Family Engagement Tips
Weekly Parent Center e-Tips
- Week of 8/12
- Week of 8/19
- Week of 8/26
- Week of 9/2
- Week of 9/9
- Week of 9/16
- Week of 9/23
- Week of 10/7
- Week of 10/21
- Week of 10/28
- Week of 11/11
- Week 12/9
- Week 1/13
- Week 1/20
- Week 1/27
- Week 2/3
- Week 2/10
- Week 2/24
- Week of 3/3
- Week 3/10
Week of 8/12
Monday, August 12, 2024
Buckle up for better conversation
Car time is perfect for talking one-on-one with your child. It's often more private, and no one can get up
and leave. And when kids know parents will be looking at the road and not at them, they often share
worries, fears, secrets and dreams. To turn car time into conversation time, ask your child, "What have you
been thinking about lately?" Listen and make it clear you care what your child thinks.
Enlgish
https://tpitip.com/?14hL18608
Spanish
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Ask specific questions about school
Talking about school is an important way to show your child that education matters. But if your child's
usual answer to "How was school today?" is "Fine" or a grunt, get more specific. Ask your elementary
schooler to tell you about something good that happened. Ask about how your child handled a challenge.
Find out what your student is reading in class. Ask about classmates. Share something about your own day,
too.
English
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Spanish
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Create a student-friendly home
One of the most effective ways to support learning is also one of the easiest: Make your home student-
friendly. Start by encouraging your child to make organization a priority. Show that you care about what
your elementary schooler is learning by establishing a regular study routine. Model a relaxed attitude about
the return to school, and reach out to the teacher if your child is struggling.
English
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Spanish
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Help your child relate to history with a time line
Many elementary schoolers think that George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Cleopatra all lived in the
same time period: the olden days before the children were born! To help your child get a better grasp of
history, create a time line together. Unroll some shelf paper. Write important dates from your child's life at
the right end (modern history). Then help your child add historical dates in the appropriate places to the
left.
English
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Spanish
Friday, August 16, 2024
Are you an 'askable' adult?
Children are full of questions…and they will look for answers to all of them. Being an "askable" adult
helps ensure that you will be your child's primary source for information and values. Tell your child you
welcome questions and want to answer them. Don't avoid sensitive or embarrassing topics. Treat them
seriously, and respond with words and actions that say, "I'm so glad you asked!"
English
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Spanish
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Show that education matters at home
To show how important your child's education is to you, reinforce the idea that you and the teachers are on
the same team: your child's. Explain that the things your elementary schooler learns at school matter at
home, too. Then, make school attendance a top priority. Expect your child to complete assignments, and set
aside at least 20 minutes a day for the whole family to pursue pleasure reading.
English
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Spanish
Sunday, August 18, 2024
Experiment with science at home
The kitchen is a great place for science experiments. Here are two activities to try with your child: 1. Mix
oil and water and watch as they separate. 2. Gently drop an egg into a jar of water. It sinks. Next, slowly
add salt to the water. The egg floats! After observing the experiments, ask why your child thinks you got
the results you did. Talk about ways to find answers, such as looking online.
English
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Spanish
Week of 8/19
Monday, August 19, 2024
Demonstrate respectful relationships for your child
Children tune in to just about everything the adults in their families say and do. If the adults are
disrespectful to each other, children conclude that this behavior is OK for them, too. Let your child see that
you are willing to talk and solve problems politely. When you behave respectfully and cooperatively, your
child will learn to do the same.
English
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Spanish
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Promote cooperation at home
"Many hands make light work." When everyone in the family is expected to help get household tasks and
projects done, your child learns cooperation as well as practical skills. Here are some chore guidelines:
Make everyone's assignments clear. Keep in mind that boys and girls can learn to do the same tasks, and
make yours an equal opportunity household. When your child has finished a task, don't redo it. This can
make kids feel incapable. Instead, give pointers for improving next time.
English
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Spanish
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Respectful behavior has not gone out of style
Respectful behavior improves interactions with others. Children who are disrespectful in school can make it
hard for everyone to learn. Help your child think about how it feels to be disrespected, and why it's
important to avoid doing that to others. Then, have your elementary schooler practice polite ways to
express feeling upset or angry. To improve interactions with friends, teach your child to wait for a turn to
speak or act, and to share and be honest.
English
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Spanish
Thursday, August 22, 2024
Encourage writing with fun activities
Encourage your child to write with activities that make writing fun. You might make a family cookbook
and let your child name the recipes and write stories about times your family ate a particular dish. Or
encourage your student to keep a journal of funny ideas, jokes and events. You can suggest making a photo
album together and have your child write the captions. Or, each of you write down and share your dreams
for your child's future.
English
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Spanish
Friday, August 23, 2024
What would your child like the teacher to know?
Even children who are excited about the first day of school can be worried about it, too. One common
worry is, "Will my teacher like me?" Ease these fears by writing a note introducing your child to the
teacher. You can include all the things your child wants the teacher to know, like "Casey can count to 100."
Read the note aloud to your child. Then, send it school to open the door to productive communication with
the teacher.
English
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Spanish
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Labels help kids keep belongings straight
To help your child learn to keep track of personal belongings at school, have your student label everything.
Your child's first and last name can be written on with marker, or you can provide a pre-printed rubber
stamp and have your child stamp it on clothes, gloves, notebooks, etc. This helps avoid confusion, and
makes it more likely that items that go to school in the morning come home in the afternoon.
English
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Spanish
Sunday, August 25, 2024
To boost brainpower, help your child get moving
Exercise helps your child stay healthy and alert in school. It can even boost mood and memory. But gym
class at school can't provide all the exercise your child needs. Children learn by example, so to make
physical fitness a part of your child's life, make it part of yours. Suggest doing activities your child enjoys,
such as bike riding or soccer, together. Instead of flopping down on the couch after dinner, play a game of
tag or go for a family walk.
English
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Spanish
Week of 8/26
Monday, August 26, 2024
Prioritize attendance from day one
Your help in making sure your child attends school is so important. Children who don't attend school regularly fall behind and score lower on tests. They can have a hard time making and keeping friends. And frequent absences in elementary school can set a pattern that makes a child more likely to drop out of school later. Emphasize the importance of attendance with your child. Don't allow absences for reasons other than illness or emergency. And if your child regularly resists attending, talk to the teacher or school counselor.
English
Spanish
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Show the way to avoid procrastination
Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. If you do, your child may follow your lead and school performance could suffer. To discourage procrastination, show your child that you avoid delaying tasks. Let your elementary schooler see you prioritizing tasks and breaking big jobs into small parts. Explain that it's easier to tackle one small job at a time.
