subject: Its Back To School Season - Suggestions For Parents And Students To Get It Right. [print this page] One of the most frequently asked questions from parents is how to plan for a successful school year. Here we suggest a few things parents and students can do to get the upper hand on a new school year before it takes on a life of its own.
Set a Rhythm
Parents, start setting the healthy and helpful routines that your child will need to navigate the new school year. These include times for mornings (waking up a regular time, dressing, breakfast), after school (homework, tutoring), evenings (family and fun) and bedtime. These routines become rhythms, necessary for children, adults, and families.
Set Goals
Make them challenging and realistic. An improved grade in science and English? Remembering to turn in all homework assignments? Keeping the notebook organized? Start tests prep a few days in advance than the night before? Making the tennis team?
New to the Neighborhood?
Let tour available school. With your parents, arrange one now, before school starts. Many schools do this automatically for all students, especially first timers, but youll want to make sure youre ready to begin with confidence about where your locker is and first period class is held. What other education resources are available in your new neighborhood? Perhaps there is a tutoring center or your school has a list of local tutors. Perhaps even better is to find out about tutoring on the Internet. There are a number of great websites that specialize in tutor referrals, including www.tutorz.com, Tutrme.com and besttutor4u.com.
Test Prep
Seniors, howd you do on your ACTs or SATs? Not happy with the scores? Start thinking now of getting help from a tutor and then taking the test again. See your guidance counselor or check out blog.tutorz.com for test prep opportunities.
School Supplies
Check to make sure youve got all the school supplies youll need. Each school has its own requirements grade by grade planners, crayons, highlighters, and notebooks so check with the school.
Reinforce Routines.
Students, youve already set the routines at home, now make sure you have school routines, too. Set them by yourself and with your study buddy or your favorite tutor. Go Back to School Night, take advantage of teachers web pages on the school web site, know when special projects will be due so you can buy your kids to get them done, inform teachers of your kids special needs and goals. Teachers like to hear from you, especially when youre being constructive and helpful.
If Problems Seem Insurmountable
If you child falls behind or she struggles in a tough subject like chemistry or pre-calculus think about getting a qualified personal tutor for her. A tutor is typically good hearted and caring individual who genuinely what your child to succeed. But it is important to screen and interview your tutor before you make your decision. Studies show that only one hour of tutoring each week improves the grade by one and a half. In other words if you child has a D, she improves to a B- on average. We recommend log onto tutorz.com to find a needed personal tutor.
Review Progress toward Goals.
Need help, students? If you do, get it early. If your study buddy cant help you, ask for help from your teacher, someone whos smarter than you are in the subject, or a tutor. Just get help. Dont put it off.
Prepare for Exams
Semesters coming to an end. Students, are you ready for finals? Long-range projects completed? Parents, have a backpack pop quiz. Check out whats in there.
Parents and Students, Spend as Much Time as You can Together
Talk about non-school stuff, family history, family members you havent seen in a while. Take pictures; send them to friends and family with short notes. Build memories. Everyone read the same book and then spend some time talking about it.
