Teacher Talk Series: The Elementary Years - 4 Ideas To Help Students Succeed This Year

The "Wise Parents, Wise Kids" video chat between Janet Bonnin, Angela Woodrow and guest Karen Aitken, Veteran Elementary School Teacher, was really fun and filled with ideas!  You can see that by going here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eog47S36Tqc

If you'd rather read about it, here are some highlights:

FTF:  As a fantastic veteran teacher, please share some ideas to help students become successful learners.

Karen Aitken:

1         Teach problem solving.  Being brilliant doesn’t mean you have memorized everything.  Instead, I emphasize how to use resources, such as notes they’ve taken, to find the answers.  It is not what you do for kids that make them successful; it is what you’ve trained them to do for themselves.

2        Practice organizational skills.  Create habits of self-awareness and self-sufficiency. Put some structure in the classroom (or home) of where things go – completed assignments, backpacks, etc.  The more organized a child is, the less stress a child feels, especially when time is tight.  The homework is not done until it is in your folder which is in your backpack.

3         Learn to be an Active Listener.  Help children create Active Listening habits by periodically checking in to ask what they have heard in their own words.  With encouragement and practice, kids can become an Active Listener, which is important to great communication. 

4         Take ownership of yourself.  Students are often used to someone doing things for them.  Instead, encourage them to show responsibility for their tasks, like getting homework done, without prompting. Being responsible for choices, actions and emotions at this young age are building blocks for success and confidence as they grow.  “Reader’s Theater Work Ethic Kits” help kids learn real life examples of grownups who don’t have good habits.

Resources for Parents and Teachers:

www.classroommastery.com

www.teacherspayteachers.com

www.theteachingexperiencepodcast.com

Parent Tip:  Create a place at home where your child keeps their backpack, jacket, lunchbox, shoes, etc.  This can help them learn to be organized by having a routine, and relieve the anxiety of panicking while looking for these items when they are trying to get ready for school.

Remember, parents and teachers are the significant adults in children’s lives.  When we have the expectation and verbalize that a child will be successful, the child rises to that level.

6 Easy Ways to Support Your Child's Learning and School Success

Parents play an important role in championing their children to do their best in school.  A vital way to show your kids how important you feel a good education involves building a connection with your children’s teachers.  

Let’s look at several tips on partnering with and supporting your child’s teacher and maintaining open lines of communication:

• Attend Back-To-School Night. An article on KidsHealth.org shares, “Kids do better in school when parents are involved in their academic lives. Attending back-to-school night at the start of the school year is a great way to get to know your child's teacher and his or her expectations.” Attending back-to-school night will also help you find out what your child will be learning during the school year. 
•  Reach out and introduce yourself to your child’s teacher(s). This may be possible during the Back to School night or may work better at another time.  You can share a little about what you admire about your son or daughter. You might also share what you know engages your child or sparks his or her interest.  You might also ask for ideas on how you can support your child’s learning and academic success at home. 
• Invite input if the teacher is concerned.   Teachers really care about the children they teach.  They are in a unique position to regularly observe your children and any struggles they may have.  Some parents have trouble hearing constructive input from others, which can cause teachers to hesitate to reach out to you about issues your child is facing.  Invite your child’s teacher to inform you of any concerns they may have with your child’s learning or behavior.
• Prepare for and participate in the Parent-Teacher Conferences. Parent-Teacher conferences are a good opportunity to strengthen the partnership with your child’s teacher.  Be sure to always arrive on time for the conference and come prepared with questions.  This is a great time to hear of progress your child is making, address any concerns, and seek suggestions for ways to encourage your child to do his or her best.   
•  Ask if there is anything you can do to help.  Teachers work long hours between the demands of planning and preparing for lessons, teaching classes, creating and grading assignments, papers and exams, plus many administration tasks.  While they may not take you up on it, they would very much appreciate the offer of help – in and out of regular school hours. Even the busiest of parents can find ways to plan a single event, volunteer for an outing, or organize a special project from home. 
•  Thank them for what they do. Teachers work very hard for their students. Acknowledging the time and effort they have put into helping your child is a great way to maintain a positive relationship with them.

You’d be amazed how much it means to a teacher for a parent to reach out and show they care about their child’s education. In turn it can help your child’s teacher cement a good attitude towards your child and your family.  Starting the year right with the tips above can set the tone for a great school year for teacher, child and parent.