GenParenting

Parenting resources for all who love and care for children

Author: Jaime Koo, Encouraging Literacy

Summer Volunteer Opportunities for Your Middle Schooler

Summer Volunteer Opportunities for Your Middle Schooler

Summer time is the perfect time for your middle schooler to unwind, relax, and catch up with some sleep! While it is developmentally appropriate for your young teen to take a mental break from academic studies, the summer also opens the doors for gaining new skills, exploring new interests, and giving back to the community. In this three-part “Summer Opportunities for Your Middle Schooler” series, we’ll explore some youth-friendly activities! In this post, we will focus on the benefits of volunteering. [Read more…]

Parents Participating on School Committees

Parents Participating on School Committees

This past spring, I was invited to join a Strategic Planning Retreat for my children’s school district. Of course, the name of this meeting is intimidating because it sounds so formal. And if you are anything like me, most of the names of school committees (for example, School Site Council, District English Learner Advisory Committee, or District Advisory Committee) make me shiver and hesitate to think what additional responsibility (like more work) might come my way if I attend! But this time, the words “strategic” and “planning” suggested something promising about its purpose in shaping future plans for the school district. So, despite having to take some time away from my day to attend the meeting, I found that the experience was really positive!

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Parents as Experts in the Classroom

Parents as Experts in the Classroom

No doubt about it – teachers are masters at crafting academic content so that its relatable to students. They can take the mundane in numbers, work their magic, and teach kids how to multiply fractions. And they can take drab characters, shine a light on them and all of a sudden, these characters become our kids’ best friends. Simply put, teachers are truly inspirational! Sometimes, though, parents are tempted to think that the teacher is the only one that can be in command of student learning in the classroom. The truth is that teachers embrace all experts to enlighten their students and would be more than happy to welcome your experience and expertise in the classroom! So, what are some topics you could present to students? [Read more…]

Benefits of Volunteering At Your Child’s School

Benefits of Volunteering At Your Child’s School

My daughters have been very fortunate to attend an elementary school which offers a parent participation program. This type of alternative education program emphasizes parent involvement with classroom learning, whether it be to accompany students on a field trip, prepare classroom materials at home prior to the teacher’s lesson, or to read with a small group of students. The idea is that students who receive support from multiple adults will have a more enriched learning experience.

How to Volunteer at School

Even if your children are not in a specific parent participation program, you can still volunteer in your child’s school. There are many benefits for you and your children when you seek out opportunities and get involved with your child’s education. Here’s my top 10! [Read more…]

Practice Homework Help – Tips for Writing Assignments

Practical Homework Help – Tips for Writing Assignments

Being a former language arts teacher, I found it difficult to help my children with their writing assignments. I saw lots of spelling mistakes, punctuation errors, and poorly developed ideas. The truth is, I was looking at their assignment with adult eyes when I should have been approaching their writing at their level. These three tips help keep things in perspective when I review their writing.

I Am Their Cheerleader

When I review my child’s writing, I ask for permission to read it out loud. This gives them an opportunity to hear what it sounds like to the reader when in fact, it may sound very different to them in their head as they are writing. As I read, I cheer good work by verbally saying, “I love this detail” or “You make an excellent argument.” Giving them verbal praise validates their hard work and efforts. [Read more…]