4 Ways to Ensure a Successful School Year

School has started for most of us here in Arizona.  Not only are we now on a tighter schedule for going to bed and getting up we also are back on the homework schedule.   It has been a bit rough to get back in the groove — at least for us. I’m hoping that’s not just me.. :)

During the summer we kept the kids engaged with activities like reading and some worksheets but now it’s not for practice its the real thing.  How can you help ensure your child has success?

Schedule

Tired Kids are Cranky Kids.  Cranky Kids in turn get into some trouble at school and they also have trouble focusing and staying on task.  Kids that don’t focus and stay on task have trouble learning and giving their best.

Grade school kids need to be rested.  That in our house means bedtime no later than 8:30pm or earlier for the younger ones.  What does that mean for Mom (or Dad?!)  That means dinner has to be ready earlier too — in the summertime we all get a little lax so during the school year I try to have dinner ready earlier, if I’m busy then the crock pot is my best friend.  

Menu planning keeps me on track as well.  So its not just getting the kids to bed early and up early its also means Mama needs to be more on track too.

This also means that homework needs to be done promptly when the kids get home from school.  My kids have a routine.  They get home, change, have a quick and light snack if they need one and get right to work so that homework gets done and put away PRONTO.  After that they can watch some TV or play some games before dinner. 

Obviously this is different when you have kids in sports and you will do what you need to get done to ensure everyone is on track.

Communication

When we go to back to school night I make sure that I have the teachers contact information and she has mine.  I then follow up with an email the first week of school to open that line of communication with the teachers. 

This way I don’t have to try to ask my 20 questions when I pick up my child because that’s not going to happen when 20 other parents are trying to do the same thing.

This has helped me greatly when one of my kids falls behind.  The teacher sends a note home and also emails me so I immediately know what is going on.  But that also means when I see a grade slipping or my child struggling — I’m not waiting on the teacher to approach me.  I’m calling, emailing or making sure to have contact with the teacher in person to tell her what I see and ask for help

Communication also means that I’m going to ask my kids general questions daily to get them to talk about their day…..I might not always get a favorable response but at least I’m concerned enough to ask.

Some of my favorite are:

What was the best thing that happened at school today? (What was the worst thing that happened at school today?)

Tell me something that made you laugh today.

If I called your teacher tonight, what would she tell me about you?

Tell me one thing that you learned today.

I’ve booked marked this article now for a new years and love their insight.  They have two articles one for grade school kids and one for Teens

• 25 Ways to Ask your Kids “So How Was School Today” (without asking them “So how was school today?”)
• 28 Ways to Ask your Teen “So How Was School Today” (without asking them “So how was school today?”)

Volunteering

When I worked full time I really wanted to volunteer at my kids school.  Once I became a Stay at Home Mom, and then a Work at Home Mom I make sure to volunteer when needed and especially on field trips.  I like to see the dynamics of the kids and of the teacher and this gives me a great opportunity to do that during the school year.

There are so many things we hear on the news on how the schools are shorthanded etc.  We can sit back and let the politicians handle this some day, and maybe by the time our great great great great grandkids are in school it will be better or then by then it might be telepathic (LOL – obviously I’m kidding!) or we can do what we can to help.

Do you have a skill?  If you are bilingual I know personally that schools always need help translating notes to be sent home or assistance during conferences.  Can you make copies for them?  Can you help when there are parties?  Start by asking your child’s teacher and get involved.  A teacher that feels supported by the families will have a better outlook.

Being Vigilant

Look for warning signs of bullying.  Does your child all of a sudden not want to go to school?  Have their friends changed?  What happened?

What are other things to look for?  

One other way I stay vigilant is going through my childs backpack.  I have grade school and middle school aged kids and I’m perfectly OK with going through the back packs and the pockets of the shorts or jeans.  If I don’t who will?

What should you look for if you suspect drug or alcohol use?