English
Spanish
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Instill the skills that help kids make and keep friends
Children with strong ties to school friends tend to feel more enthusiastic and confident about school. To boost friend-making skills, teach your child that good friends are kind. They also have varied interests that make them interesting to others. Encourage your child to be friendly and say "hi" first. Then, demonstrate how to be a good sport and how to stand up for what's right.
English
Spanish
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Three school supplies make all the difference
It's school supply season! But you won't find three key things your child needs for school in a store: concentration, organization and motivation. To support your child, set a regular study time when all family members read or do quiet work. Teach your student to use checklists to keep track of things that must be done. Most importantly, ask your child each day about what the class is learning, and respond with enthusiasm.
English
Spanish
Friday, August 30, 2024
Involve your child's senses in learning math
To sharpen your child's math skills, mix math into activities that use a variety of senses. For sight, you might ask your child to look at an analog clock and tell you the time. Then ask: "If Dad gets home at 6:30, how long will it be until we see him?" For hearing, read a recipe aloud and have your child follow its instructions. Cooking is a great way for students to practice fractions and understand concepts like quantity and volume. Then, taste and enjoy the results!
English
Spanish
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Link consequences to the behavior that caused them
Sending children to their bedrooms when they misbehave makes sense, right? Maybe not. After all, what's so bad about hanging out in a bedroom for a while? Although simple penalties are OK at times, it's more effective to relate the consequence to the misbehavior. Try: “I was so worried about you when you were late that I didn’t finish my chores. You’ll have to stay in and help me finish them tomorrow.”
English
Spanish
Sunday, September 1, 2024
Talk with your child about what you expect
Expectations matter. When you make it clear that you expect your child to work hard in school, your child is more likely to do well. If you don't expect effort, your child may decide not to try. And if you make your elementary schooler feel like a poor student, that is what your child is likely to be. Expecting your child’s best effort, however, doesn’t mean expecting perfection. Even the best students make mistakes, and your child needs to know that is OK, and it's another way to learn.
English
Spanish
Week of 9/2
Monday, September 02, 2024
Start a helpful conversation with your child's teacher
Communication and cooperation between families and schools is vital for student success. Making contact
with your child's teachers early on sets the stage for positive teamwork the rest of the year. Share important
information about your child and your family now, and learn about the teacher's priorities. Working
together can help you both avoid misunderstandings and do your best for your child.
English
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Spanish
Tuesday, September 03, 2024
Here's how to START the year off right
Along with new shoes and new pencils, your child may need some new school habits this year. To help
your elementary schooler establish them, think of the letters in the word START: S stands for Set goals. T
is for Talk about school every day. A is for Assert the importance of effort. R is for Remember to give your
child some responsibilities at home. And T is for Take time for schoolwork or review each day.
English
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Spanish
Wednesday, September 04, 2024
Help your child discover the library
Want to give your child a gift that will last a lifetime but doesn't cost a cent? Make sure every member of
your family has a library card. September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. If you haven't visited your
library lately, help your child discover its offerings this month. Find out how to take advantage of its
collections and programs. Then, plan to visit the library and its website regularly with your child
throughout the year.
English
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Spanish
Thursday, September 05, 2024
Feed your child's body and brain at family meals
Sitting down to a family meal is more than a nice way to share an evening. Regularly eating meals with
family helps your child build vocabulary and improve conversation skills. Your child also learns social
skills, such as listening and sharing, that help children get along in school. And establishing healthy eating
habits at home nourishes your child's body and brain for working and learning in class each day.
English
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Spanish
Friday, September 06, 2024
Offer reassurance to calm back-to-school nerves
Your child may be nervous about moving to a higher grade this year. Offer reassurance that your child is up
to the challenge of the new work. Say that as long as your elementary schooler is learning and working
hard, you will be satisfied. Remind your child to ask for help if something goes wrong or is confusing. If
possible, encourage friendships by helping your child find an extracurricular activity with other kids who
share interests.
English
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Spanish
Saturday, September 07, 2024
Nothing beats the power of reading aloud
What's one simple thing you can do to help your child do better in school? Read aloud every day. To make
the most of read-aloud time, make it a priority. Plan for it, set aside time for it, and then just do it. Read
books you and your child both enjoy. It's also fine to read some books that are a little too hard for your
child to read alone. These books are great to introduce new vocabulary.
English
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Spanish
Sunday, September 08, 2024
Set up a convenient system for organizing school information
When school starts, information comes from all directions: newsletters, special notices, schedules, etc. To
be able to find it when you need it, set up a filing system. You can get a three-ring binder and put the name
of each of your kids on a divider. Then, put each paper behind the appropriate divider as it comes in. You
can also put tabs on items for quick reference. Or, you can set up a folder on your computer with a
subfolder for each child.
English
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Spanish
Week of 9/9
Monday, September 09, 2024
Model the ways people show civic responsibility
Members of a democratic society have many rights...and many responsibilities. To foster civic
responsibility, set an example. Attend a meeting of the PTA or school board with your child. Take part in
community service projects as a family. Expect your child to help out at home. Help your elementary
schooler see that when everyone contributes, everyone benefits.
English
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Spanish
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Estimate the tasty way with popcorn
Popcorn is a delicious tool to use to build an important math skill: estimating. Here's how: Have your child
estimate how many kernels of popped popcorn it will take to fill a glass. Then, get popping and have your
child count to check the answer. Now, knowing that, how many popped kernels does your child think it will
take to fill a small bowl? Fill the bowl, and count the pieces as your elementary schooler eats them. How
close was your child's estimate?
English
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Spanish
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Discuss polite ways to avoid being a pushover
It warms an adult's heart to see a child being kind and considerate. But children who always let others go
first or have their way need to know that their feelings matter, too. Listen carefully as your child tells you
about a situation. Then, brainstorm what your child could have done or said to politely assert feelings,
opinions, wants and needs. Don't confuse your child by saying, "You're too nice" or "Why are you always
giving in?"
English
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Spanish
Thursday, September 12, 2024
When you volunteer to help the school, amazing things happen
"Volunteers work for free, but not for nothing," say families who have given time to help the school. When
you get involved, you'll not only learn what's going on, you'll develop your own skills. And you'll have
more things to talk about with your child. What's more, it won't take long to see that your efforts make a
difference not only for your child, but also for lots of other students.
English
Spanish
Friday, September 13, 2024
Take steps to help if your child struggles this year
Learning isn't always easy. If schoolwork is a struggle for your child this year, ask the teacher what help
may be available from the school, and how you can help at home. Then, help your child set some realistic
short-term goals to let your student experience success and build some confidence. Help your child stick to
a study routine, and offer encouragement by sharing how you worked through struggles when you were
young.
