Engage Your Children About Their School Day

I want to share with you a better way to engage your child about how their school day went. Follow up the generic, “how was school today?” with “what was one good thing that happened at school today?” This gives your child an opportunity to discuss a good grade on a test, a compliment from a teacher, or anything else they might be proud of. Then follow up that question with “what’s one not-so-good thing that happened?” This will give them a chance to discuss a not-so-great mark on a test, an argument with a friend, or anything else that might be bothering your child. It’s so important that they have an opportunity to celebrate their school successes with you, as well as to vent their disappointments and concerns, or just share with you what’s on their minds about school. This is such an easy way to do it.

It can also help you become aware of and monitor any concerning situation at school, become more involved in your child’s education, and help you better understand what they’re experiencing at school. It can be an easy first step in becoming proactive in your child’s education, if you’re not already. And being a proactive parent in your child’s education is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. So start today by asking three simple questions. You — and your child — will be glad you did.

 

 

Check Those Online Grades and Assignments!

This blog post is for parents who are aren’t quite sure how their child is doing in school. Sure, you can ask you son or daughter how they’re doing and even see a recent good grade on a test or assignment, but the only way you can be absolutely sure is to go online and check the school’s website and see their grades and missing assignments with your own eyes. I believe all San Diego area school districts have some version of Aries or Gradebook, online grading and assignment websites that teachers can update on a daily basis.

I urge all parents to check their child’s assignments online like this at least once a week and thereby know for certain how their child is doing in school and in what classes they need help and/or attention. If there is a class in which the child is doing poorly, then GET PROACTIVE and address it with your child and even the teacher.

A home tutor who specializes in the subject your child is doing poorly in can be the most effective help available. Call or email me at any time to schedule your complimentary home consultation and I will do my best to match your child with the best tutor for him or her, and I will also offer on-the-spot guidance to you and your child for improving the situation.