Reading brings the world to your home
Sometimes a pretend trip can be just as fun as a real one. You and your child can "visit" Italy, Argentina, Thailand or anywhere else…by way of the public library and the internet. Choose a country and ask each family member to gather information about it. Then plan a dinner of dishes from that country (check out a cookbook from the library) and discuss the interesting facts each of you has learned from your reading.
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about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
Nurture your child's inner motivation to learn
Successful learners are motivated more by their own curiosity than by any other reward. To promote this kind of "intrinsic motivation," allow your child some independence to explore the things he's learning about. Provide learning challenges he can be successful with. Then, when he completes a task, ask him to evaluate his own efforts. When you offer praise, compliment efforts more than accomplishments.
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about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
Break big tasks into small pieces to help your child see them through
Many elementary schoolers have a tough time thinking ahead and following through on their plans. One reason is that they lack a realistic sense of time. Your child may really think one day is enough time to finish a big project. Help her break large assignments down into small parts to do over several days.
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about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
Get your child's attention when giving directions
Does your child seem forgetful, absent-minded or irresponsible when you give directions? An ability to focus on instructions and carry them out is important to his school success. To help him concentrate, reduce distractions when you speak to him. Turn off the TV. Say things like "I know it's hard for you to pay attention, but I need to see your eyes when I'm talking to you." Then keep your instructions short.
https://tpitip.com/?11jX18889about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
Strengthen skills that improve social interactions
Swooping in and saving your child from social challenges won't help her learn to navigate them. Instead, develop her social survival skills. When she describes a social situation, ask questions like, "What did you do next?" This tells your child that she can act to affect the outcome of social interactions.
https://tpitip.com/?11jV18889about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
Teachers' tips can make a big difference in your child's learning
What do teachers wish that families would do to help their students be successful in school? Simple things: Set firm standards. Read to your child. Attend parent-teacher conferences. Communicate often with the teachers, and give them lots of information about your child's interests, strengths and weaknesses. When you team up with the teachers, you improve your child's chance of school success.
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about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
Routines are stability your child can count on
A feeling of security gives children the courage to face challenges. For most kids, that sense of security comes from feeling loved. It also comes from knowing that some things don't change, such as certain family routines. Set regular times for bed, meals, reading and studying. When schedules must change, let your child know how and why.
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about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
Healthy snack choices encourage positive food habits
Healthy food is fuel for growing bodies and brains. To help your child learn to make nutritious food choices, create an "anytime" shelf in your refrigerator. Stock it with a selection of healthy foods such as carrot sticks, broccoli "trees," cheese, chunks of melon and raisins. Then allow your child to help himself from this shelf any time he is hungry. He'll like choosing, and you'll know he's making healthy choices.
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about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
Volunteering encourages family and community teamwork
When families volunteer together, they strengthen their relationships. They have a shared purpose. Children learn about caring. They learn about their community and teamwork. And they learn that they can make a difference. Why not sit down as a family and brainstorm ways you could volunteer, such as by raising awareness for a cause, organizing a school supply drive or sprucing up a playground.
https://tpitip.com/?11jO18889
about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
Is your teen outside the 'in crowd'?
When you think back to your own school days, you probably remember the faces of the "popular" kids. Popularity is as important to teens now as it was then. If your teen feels unpopular, be supportive. Remind her that she's worthy of friendship and has a lot to offer. Help her practice friend-making skills, such as smiling and introducing herself. Encourage her to invite a classmate to join your family in an activity.
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about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
It's no joke that humor can make reading fun
Learning to read can be hard work. So it's important to remind your child how much fun reading can be. Write a joke on silly stationery and tuck it in with your child's lunch. When he reads it to his friends, the laughter he hears will make him feel special and proud. And he'll connect those positive feelings with reading.
https://tpitip.com/?11jN18889
about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
Help your child put travel time to good use
Time management is a valuable study skill. One way to help your child make use of spare minutes is to make the most of time in the car. For example, you might tape cards with spelling words to the backs of the front seats. If your child practices them each time she's in the car all week, by Friday she will be ready for the spelling test!
https://tpitip.com/?11jM18889
about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
Address mistakes respectfully and privately
Elementary school students are learning the social skills that help make a classroom comfortable and productive, such as how to treat people with respect. When your child makes mistakes, don't point them out in front of others. That will only make him ashamed, not teach him to be considerate. Ask yourself what he needs to learn, then teach him those skills one-on-one.