English
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Spanish
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Students who miss school miss out on learning
The school is responsible for teaching your child. But your help is essential, especially when it comes to
your child's attendance. Learning builds day by day. A child who misses a day of school also misses a day
of learning, and it can be difficult to catch up. When you prioritize a habit of daily school attendance, you
help your child see that education matters. And that sets your student up for success.
English
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Spanish
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Sketching teaches your child to take a closer look
Observation is an important skill in both art and science. To boost your child's powers of observation, plan
a visit to a park, garden or anywhere you can find interesting plants. Give your child a sketch pad to take
along. While observing the plants, have your elementary schooler choose an interesting one to draw. Later,
you might visit a museum together to see the drawings of flowers and plants done by artists or scientists.
English
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Spanish
Week of 9/16
Monday, September 16, 2024
Respect sets the stage for learning
Healthy respect for people is an important ingredient in a productive learning environment. Teach your
child that common courtesies (like saying "thank you" and "excuse me") and being honest are important
ways of showing respect. Listening to other people's views and accepting their differences is another.
Model respectful behavior, and offer praise when you see your child being courteous and respectful.
English
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Spanish
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Breakfast is brain food
It takes a lot of energy for children to learn in school. To supply that energy, stock up on nutritious foods
that are easy to fix and quick to eat. That way, your child can eat a healthy breakfast and still get to school
on time. Choose easy-to-eat fresh fruit, like bananas. Hard boil and refrigerate some eggs in advance. Most
kids can prepare toast with peanut butter. And if your child would rather have a slice of last night's chicken,
that's OK, too.
English
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Spanish
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Talk with your child about the sounds that letters make
Strong language skills are an asset when it comes to learning to read. To develop your child's skills, point
out the sounds that letters or groups of letters make, such as the "d" in the word "doll" or the "th" in words
like "throw" and "through." Can your child think of other words with those sounds? Try rhyming, too. Pick
out a word that your child has used, and ask, "What rhymes with that?" Then, take turns naming a rhyming
word until you can't think of any more.
English
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Spanish
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Help your child turn history into today's news
History is much more than a collection of facts. It is the story of people and events. Here's an idea that can
make history come alive: Using a phone, have your child create and record a "news broadcast" exactly as it
might have happened in the historical period the class is studying. Your child can even stage "personal
interviews" with historic figures or "eyewitnesses" to the event.
English
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Spanish
Friday, September 20, 2024
Be your child's study buddy
Being a study buddy when your child does schoolwork at home is an important way to support learning.
Listen as your child reads aloud, and make sure your elementary schooler understands assignment
instructions. Help your child organize information for a report or use flash cards to study for a test. And
whenever possible, notice and praise your child's effort and progress.
English
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Spanish
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Use words that encourage your child to keep on trying
Your child has been working to master a new skill. But schoolwork shows that your student still doesn't
understand it. Your words can be motivating…or cause your child to give up. To encourage persistence,
say, "You haven't quite mastered this yet." The word "yet" sends a signal that your child can get the answer
if by continuing to try. Don't say, "You're still not getting it." Children are more likely to keep working
when they believe they can succeed.
English
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Spanish
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Can your child collect all the letters on an alphabet hike?
Turn an ordinary walk into an alphabet hike and have some learning fun! Have your child write the
alphabet on a piece of paper. Then, grab a grocery bag and set out together to find one item that starts with
each letter. Pull up a Dandelion, pick up a Penny, dig for a Worm. When you get home, ask your child to
arrange the items in alphabetical order.
English
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Spanish
Week of 9/23
Monday, September 23, 2024
Encourage creative writing, one sentence at a time
A little daily writing practice helps elementary schoolers build skills. To make it fun, provide a special
notebook and ask your child to write down the first sentence of a made-up story. Then, each day, have your
child add one sentence, and only one, to move the story along. It's helpful to set aside a regular time for this
writing. Once a week, suggest adding an illustration. In time, your child will have written an imaginative
and fun story.
English
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Spanish
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Let your child know that science and math are for everyone
Research suggests that children's attitudes toward math and science tend to be set in elementary school, and
their families' attitudes play a part in this. Support success in these subjects by expressing confidence in
your child's abilities to master them. Point to diverse role models, and let your child know that math and
science are for everyone, not just one kind of person.
English
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Spanish
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Write your child a note to reinforce responsibilities
You've told your child over and over to clean up. But toys and dirty clothes still cover your child's bedroom
floor. To avoid losing your cool in frustration, try leaving your child a note. You might write: "Your room
needs to be picked up. Please put your clothes in the hamper. Put the toys on the shelf. Return dirty dishes
to the kitchen. Thanks in advance." Kids love getting notes, and your child will have a checklist to follow.
English
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Spanish
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Turn family activities into bedtime stories
Have you run out of bedtime story ideas? Try giving your characters names that rhyme with family
members' names. Then, have the characters relive family events or look forward to the next day's activities.
This is also a good way to reinforce desired behavior: If your family is going on an outing the next day, the
characters in a bedtime story could make their parents happy by getting ready on time without fighting.
English
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Spanish
Friday, September 27, 2024
Use a conversation game to find out about school
To encourage conversations about school, play a game called My Day, Your Day. In the evening,
encourage your child to ask you a question about your day. After you answer, you get to ask a question
about your child's day. This helps children feel involved, rather than interrogated. Ask questions that
require more than a one-word answer. Specific questions, like "What did you do in math today?" are better
than general ones like "How was your day?"
English
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Spanish
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Give your child the facts about tough topics
Experts say the best time to begin talking to kids about difficult issues is when they are between ages nine
and 11. They're old enough to grasp the complexity of an issue but they're still young enough to listen.
When you have conversations, find out what your child already knows. Share facts without exaggerating,
and explain your position. Then, set an example by making sure your actions support your words.
English
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Spanish
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Families are valued partners in education
There is a mountain of evidence showing that family engagement makes a big difference in children's
education. Your involvement can improve student achievement and attendance, and give your child a more
positive attitude toward school. Plus, you'll get a better understanding of school programs and policies. Ask
the teacher or principal how you can get involved.
English
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Spanish
Week of 10/7
Monday, October 07, 2024
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.
English
Spanish
Tuesday, October 08, 2024
Anger often masks other emotions
Children who are often disrespectful and angry may be perfectionists—and do well academically. 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's behavior has become defiant, think about what's
changed in your student's life. Ask, "Is anything bothering you?" and say you want to help. Then, talk about
how to behave appropriately when emotions are overwhelming.
