Concerned parents sometimes try to improve their
children's educational progress by maneuvering him
into the school with the highest test scores. This is
understandable but leads to more frenzy than success.
(See "Tacoma Schools Test Scores". But at least
frenzied parents are concerned and that's a plus.
Now, for those who want to be concerned and sensible, let me offer a few ideas that will actually help the child to learn more and enjoy going to school. My personal suggestions:
1. Turn off the TV. While some programs are educational and a few more are at least fun, surveys show the average kid is watching the boob tube over 6 hours per day. Did you ever have a day with even 3 hours of decent programing? Just turn it off!
2. Talk to your kids. From infancy into adulthood keep the chatter going. It not only encourages the child touse his hard-won language skills but it's flattering attention from an adult. And you will both come to enjoy it. And if you're through telling of your life and hard times, you can enquire about theirs.
Some kids, especially teens, are notoriously tight lipped. If you find this difficult, think of conversation as AN ORAL FACEBOOK. Just make up the same chatter some people do online.
Or use the reporters' technique. Avoid the yes-or-no questions which can be answered with one word (Which might end the dialouge); use who, what, etc. As in "What was the best thing you learned in school today." or "Why do young people like Leona Helmsley?" etc.
A good time for some of these conversations is during family car tips. (Can you spell captive audience?) Another is family dinner time. (If your family doesn't dine together at least once a day, you need more help than I can provide in single blog.)
3. Read a book now and then. (This means you.) For the most part, kids do what is expected of them. If you and the teachers are pushing them to learn to read but never read a book, your message is erased by your action. Read something and then be sure to talk about what you are reading. (See # 2 above).
4. Use your math skills. Let your kids see you calculating the paint required to repaint their bedroom, multiplying a recipe for a double batch, calculating miles per gallon. And talk with them about the calculations required for the family budget. Most of us don't use higher mathematics but we can talk about those who do. "What happens to a rocket launch that is off by a mere 1 degree at lift off?" etc.
And by all means, as soon as they get money (whether from allowance, gifts, or earnings, get them started on budgeting which won't be hard because they have seen you working out your budget.
5. Go out! See plays and concerts, public meetings, protest marches, election debates, etc. ( I could mention athletic contests but they all draw plenty of attention without my help.) There are also shows and fairs for craft, art, motorcycles, tractor pulls, etc. You can spend big bucks on production numbers if you like, but in a city like Tacoma a little networking will demonstrate that many of the best shows are free or at very low cost. (For a guide to little-known things to see and do in Tacoma, University Place, Fircrest, North End, Fort Lewis, McChord, Parkland, and Pierce County, watch for Mr. First Nighter, soon to appear on this blog.)
And take the children with you whenever you can. Maybe they can't understasnd it and fall asleep in your lap. But they will be educated to the realization that some adults take some of these things seriously. And in all cases talk with the child; try to explain why it is important or interesting.
6. Decorate your home and the child's environment with intersting shapes and colors. Hang a few (preferably) realistic drawings or photos and talk occassionally about what you see there, etc. (Madame Montesorri built a whole teaching system around such perceptions.) And let the child help you plan trips with maps and globes; even plot walks and hikes using local maps and plans. It lets them extend their power and control over the world and their own movement.
7. Go to your local library, regularly. Of course take the children with you. Let them see what you are after and help them to choose and check out books ( and other materials ) that they will like. If tshey favor comics, don't worry. I, like many others, learned to read with comics. The vital lesson here is that reading is something we do for pleasure and personal fullfillment. Even after we have graduated.
8. Attend school events. (Yes, even the dreaded science fair.) It's even possible to attend events in which your own little darling is not the star. It shows that school is important to you. And the teachers will appreciate you support. If you can, volunteer to serve as a room mother/father.
9. Talk to the teachers. Of course the teacher conference is compulsory. But why not e mail or send in a note now and then when there is not a problem? "Dear Mrs. Jones: Little Johnny came home with a workbook of which he is very proud. Thank you for making his schooling such a pleasure to him."
Far out? I don't think so. Teaching at its best is a hard job and teachers usually welcome occassional contact with adults. And the child will come to feel home and family are a close alliance for his education. Without any preaching he will realize that school is valued and he is expected to make something of it.
10. Read to the kids. All around the world; in every culture in every age; children love to have adults read and tell stories. Try to find books that are age appropriate although grown-up materials can be used in small doses. If you like Shakespeare, perhaps you could read them all the Bard's bloody parts.
As children mature, you could take turns with them and encourage them to put expression adn even drama into their reading. It will come to be fun and has a powerful affect.
If my list is unworkable or wrong for you, OK. I encourage you to make up your own list. The important truth here is that there are a great many steps you can take to help you children get more out of school and enjoy it. And, if you are still worried about those #$@@#!!! test scores: Usually the kids who enjoy school and are really learning, do well on tests too. That is surely worth a little effort.
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