Ways To Help Your Child Succeed In School

A Parent’s Guide To Success In Middle School

By: Dr. Michelle Stangline

The more involved you are in your child’s education, the more likely your child is to succeed in school. Research shows that parent support is more important to school success than a student’s IQ, economic status, or school setting.

1. Parent involvement begins at home. Support your child and let them know that his/her academic success is important to you. Parents need to stay in contact with their child’s teachers on a consistent basis.
2. Create as quiet study environment in your home for your child. Make sure your child has the proper materials such as paper, pencils, pens and other materials to do school work. Keep the radio and the TV off during homework time.
3. Create a routine with homework and try to do homework the same time each day. Have your child eat a healthy snack before beginning homework. Try not to wait until late evening to begin homework.
4. Check your child’s agenda book each day and review completed homework. Encourage independent problem solving with homework.
5. Talk about why school and learning is important to your child. Focus on your child’s strengths and help them set goals for the future.
6. Make sure your child attends at least 95% of school during the year and is on time each day. Make school attendance and punctuality a priority.
7. Attend open-house and all parent-teacher conferences. Go over weekly grade reports with your child. Make a plan of action if the grades are low.
8. Have your child attend Early Morning Help Sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday’s at 8:15 a.m... Tuesday’s session covers Math and Social Studies. Wednesday’s session covers Language Arts and Science.
9. Use rewards and consequences to encourage change, and then be consistent with them on a daily basis.

10. Encourage a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle for your child. Make sure your child has time to relax and play during the day.