English
Spanish
Wednesday, October 09, 2024
Make time for what matters when life gets busy
Fitting in lots of time with your child may be challenging if you work away from home. But it's worth it!
Children who spend more time with their families tend to do better in school. Try taking a daily walk with
your child. You both need exercise, and you'll have time to talk. Eat at least one meal together each day.
And look for activities the whole family can enjoy, such as having a picnic in the park.
English
Spanish
Thursday, October 10, 2024
Sports can help kids become confident learners
After-school sports teach children that practice and effort lead to improvement. That's a lesson they can
apply in school, too. Let your child's interest, rather than yours, motivate the choice of sport. Then, praise
what your student does well and ignore mistakes. Your child will probably get enough knocks on the field.
Supply hugs at home.
English
Spanish
Friday, October 11, 2024
Daily conversations show your child that education matters
Talking with your child about school shows that you care about your child's life and about education. Make
it a regular habit to have your child show you at least one example of schoolwork each day. Comment on
progress your child is making, praise effort and encourage your student to strive to do well. You'll learn
more about what your child is learning, and your child will learn that education is important.
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Spanish
Saturday, October 12, 2024
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 your student feel ashamed and defensive, not teach consideration.
Ask yourself what your child needs to learn, then teach those skills one-on-one.
English
Spanish
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Help your child put travel time to 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 vocabulary words and their
definitions to the backs of the front seats. If your child practices spelling and defining them each time you
go somewhere in the car together all week, by Friday recalling them will be a snap!
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Spanish
Week of 10/21
Monday, October 21, 2024
Simple things you do make a big difference in your child's learning
What can you do to help your student be successful in school? Here are some simple but important things:
Set firm standards for work habits and behavior. Read to your child. Attend parent-teacher conferences.
Communicate often with teachers, and give them information about your child's interests, strengths and
weaknesses. When you team up with the school, you improve your child's chance of academic success.
English
Spanish
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Strengthen skills that improve social interactions
Swooping in and saving children from social challenges won't help them learn to navigate them. Instead,
when your elementary schooler describes a social problem, ask questions like, "What did you do next?"
This makes it clear that your child can act to affect the outcome of social interactions.
English
Spanish
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
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 and be creative when
playing. Provide learning challenges your child can be successful with. Then, when your child completes a
task, ask, "How do you feel about your work? Did you do your best?" And when you offer praise, focus on
effort and what your child learned.
English
Spanish
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Focus attention on following 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 for school success. To help your child concentrate,
reduce distractions when you speak. Turn off the TV. Say things like "I know it's sometimes hard to pay
attention, but I need to see your eyes when I'm talking to you." Then, keep your instructions short and to
the point.
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Spanish
Friday, October 25, 2024
Setting goals for study sessions helps students focus and avoid distraction. At the start of your child's next
study session, help your elementary schooler set a goal for what to accomplish in 10 minutes. Set a timer,
and when it goes off, check and see if your child has met the goal. Then, set another goal for the next 10
minutes. Brain researchers know that children learn more in two short study sessions than in one long one.
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Saturday, October 26, 2024
Empower your child to make a difference
Today is Make a Difference Day. It's a day to help your child do something that will make a difference in
your neighborhood, your community or even the nation, and boost self-esteem at the same time. Help your
child come up with a list of things your family can do. Children often feel powerless. By helping your child
take action, you'll prove that kids can make a difference.
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Spanish
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Sneak some science into conversations
You'd probably be met with a groan if you said, "Let's talk about science" to your child. To bring the
subject up more naturally, notice the moon and stars. Ask what your child can tell you about the current
shape of the moon. Or, talk about the food your family eats. Can your child tell you why it's important to
eat vegetables, or what protein does? Discuss digital devices, too. How does your child think technology
influences life?
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Week of 10/28
Monday, October 28, 2024
Create a routine to take the hassle out of study time
Schoolwork isn't on most kids' lists of favorite things to do at home. But it doesn't have to be a
hassle. To make study time go more easily at your house, set a regular weekday time for it. If
your child is irritable or tired, offer a healthy snack beforehand. Hunger can be a big distraction. It
may also help to give your child 30 minutes to run around outside and blow off steam before
settling down.
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Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Bullying can damage children physically and emotionally. It can also affect their ability to do well
in school. If your child is being picked on, make it clear that it is not your child's fault. Then, talk
about things students can do to stop it, such as ignoring the bully and walking away. Carefully
monitor the situation, and if the bullying continues or gets worse, take action: Talk to the school
principal or counselor and work together to resolve the issue.
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Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Encourage reading, one chapter at a time
Foster excitement about the idea of reading by introducing your child to the pleasures of chapter
books. Find a book you think your student will enjoy. It could be a classic or a new book
recommended by a teacher or the librarian. Have your child read (or you read aloud) just one
chapter a night. Then, talk about the story. Ask your child to predict what will happen next. If your
child enjoys the book, see if it has a sequel and read that one, too!
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Thursday, October 31, 2024
Pumpkin math is a seasonal treat
Today is a great day to do some pumpkin math with your child! Get a pumpkin, and have your
child: Estimate how much the pumpkin weighs. Weigh the pumpkin, and then add or subtract to
see how much heavier or lighter it is than the estimate. Estimate, and then measure, how many
inches the pumpkin is around at its widest point (its circumference). Then, cut the pumpkin open
and have your child count its seeds by fives, 10s and 20s.
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Friday, November 01, 2024
Help your child move beyond negative feelings
Many adults tend to dismiss children's negative feelings. They respond to "I hate reading" with
"Don't be silly." But acknowledging children's feelings can help them move on to finding solutions.
Accept your child's feelings, even as you stop unacceptable behavior. "I know you're feeling
frustrated by reading, but you need to keep trying." Then ask, "Why do you feel that way? What
seems to be hard? What do you think might help?"
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Saturday, November 02, 2024
Show off your child's work in a special gallery
Displaying excellent and improved schoolwork in your home builds your child’s self-image as a
capable student. But there isn't always room on the refrigerator. One mom created a family
gallery by installing a strip of corkboard along a hallway wall, low enough for her children to
reach. Now the kids put their own work up for family viewing, and the displays change all year
long!
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Sunday, November 03, 2024
Celebrate the season with art projects
Art teaches many lessons, including cause and effect, problem-solving and self-expression. And
it is creative fun! This month, make some seasonal crafts together. Celebrate National Origami
Day on November 11 by learning to fold paper creations. Later in the month, turn brown paper
lunch bags into colorful turkey puppets. Have your child draw a turkey's face on the bag's bottom,
then decorate half a paper plate like a turkey's tail. Glue the plate to the bag so it sticks up behind
the face.
