How can you help your child be successful at school this year? Tips from a teacher...

     If parents could do just one thing to start their students off on the right foot, I would suggest feeding kids a good breakfast.  At the very least, a glass of milk or piece of peanut butter toast will give kids the protein they need to make it through the morning.    Even high school students need fuel besides Coke and candy.  (When the sugar leaves their system, they can droop into sleepiness or even anger.)

     Next, parents should ensure that kids start off with a good night's sleep.  The last weeks before school should transition from the summer schedule to the fall time clock. A well-rested child is ready to learn.

     When students start out the door, be sure they aren't taking CD players, hand-held games, or other items that will distract them from learning.  Find out your school's policy about cell phones and refresh your child's memory about proper time and place for using a cell phone.  If more parents collected the toys at the door, teachers could bypass a lot of rule-making. 

     Offer the kids pleasant words as they leave for school.  Don't burden them with problems that you should carry as an adult.  (I have far too many students whose parents want their high schoolers to stay home from school to help with shopping or younger children.)

     When kids get home the first day, be sure to fill out any paperwork necessary.  Prepare to conference with teachers if necessary.  Provide emergency numbers.  Remember that you are a full partner in your child's education.  Ask whether they have homework assignments.  Do they need additional school supplies?

     Set up a quiet place in the home so that your budding scholar can work on homework.  Keep the television and music off at that time, and monitor computer usage.  Prepare your kids for life by helping them to take full advantage of their education.  Encourage a spirit of inquiry.  Stay on top of problems. 

    These tips are brief and basic.  However, I can always tell which students arrive hyped up on sugar, cranky and sleepy, and stressed by family problems.  Their rested peers have all the advantages.  They get along better with other students.  They complete work. Their attention span is longer. They are therefore better prepared to succeed in relationships and future jobs.  All children deserve the potential benefits of education.