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about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
Daily conversations show your child that schoolwork matters
Talking with your child about school shows her you care about her life and her education. Make it a regular habit to have your child show you at least one example of her schoolwork each day. Comment on progress she's making, praise her effort and encourage her to do her best work. You'll learn more about what your child is learning, and your child will learn that schoolwork is important.
https://tpitip.com/?11jK18889
about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
Anger often masks other emotions
Disrespectful, angry children may be perfectionists—and very good students. Or they may show their anger and disrespect by doing poorly in school. Anger and disrespect are often a cover for other emotions, such as fear or frustration. If your child has recently begun behaving defiantly, think about what's changed in her life. Ask what's bothering her and say you want to help. Then discuss ways to change her behavior.
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about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
Teach listening by example
There isn't a class at school called "Listening." That's because listening is important in ALL school classes. One of the best ways to teach your child to listen is to set an example. Each day, set aside some time to talk about school. Ask questions to get the ball rolling. Then stop what you're doing and pay attention to what your child is saying. Make eye contact as you listen, and give your child time to put thoughts into words.
https://tpitip.com/?11jG18889
about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
A 'checkbook' can help your child account for money
Giving a child an allowance is one way to teach financial responsibility. But you may not always have the right cash on hand. Give your child a "checkbook." Make up some checks that look like the real thing. On the first day of the month, "deposit" your child's allowance in the checkbook. When he needs to make a purchase, he can write you a check, and you can pay for the item. He'll get practice writing and learn math skills in the bargain.
https://tpitip.com/?11jF18889
about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
Rev up your read-aloud routine
Want to strengthen your child's vocabulary, improve her reading scores and have fun…all in 20 minutes a day? Read aloud! Try these hints for effective read-alouds: Pick a regular reading time and stick to it. Look for books you'll both like. If you preview them yourself first, you can read them aloud with style for your child. Finally, stop each reading session while your child is still eager to hear what will happen next.
https://tpitip.com/?11jD18889
about 3 years ago, Mike Schartiger
2021 GES Literature Fair! Congratulations to all of our participating students! All 1st and 2nd Place Winners will attend the Webster County Literature Fair on October 20th!
Division I:
Nevaeh Brake 2nd
David Brake 3rd
Division II:
Aubrie Greene 3rd
Lexi Beckett 2nd
Jazzmyne Travis 2nd
Riker Bennett 1st
Lawson Chapman 2nd
Aria Lane 3rd
Mr. Sandifer’s Group 1st
Nicholas Berkeley 2nd
Avari Narraway 1st
Ava Morris 1st (Grand Prize)
Division III:
Alexis Davis 3rd
Baylea Rose 1st
Sierra Lane 2nd
Esther Frantz 2nd
about 3 years ago, Juliette Martin
2021 GES Literature Fair! Congratulations to all of our participating students! All 1st and 2nd Place Winners will attend the Webster County Literature Fair on October 20th!
Division I:
Nevaeh Brake 2nd
David Brake 3rd
Division II:
Aubrie Greene 3rd
Lexi Beckett 2nd
Jazzmyne Travis 2nd
Riker Bennett 1st
Lawson Chapman 2nd
Aria Lane 3rd
Mr. Sandifer’s Group 1st
Nicholas Berkeley 2nd
Avari Narraway 1st
Ava Morris 1st (Grand Prize)
Division III:
Alexis Davis 3rd
Baylea Rose 1st
Sierra Lane 2nd
Esther Frantz 2nd
about 3 years ago, Juliette Martin