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Week of 11/11
Monday, November 11, 2024
School friendships help students thrive
Children learn a lot from their friends, such as loyalty, sharing, leading and following. And research says
friends can also help children do better in school. Children who know they have school friends are more
likely to take positive risks, such as trying out for a team or participating in class. Encourage friendships by
inviting your child's school friends to join your family for an activity.
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Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Teach your child a hands-on way to learn spelling
Here's a tip that can help your child study spelling words: Divide a piece of paper into four columns,
labeled Cover, Look, Write and Check. Your child should write a word in the Look column and say the
letters aloud. Next, fold the Cover column over the Look column. Have your child write the word from
memory in the Write column, and then uncover the Look column and write the word correctly in the Check
column.
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Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Choose discipline that promotes learning
Did you know the word "discipline" comes from a Latin word that means "instruction or training"? Most
experts agree that the goal of all discipline should be to teach children, not to punish them. The late Dr. Lee
Salk, a noted pediatrician and family dynamics researcher, suggested that discipline should be an "element
in showing love for a child." What are your family's discipline policies teaching your child?
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Thursday, November 14, 2024
Post a family schedule of routine tasks
Are you tired of reminding your child when to do what? Post a schedule the whole family can live by. List
mealtimes, snack times, reading time, chore times and bedtimes. Use a different color of ink for each
family member. Before doing something that's not part of the routine, your child should check the schedule
to make sure that required tasks for that time are finished.
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Friday, November 15, 2024
Use loving notes to build vocabulary
You can increase your child's vocabulary and positive feelings by including an encouraging note with your
elementary schooler’s lunch. From time to time, write a note to say you are proud of your student. Use
simple words your child knows and also a few challenging words that your child might have to sound out
or look up. Your student will enjoy getting it and may even write back to you!
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Saturday, November 16, 2024
Creating acronyms can help your child remember
To help your child learn lists of related words or facts, demonstrate how to use acronyms (words made up
from the first letters of a group of words). To remember the names of the Great Lakes, for example, your
child can think of the acronym HOMES, which stands for Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior.
What other acronyms can your child make up for lists of words to remember?
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Sunday, November 17, 2024
Help your child stay organized with checklists
Help your child learn to be organized for school by encouraging the use of checklists. For example, your
child can use a "head-to-toe" checklist to make sure to be ready to go out the door: "My hat is on my head,
my coat is on my body, my backpack is on my back. My gloves are on my hands. My boots are on my
feet." Have your student make another list of items needed for school each day. Post it where your child can
check it while organizing and packing up the night before.
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Week 12/9
Monday, December 09, 2024
Make your home a learning place
Learning doesn't happen only in formal classroom settings. Your child can learn a great deal from playtime,
too. There are many ways families can enrich children’s learning. Work on a household project together.
Encourage your child to write a story. Do a jigsaw puzzle together. Invent a new game with your child and
teach it to others. Your child can also learn by helping you plan and cook a meal.
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Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Learning techniques that teachers use also help at home
Many of the strategies that teachers use to help children learn will also work at home. To help your child
think more deeply about a learning topic, ask, "Can you tell me about this? Can you show me how or give
me an example?" (To demonstrate 3x3, for example, your child might show you that 3 groups of 3
chocolates equals 9 chocolates.) Ask your child to draw pictures of concepts the class is learning. If your
child is reading, ask, "What questions would you like to ask the author?"
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Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Use two words to foster gratitude in your child
The best way to get your elementary schooler to do what you want is to set an example. So, to help your
child learn to appreciate people and things, begin by using two words: Thank you. You can thank your
child for listening, showing good manners, setting the table or working hard on schoolwork. If you haven't
thanked your child by bedtime, do it then. Your child will fall asleep feeling positive about both of you.
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Thursday, December 12, 2024
Mistakes are the beginning of learning
Everyone makes mistakes. But when mistakes are viewed negatively, kids learn to fear failure. This makes
them less likely to take positive risks or finish things they don't think they can do perfectly. When your
child makes a mistake, stay calm and discuss what can be learned from it. In general, try to focus more of
your attention on the things your child does right rather than on mistakes.
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Friday, December 13, 2024
Strong writing starts with pre-writing
Pre-writing is an important first step in the writing process. It's when students think about what they are
going to write and who the audience is. To help your student develop pre-writing skills, provide access to a
variety of reading materials. Encourage your child to take notes on the topic and to brainstorm ideas. Listen
and make suggestions. If your child gets stuck when beginning to write, suggest going back and pre-writing
some more.
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Saturday, December 14, 2024
A systematic approach can help your child read and remember
Your child will read many textbooks and nonfiction sources in a school career. To foster success with
reading to learn, encourage your child to preview the text by reading the main headings and scanning the
pictures. Next, your student should read the introduction, summary and any questions that follow the
passage. Then your child can read the main text in short sections, making sure to understand each section
before moving on.
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Sunday, December 15, 2024
Talk about freedoms on Bill of Rights Day
December 15 is Bill of Rights Day in the United States. On this day in 1791, the first 10 amendments to the
U.S. Constitution were ratified. They became known as the Bill of Rights. Talk with your child about the
freedoms this document grants. For example, the First Amendment protects freedom of speech and freedom
of religion. The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by jury.
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Week 1/13
Monday, January 13, 2025
Strive for balance in your child's schedule
Children need a balanced mix of schoolwork, outside activities, family time and free time. Don't worry
about trying to cram every possible enrichment activity into this year. Instead, let your student explore one
or two activities in depth. Children also need free time to play, read and explore ideas on their own, and
family time to build supportive relationships.
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Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Set the standard for respectful behavior
Self-control and respectful behavior among students make school a pleasant and productive learning
environment. To teach these behaviors at home, work with your child to set clear rules and consequences.
Talk together about school rules, too, and let your student know that you support them. Then, model the
behavior you want to see from your child.
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Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Turn history facts and figures into a game
When your child has to memorize historical names, dates and events, make it fun by playing a round or two
of History Concentration. On one index card, write a person's name. On another, write the event or thing
the person is known for. Make several pairs of cards and lay them face down. Take turns with your child
turning over cards to see who can find more matches.
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Thursday, January 16, 2025
Inspire your child's desire to learn
Students who are motivated only by rewards rarely do more than the minimum needed to get by. But
children who are motivated by their own desire to learn are more likely to stick with a task, retain what they
learn and earn higher grades. To inspire inner motivation, ask what your child wants to learn from a project.
Point out progress, and ask your child to share new knowledge with you.
