THIS YEAR I WILL...

Wondering how to start the new year off on a positive note with your child and school?

Encourage your child to make a resolution--to learn a new skill, improve an old one, or do something for others.

Share the suggestions listed below for setting and achieving a resolution or goal. Along the way, your child will learn important lessons about perseverance and will gain self-confidence.

CHARTING A COURSE... Say your child needs to improve his/her math skills this year. Together, map out a plan and post it in his/her room. Get the teacher's advice if neccessary. Example: Do math homework before other subjects. Double-check all problems and make sure numbers line up. Practice math facts for five minutes a day.

STAYING ON TRACK... Help your child stick to his/her resolution. One way to keep him/her motivated is to find simple things he/she can do that relate to his/her goal. Example: If he/she is learning to use the computer, perhaps he/she can type a list of emergency telephone numbers. He/she will enjoy seeing it posted near the phone.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS... Once your child reaches his/her goal, celebrate his/her accomplishment with the whole family. Share a favorite meal and ask him/her to talk about the experience. He/she may even be ready to set a new goal.

Keeping a family resolution can bring you closer together. Whether it's spending more time as a family or volunteering in the community, you'll feel great working as a team...

JUST FOR FUN... Question" What did the alien say to the books? Answer: 'Take me to your reader' ...