Be involved with homework.  Don't just accept a response of "I don't have any" or "It's all done."  Ask to see all homework. Offer suggestions or praise as applicable. 

If your child comes to you with homework and it looks all Greek to you, don't panic.  Look in the work book. It may help.  If you still have no idea how to help your child, the Internet can be a wonderful aide.

The purpose is not to teach your child to look up answers to homework on the Internet; however it may be helpful for you to gain a better understanding of the assignment.  Type in the exact problem or phrase into a search engine and sometimes the answer will return in the completed search.

If you do know the answer to the problem, don't just tell your child the answer.  That is not helping him to learn.  That is helping him take the easy road.   Take the time and give her hints or probing questions but do not give the answer.

The same applies for larger projects.  Get involved.  Go to the craft store together to get poster board or Styrofoam for the science project.  Brainstorm details of the project. Work on it together.

Getting involved with your child, his day and his school work will speak volumes to your child.  Remember, ask questions about homework, and then ask to see the work.  Then provide encouragement.

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