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Friday, January 17, 2025
Your child can learn a lot from tests
Students often think that learning is only necessary before a test. But a lot of learning can happen afterward,
too. When children review tests and identify the kinds of mistakes they make, they can learn how not to
repeat them. Mistakes are commonly careless errors, or the result of lack of preparation or poor habits.
Encourage your child to correct mistakes on tests. Then, brainstorm together about ways to avoid making
the same kinds of errors again.
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Saturday, January 18, 2025
Make it easy for your child to tell the truth
Honesty is a habit. To help your child develop it, point out honesty when you see it. If your child hasn't
done something you've asked, but honestly admits it, praise the honesty. "You do need to go make your bed
now, but I'm glad you told the truth." And if your child isn't honest? Ask why not. "Were you afraid of
getting in trouble?" Then ask, "What might you have done instead of lying?" Praise your child for coming
to the right conclusion.
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Sunday, January 19, 2025
Let boredom teach time management skills
Time management is an important school skill. Learning to manage free time to avoid boredom is helpful
practice for students. Build your child's skills by limiting recreational screen use and encouraging self-
entertainment. Express confidence in your child's abilities: "I know you can think of something to do." To
avoid trouble, be sure to stay aware of what your child is up to.
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Week 1/20
Monday, January 20, 2025
Stay up-to-date on your child's progress
When poor grades catch families by surprise, some parents may do and say things they regret later.
Avoid such surprises by staying aware of how your child is doing. Review your student's schoolwork
daily, and talk about it together. What was easy? What was challenging? Chat often with your child
about how school is going and listen closely. The stories students tell can reveal a lot. If you have
questions or concerns, reach out to the teacher to get answers and discuss ways to support your
child's learning.
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Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Engage your child in active thinking
Here are four ways to help your elementary schooler be an active thinker: 1. Encourage your child to
ask questions. Then, listen and answer the questions seriously. 2. Ask your child to find facts to
support opinions. 3. Encourage your child to wonder about how things work. Together, you can
investigate and find answers. 4. Challenge your child to make estimates: "How long do you think it
will take to do this math?"
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Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Encourage the qualities that make your child a good friend
Having friends at school contributes to students' positive feelings about education. To help your child
be a good friend, explain that friends are respectful, polite and listen to what others have to say. Talk
together about good sportsmanship and the importance of standing up for what's right without
being rude. Encourage your child to be friendly, smile at classmates and say "Hi."
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Thursday, January 23, 2025
Encourage an early start on weekend assignments
When there is schoolwork to do over the weekend, many kids put it off. Then, they panic Sunday
night when the work must be done. Encourage your child to tackle assigned work on Friday.
Classroom learning will be fresh in your student's mind, so the assignment will likely take less time.
Serve a fun dessert as a reward. Then, enjoy relaxed weekends together!
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Friday, January 24, 2025
Point out strengths when your child struggles
Even the most capable students sometimes complain, "I'll never get this! I'm stupid!" To address self-
criticism, remind your child of past successes. Talk about ways your student's hard work has paid off.
Put setbacks into perspective by saying things like, "You got a disappointing grade, but you gave it a
good try. Let's talk about things that will help you do better next time."
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Saturday, January 25, 2025
Reading time isn't over when you reach 'The End'
Some of the best reading times come after you've closed the book. After reading aloud together, ask
your child to retell the story. Which were the best parts? Why does your child think so? Next, help
make connections between the book and your child's own life. Has your child ever felt like any of the
characters in the story? Thinking and talking about books enriches your child's reading experience.
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Sunday, January 26, 2025
Ask questions to help your child think about the process of learning
When students think about how they learn, they stay more motivated to learn more. When
discussing schoolwork with your child, ask questions like: What do you already know about this
work? What questions could you ask to learn more? Which parts do you think you do really well?
Which are challenging? Does it get easier as you go along?
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Week 1/27
Monday, January 27, 2025
Use positive ways to promote better writing
When your child shows you a piece of writing, your response can be motivating or discouraging.
Begin by praising something specific. "This phrase is very lively!" Next, comment on the point your
child is making. Is it clear? Instead of pointing out mistakes, ask questions to help your student clarify
or add details, such as "Can you give some reasons why you think that?" Then, leave the revisions up
to your child.
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Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Simple habits keep students organized for success
Students who lack organizational skills lose school papers and materials, forget what they are
supposed to do and don't turn in schoolwork on time. Encourage your child to track assignments and
due dates in a notebook or planner. Then, have your student create a list each day of everything that
needs to be done that day, and check completed items off the list. Establishing these habits will keep
your child on track for school success.
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Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Movies offer opportunities to talk about real life
Part of managing screen time is making it count. You can use movie nights to jump-start the
conversations that build important family connections. Watching other families on the screen offers
you an opportunity to discuss how they interact and how you would like your family to interact. Let
the way a movie character deals with a problem, such as drugs or divorce, prompt a conversation
with your child about your family's values.
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Thursday, January 30, 2025
Guide your child to better decision-making
Making well-reasoned decisions is key to becoming an independent learner. When there is a decision
to make, guide your child's thinking by asking questions. For example, you might ask what could
happen if your child chooses one toy over another at the store. Which toy would your child play with
more? It is also important to let your child learn from choices. Living with the results of a poor choice
helps kids make a better one next time.
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Friday, January 31, 2025
Keeping up with assignments adds up to math success
If your child has homework in only one subject, it's likely to be math. Math builds on itself, and
students have an easier time if they stay up-to-date with assignments. Have your child read through
any sample problems and explain them to you. If the sample is confusing, remind your child to ask
the teacher for help the next day. On days when there is no math assignment, review basic math
facts together.
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Saturday, February 01, 2025
Take turns reading aloud to build fluency
Reading aloud together is a great way to help your child build reading fluency. Choose a short
passage from a book at your child's reading level. Read it aloud. (Be sure to use lots of expression in
your voice.) Then, have your child read the passage back to you. If a word causes struggles, say what
it is, then let your child continue reading. Repeat a few times until your student can read the text
fluently.
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Sunday, February 02, 2025
Instead of providing answers, show your child how to find them
Children learn by asking questions. But sometimes, they can learn more by finding answers for
themselves than if parents supply them. The next time your child asks a question, demonstrate how
to conduct research online or at the library to find the answer. If it's practical and safe, you might
even help your child set up an experiment
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Week 2/3
Monday, February 03, 2025
Problems get solved when families and teachers work together
If you have a concern or issue with your child's teacher, the first person to discuss it with is the
teacher. Ask to set up a conference, in person or online. If the issue concerns a grade, have the
papers in question with you when you meet. If it's something your child has told you about, ask your
child to give you specific details so you can discuss them with the teacher. Chances are, you and the
teacher can work out a plan to resolve the issue. You'll also show your child that teamwork solves
problems.
