STARTING ON THE RIGHT FOOT!

As a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher. When parents and families are involved in their children's schools, the children do better and have better feelings about going to school. A partnership between the school and home is crucial for student success!

There are many ways that parents can support their children's learning at home and throughout the school year. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1.       Meet your child's teacher. If you have not done so, try to find a time to meet your child's teacher. Let the teacher know you want to help your child learn. Make it clear that you want the teacher to contact you if any problems develop with your child. If you feel uncomfortable speaking English (or Spanish), don't let a language barrier stop you. What you have to say is more important than the language you say it in! Ask us and we will provide someone who can interpret for you.

2.       Get to know who's who at your child's school. There are many people at Discovery who are here to help your child learn, grow socially and emotionally, and navigate the school environment. Get to know all your child’s teachers, area coordinator, school counselor, and others.

3.       Find out how your child is doing. Ask the teacher how well your child is doing in. If your child is not keeping up, especially when it comes to reading, ask what you or the school can do to help. It's important to act early before your child gets too far behind. Also be sure to review your child's blogs every Monday morning.

4.       Make sure that your child gets homework done. Your child needs to see from you that you think education is important and that homework needs to be done each day. You can help your child with homework by setting aside a special place to study, establishing a regular time for homework, and removing distractions such as the television and social phone calls during homework time. If your child is struggling with homework, you should contact the teacher and let him/her know.

5.       Encourage your child to read. Helping your child become a reader is the single most important thing that you can do to help the child to succeed in school-and in life. The importance of reading simply can't be overstated. Reading helps children in all school subjects. More important, it is the key to lifelong learning. Reading is an expectation at Discovery School!