Finding Help for Academic Needs
For some students, the start of school is an exhilarating feeling – new teacher, new friends, new subjects to learn. For other kids, the start of school brings about dread and despair – for all the same reasons! As a parent, how can you support your kids who are facing academic challenges?
Set up a consistent place and time to do homework
Kids thrive on structure. When they know what to expect, they feel safe. Set up a schedule where they know it is homework time. Have a place for them to complete assignments, whether it be in their room or on the kitchen table while you’re setting up for dinner. If the kids are going to grandma’s home or to an afterschool day care program, make sure everyone knows that getting homework done is a priority.
Look for an afterschool program or find a tutor
Did you know that it takes several modes of input before a concept finally sinks in? For information to click, sometimes it may take a second (or third) pass at the homework assignment. Look for afterschool homework programs – does your child’s school offer an afterschool homework club? Is there a drop-in program at the local community center or YMCA? It takes a village to raise a child and this is an excellent example of a time where reaching out to your community may be helpful.
Ask the teacher for assistance
Your child’s teacher is a wealth of information and is on your side for your child’s learning success! If you have concerns, schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher. The teacher can give you insight on your child’s strengths as well as give you some strategies and specific resources for working on his or her academic needs. If you have tried everything your child’s teacher has suggested and your child is still facing academic challenges, schedule a follow-up meeting. There may be other issues that your child is facing and a different intervention path may need to be explored with the school principal.
If your child is currently experiencing frustration because of academic needs, don’t give up! You are your child’s best advocate and cheerleader. When you show your child that you are there to support him or her every step of the way, they will appreciate the fact that you are looking out for their best interest. When you don’t give up on them, your children will learn to be resilient in facing their challenges, too.
Don’t give up!
Jaime
Copyright © 2017 by GenParenting
Discovering the joy of teaching while in high school, Jaime pursued her B.A. in English at Santa Clara University. She also received a teaching credential and a M.A. in Education Administration from Santa Clara University. Jaime taught English Language Arts at Rancho Middle School, motivating and inspiring young people to become effective communicators and contributors in their community. From being a Middle School English Language Arts/English Language Development teacher to becoming a stay-at home mom, Jaime is an education consultant who presents literacy workshops. Her workshops focus on a combination of her ten years of teaching expertise with tried-and-true experiences that she uses with her own children. Jaime is also a Teacher Consultant with the San Jose Area Writing Project. Jaime’s mission is to share effective reading and writing strategies with families to encourage literacy.
Great article! I appreciate the advice to find an afterschool or community program, “a village” to help raise your children. It really does take a village!
Thanks for the Sunday Friends mention. We are one of those villages.
We appreciate the outstanding work your agency provides to a diverse group of families in our community to support their children’s academic success and enhance their daily lives through community services.