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Tuesday, February 04, 2025
Practice scientific thinking at home
Scientists know that asking the right questions leads to learning. To practice the "scientific method"
at home, have your child think of a question (What happens to plants if it stops raining?). Next, read
about the topic together and have your child make a guess about the answer. Then, help your child
figure out how to test if the guess is right (grow two identical plants, but water only one). Your
student should write down what happens and report to you on the results.
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Wednesday, February 05, 2025
Help your child avoid disruptive tantrums
Elementary school students aren't too young to feel stress. And when they don't have the skills to
cope with that stress, they often resort to toddler-style outbursts. Try to figure out what triggers
your child's tantrums, and avoid those situations whenever possible. To help your child manage
stress, practice calming techniques together, like deep breathing while counting to 10, or saying, "I
can work through this."
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Thursday, February 06, 2025
Respond to the 'gimmes' with values and expectations
When product marketing has your child saying "gimme," remember that experts say kids who have
been given too much don't learn to deal with disappointment. They are also more prone to anxiety
and depression. Instead of granting your child’s every wish, explain your values and reasons for
setting limits. Offer fewer things and more of your time. Then, use expectations, not bribes, to
motivate your child to work hard in school.
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Friday, February 07, 2025
Chores at home strengthen school skills
Doing chores at home teaches children responsibility and self-confidence, traits that benefit them in
school. If your child isn't used to helping around the house, start with a few easy-to-accomplish tasks.
Instead of saying "clean your room," for example, you might say, "You pick up the things on the floor.
I'll hang up the clothes." Make it clear that what your child is doing makes a valuable contribution to
your family.
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Saturday, February 08, 2025
Book series get kids excited about reading
For enthusiastic readers, books are like potato chips. They can't read just one. One effective way to
spark a craving for more reading is to encourage your child to read books that are part of a series.
After reading one, your student will be familiar with the characters, and can find out what happens
after the first book ends! Ask the teacher or a librarian for ideas about series books your child might
enjoy.
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Sunday, February 09, 2025
Alert the school if you suspect bullying
Research shows that bullying affects learning. If you suspect your child is being bullied, contact the
school right away. Talk with your child’s teacher. Ask if the teacher has noticed signs of bullying. How
does your child get along with others in the class? What might make your child a target for a bully?
What will the teacher do to prevent bullying? Work with school staff on a plan to address the
bullying. Then, set a date to follow up on how the plan is working.
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Week 2/10
Monday, February 10, 2025
A lot of learning can happen in just a few minutes In as little as five minutes a day, you can help your child learn. You can ask a question to stimulate creative thinking (What if the sun came up at night?). Or, ask your child to express an opinion and back it up with reasons (What is your favorite book? Why?). You can tell a story full of information about the real world, or simply say "I love you." Children need to feel loved to take the risks necessary to learn.
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Tuesday, February 11, 2025
For email/longer social media posts: Plan to spend some time outside together Spending time outdoors as a family can build muscles and strengthen relationships. And nature offers many opportunities to build your child's observation skills. Even in cold weather you and your child may be able to bundle up for a hike in a nearby park. Notice all the things that you can't see when the leaves are on the trees. You can even set up a birdfeeder together and chart the different kinds of birds you see.
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Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Be a cheerleader for your child Research says that students are better able to tackle challenging school assignments when their families act like cheerleaders rather than drill sergeants. Cheerleaders never let their children put themselves down. They consistently say things like, "Sure, this is hard, but you've done work this hard before. You can do it!" And their children begin to believe the message and rise to the challenge.
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Thursday, February 13, 2025
Break writing tasks down into easy steps Many students struggle with putting their thoughts on paper. To help your child with a writing assignment, break the process into steps. The first step is to list everything your child knows about the topic. Next, ask what your child would like to say about the things on the list. Talking ideas through can make writing easier. After writing a draft, have your child put it aside for a day, then reread it and brainstorm about what would make it better.
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Friday, February 14, 2025
Play a picture game to encourage caring for others Children are naturally self-centered. But to become good students, they must learn to see and think about people beyond themselves. One way to help your child become more aware is to play a picture game. Gather photographs of people in a variety of situations. Take turns looking at a picture and describing how the people in it might feel. Start at the physical level. Imagine what people in the picture see and hear. Are they cold or warm? Then, imagine what they might be thinking or feeling.
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Saturday, February 15, 2025
Put your child in charge of some regular self-care tasks Sometimes, all it takes to help children become more capable is a change in attitude. Each month, think about all the tasks you do for your student. Choose one you can hand over, such as packing lunch. Then, help your child learn the necessary skills to do the task. Provide a chance to practice, then put your child in charge. Make it clear how proud you are of all the things your child can do!
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Sunday, February 16, 2025
Make learning math vocabulary a game When children learn math, they also need to learn a whole new vocabulary. To make learning math words fun, play Math Concentration. Here's how: Write each term on an index card. Write its definition on another index card. Deal out five or six pairs of index cards face down, then take turns turning over two cards at a time. The goal is to make a match by turning over a term and its definition. The player with the most matches wins.
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Week 2/24
Monday, February 24, 2025
Offer honest answers to your child’s hard questions Discussing tough issues with your child is an important part of parenting. But how do you get your child to open up about worries or challenges? Say that you will always answer your child's questions. Then, when you do, be truthful, but don't feel you have to provide every detail. If you don't know an answer, you might say, "What a good question. Let's find out together." And if you can't answer right away, say something like, "I want to answer that. Let's talk about it after dinner." Then, follow through.
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Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Create a schoolwork routine that works for your child Some children have more trouble concentrating than others. That can make working on assignments at home challenging. Establishing a study routine will make it easier for your child to get down to work. Turn off the TV and other distractions, and encourage your child to make daily to-do lists. Together, break big tasks down into smaller chunks. Then, let your child take a five-minute break after every 20 minutes of working.
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Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Listen to negative feelings, but don't encourage them Some children seem to have been born with a negative outlook. You may not be able to change your child's personality, but you can make coping easier. First, accept the person your child is, outlook and all. But don't pay more attention to negativity than other feelings. Your child may learn to use it to get attention. Instead, listen to complaints so your child feels heard, then change the subject to something your student feels more positive about.
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Thursday, February 27, 2025
Conversation starters enrich family meals With a little imagination, mealtime can be a time for enriching conversation that develops skills like listening and speaking, thinking and sharing. To get the conversation started, try placing an interesting object in the center of the table to discuss. Or, cover old maps in self-stick plastic to make placemats and use them to plan a fantasy trip. You could also fix dishes from another culture and discuss that culture while you eat.
