Archives for October 2023
Congratulations Charlie Renner & Morgan Wagner!
Supporting Your Child With Homework
By Larissa Rohlik, Licensed School Counselor
Homework can be one of the hardest parts of the day! When supporting your child with their homework, there are things we can do to make it a smoother process before the backpack even gets opened. Here are some tips to make homework time a more enjoyable experience.
Setting the Stage:
- Set up a homework space that has everything your child needs and is free of distractions. One of the difficulties with homework is that children do not see their home as a place of work – it’s primarily a place of rest and relaxation. Having a place designated for homework and free of distractions such as having a spot that is not near a TV, can create a calm and productive environment.
- Work with your child to come up with a plan for when they will complete homework. For some kids, it’s best to begin homework as soon as they get home from school. Other kids might need a short break before they begin. Work with your child to determine what strategy will work best for them.
- Be sure that your child brings home their homework journal every night so they are aware of the homework that needs to be completed.
During Homework Time:
- Model a positive attitude towards homework. If you have work, or even reading that you can do, do it while your child is working on homework. This will show your child that learning is important for you too.
- Help your child practice coping skills to handle any frustrations that come up. If you notice your child is getting frustrated, practice coping skills such as deep breathing, getting a drink of water, counting to 10, talking it out, etc.
- Offer short breaks if necessary! Short breaks can be a great way to keep a child focused, and it’s important to be clear on exactly how long the break will be and what they can do during the break. Use a timer to track how long the break will be and have your child do things like stretch, listen to calming music, etc.
After your child is finished:
- A great motivator to finishing homework is allowing your child to do an activity they enjoy after they are done. This can include playing outside, watching a movie, playing a game, etc.
- Continue communicating with your child about what went well and what could be done to make the time better. Communication and collaboration are key.
Homework time doesn’t have to be a struggle. Use some of these tips stated above, build homework time into your schedule, and make sure to celebrate your child’s hard work throughout this school year!
Congratulations Jared Templin & Jackie Itzin!
The Importance of Reading with Your Children
By Bailey Rettmann, Principal, West Elementary
One of the most rewarding and beneficial activities parents can engage in with their children is reading. Here are some of the reasons that reading with your children is so important, not just as a means of education but also as a way to nurture their emotional and cognitive development.
Reading with your children from a young age lays the foundation for their language and literacy skills. It exposes them to a rich vocabulary and helps them understand sentence structure and grammar. Early exposure to books enhances their ability to communicate effectively.
Reading introduces children to the world of knowledge and imagination. As parents read together with their children, they instill a love for learning and curiosity about the world. Children who are read to regularly tend to be more motivated to explore books on their own.
Shared reading time is an excellent opportunity for bonding. Snuggling up with a book creates a warm and comforting environment that fosters emotional connection. It’s a chance to show affection, share stories, and create lasting memories.
Reading stimulates brain development in children. It enhances their cognitive skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. It also improves concentration and memory, which are valuable for academic success.
Books often contain valuable life lessons and moral values. Through stories, children can learn about empathy, kindness, and ethical decision-making. Reading together provides a platform for discussing these important topics.
Regular reading sessions promote strong communication skills. Children learn to articulate their thoughts and feelings more effectively. They also become better listeners, which is essential for healthy relationships.
Children who are exposed to reading at home tend to perform better academically. They have stronger reading comprehension and vocabulary, which are critical for success in school and beyond.
The importance of reading with your children extends far beyond childhood. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. Children who grow up with a love for reading are more likely to become lifelong readers and continue reaping the benefits of literacy throughout their lives.
In conclusion, reading with your children is a simple yet powerful way to support their overall development. It builds strong foundations, fosters a love for learning, strengthens bonds, enhances cognitive skills, teaches valuable life lessons, expands horizons, improves communication, boosts academic success, fosters independence, and bestows a lifelong gift.
As parents, you have the opportunity to shape your child’s future by making reading a cherished part of their daily routine. The importance of this activity cannot be overstated, as it not only enriches their minds but also nourishes their souls and brings you closer together.
So, pick up a book, open its pages, and embark on a journey of exploration, imagination, and connection with your child today. The benefits will be felt for years to come.