As students return to school, Parent Connection wants parents to know about the daily tips and monthly newsletters and activity calendars it makes available to families. The start of a new school year is the perfect time to check out these valuable online resources.
Parent Connection offers a “tip of the day” that subscribers may receive via email seven days a week. The e-tips cover topics ranging from homework help and strengthening family communication to dealing with social pressure and making positive peer connections. Parents may subscribe to receive tips or view an archive of last month’s tips by visiting the Parent Connection Daily Tips page on vbschools.com. The tips are also available by following VBSchools on Twitter or Facebook.
Parent newsletters and activity calendars are posted online September through May on the Parents Newsletters page on vbschools.com. Separate newsletters and calendars are available for elementary school, middle school and high school levels, and they cover a wide range of topics and activities.
This excerpt from the September calendar for elementary schools provides ideas on how to promote effective study habits for a successful school year:
Helping your child strengthen his homework and study skills is one of the most important ways you can help him do better in school. And the start of a new school year is the perfect time to get started. Here’s how:
- Choose a regular time and place for homework. It should be a quiet, comfortable location free from distractions. Stock it with necessities such as paper, pencils and a dictionary.
- Allow for some free time first. Many kids need to blow off steam after school by exercising or talking about their days. Many also head straight for a snack. Keep healthy options available that will energize your child for work and play.
- Postpone screen time. Watching TV and playing video games are privileges that often take time away from priorities, including reading, homework and chores. Save all screen time for after homework and studying.
- Encourage organization. Productive studying starts with a to-do list. Older elementary school students should make one each day.
- Pay attention. Homework time is a chance for you to learn about your child. Does he excel at reading? Have trouble with spelling? Struggle with multiplication?
- Be supportive. Don’t ever do your child’s homework for him. But do stay nearby to supervise. It’s okay to answer questions and guide your child through problems. However, if he needs too much help, talk with his teacher.
Additional topics covered in the September newsletters include promoting kindness, handling school anxiety, building responsibility and confidence, establishing healthy habits, approaching discipline issues and helping with reading and academics.
Parent Connection’s calendars provide daily activities in a one-page format that can be printed and posted in the house to review a new activity every day. Check the online calendars each month for a fresh set of suggested activities for parents and children.
For more information about the school division’s Parent Connection program, visit www.vbschools.com/ParentConnection/.