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Friday, February 28, 2025
Test your child's nerves with this science experiment To help your child learn how nerves work, fill three large bowls with water: one with cold, one hot (not scalding), and one room temperature. Have your child put one hand in the hot bowl and one in the cold bowl for one minute. Next, put your child's hot hand in the room temperature bowl. Ask, "Is it hot or cold?" Do the same with the cold hand. Your child's hot hand will feel cold, and the cold hand will feel hot, even though both are in the same water. That's because nerves sense temperature changes relative to what they are used to.
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Saturday, March 01, 2025
Ask questions to help your child decode unfamiliar words When your child is reading and gets stuck on an unfamiliar word, ask questions to help your student sound it out: "What sound does the first letter make?…What sound does the last letter make?...Are there any letter combinations you recognize in the word? What sounds do they make?" Have your child point to each letter in order and slowly say the sound it makes, then blend them together faster.
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Sunday, March 02, 2025
Give your child room to mature into adolescence As children grow into adolescents, their craving for independence grows, too. This can lead to conflict with the adults around them. To keep it to a minimum, allow your child appropriate independence and polite assertiveness. But also continue to set limits and explain why they are important. The safe, loving and respectful home environment you provide gives your child a strong foundation for success.
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Week of 3/3
Monday, March 03, 2025
Cooking makes math and reading tasty fun.
Cooking with you helps your child practice valuable skills such as reading, following directions and
planning ahead. Have your child read each step in a recipe aloud. Then, ask questions like, "Which do
I put in first, milk or flour?" You can also challenge your student to do the math of doubling a recipe,
or to look up cooking terms in the dictionary: "What does mince mean?" Working with you to feed
the family can also make your child feel useful and needed.
English
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Spanish
Tuesday, March 04, 2025
Support your child when trauma strikes
When children are dealing with a traumatic event in their lives, it can affect their emotions, health
and schoolwork. Whether it is a death, a family problem or even worries about events in the news,
be alert for signs of distress in your child. Calmly explain the situation as best you can. Help your child
put feelings into words, then say that you will cope with things together. Offer a sense of control by
providing chances for your child to make small decisions about things like meals or clothes.
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Spanish
Wednesday, March 05, 2025
Give back talk the silent treatment
It can be very irritating when a child has to have the last word in every argument, or mumbles
negatively. But instead of getting angry, experts suggest that you ignore your child's last words. Back
talk won't get your elementary schooler anywhere if you've ended the conversation, stopped
listening and begun to walk away. Then, discuss provocative situations at another time when neither
of you is angry or upset.
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Thursday, March 06, 2025
Help your child make the most of strengths and talents
What helps children succeed in and out of school? Families who help them develop their talents to
the fullest. Instead of pushing your child to be the best, look for achievable ways to help your student
improve. Encourage practice by making it enjoyable. Show interest in your child's talents by learning
the skills yourself and spending time doing them together. And always, let your child know that your
love and support is unconditional.
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Friday, March 07, 2025
Trade unwanted items for more time with your child
Children feel more connected and loved when their parents spend time with them. This stability
helps them do better in school. One way to find more time for your child is to get rid of unneeded
items at home. The less stuff you have, the less time you spend using, maintaining or looking for it.
Then, store commonly used items in designated, easy-to-reach places. For example, teach your child
to keep items for school in a box by the door.
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Saturday, March 08, 2025
Build skills and closeness with a bedtime reading ritual
When your child was younger, you may have read aloud every night at bedtime. But now that your
child can read, should you keep up the habit? You bet. Research shows that, in addition to building
literacy skills, the sound of reading aloud can help soothe kids. Make daily bedtime reading with your
child a relaxing time together. You'll be building cozy memories and reading skills for a lifetime.
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Sunday, March 09, 2025
Prepare for a successful move up to middle school
If your child will be going to middle school in the fall, you can start now to make the change in
schools easier. Read the middle school's website together, and help your child learn about the clubs,
classes and school mascot. Talk about the exciting things middle school students learn and do, and
discuss your child's hopes and concerns. If possible, arrange to tour the middle school together.
Then, help your child prepare by reinforcing study and organization skills.
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Week 3/10
Monday, March 10, 2025
Here's an easy formula for helping your child with math.
You can help your child learn math even if you don't remember any of the math you took in school. For a start, ask questions about your student's math work, such as "How did you arrive at that answer?" or "Look at this page of problems. Do you see a pattern?" Then, make an effort to involve your child often in practical math at home, such as measuring. Making sure your child has a study routine that includes daily math practice will also add up to better math skills.
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Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Service projects boost connection and community.
When your family volunteers in the community together, your child gets quality time with you and learns the joy of helping others. Great projects to do with kids include collecting canned goods for a food pantry, or asking neighbors and friends for gently-used children's books and donating them to a homeless shelter. You and your child might also write letters or make care packages for local people serving in the military.
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Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Reading gives your child words to use when writing. To be strong writers, students need large vocabularies. To help your child develop one, encourage lots of reading. More reading exposes your child to more new words. When an unfamiliar word appears, see if your child can guess its meaning from the text around it. Later, look it up together. For fun and practice when writing, see how many words your child can replace without changing the meaning.
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Thursday, March 13, 2025
How to enforce limits without saying 'no' all the time.
Every parent and caregiver has to set limits. But when kids hear "no," they often stop listening and start arguing. To teach your child to respect the reasons behind the rules, try giving a conditional "yes" instead of a "no." For example, if your child asks to watch TV, instead of saying "No. You have to do your reading," you might say "Yes, when you have finished your reading." That "yes" can keep your child listening to the rest of the sentence.
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Friday, March 14, 2025
Help your child feel capable of doing hard things.
Feeling capable gives children the confidence to take on challenges and succeed in school. To encourage that self-confidence, teach your child how to do things without help. Notice your student's strengths and encourage them. Ask for and appreciate your child's help. And always praise your child for trying, no matter what the outcome.
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Saturday, March 15, 2025
Make learning responsibility enjoyable for your child. Kids learn best when learning is fun. That applies to learning responsibility, too. So, assign your child some regular chores that are not too long or burdensome. Then, make them more fun by doing them together and singing songs or playing music while you work. You can even make chores part of a game: See who can pick up their toys the fastest, or how much you and your child can get done in a set time.
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Sunday, March 16, 2025
Help your child hear what fluent reading sounds like.
Skilled readers read fluently. They move quickly through sentences, understanding the words and the meaning. Hearing what fluent reading sounds like can help students gain this skill. When you read aloud to your child, try to sound as though you are speaking naturally, rather than reading. Playing audiobooks also lets your child hear what fluent reading sounds like.
English
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