Use a calendar or chart. “Hang a calendar on your refrigerator,” said Margarita Maravel, literacy coordinator from Jackson Avenue Elementary School in Mineola, N.Y. She suggested writing down special assignments, birthdays, events and activities to help you remember. Glen Rogers, principal of Jericho Elementary School, in Centereach, N.Y., suggested using charts to display accomplishments. “Create a chart and use colorful stickers or fun stamps to mark off the completion of homework, reading accomplishments, chores or other activities,” he said. “By using a chart or a daily planner, students learn how to prioritize to keep organized.”
Create a daily routine. “Keeping a daily routine helps children learn what to expect,” said Maravel. She suggested following a routine similar to these: In the morning, clean up, dress, eat breakfast, make lunch and head off to school. After school, do your homework, eat a snack, play and gather items together for the next day. “Try to go to bed the same time each night,” she adds.
Color code. “Purchasing color-coordinated folders to match notebooks according to subjects helps to keep papers, notes and assignments organized,” said Patricia Block, a resource teacher at East Broadway Elementary School in Seaford, N.Y.
Create a “Homework Box.” To help kids focus on their homework, Donna Robson a reading specialist at Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School in Greenlawn, N.Y., suggested kids create a homework box. In a shoebox, place pencils, pens, colored pencils, markers, a ruler, glue sticks, tape, scissors, a calculator, Post-its and any other supplies you may need on a regular basis. Put the box near the location you do your schoolwork. “This way, when it’s time for homework, students can get the box, sit down and begin,” Robson said.
Books are a treat. Visit the bookstore or library every few weeks to find a new book to read on your own, recommended Lori McGill, a second-grade teacher at Summit Lane School in Levittown, N.Y. “The more (kids) get excited about reading on their own, the more their self-esteem will rise. They’ll also be better equipped to tackle challenging homework assignments.”
Organize a book club. Heather Hazen, reading specialist for the Mineola (N.Y.) School District suggested organizing a book club. “It can culminate with a special ice cream or dinner night … to discuss the book and maybe a stop at the library to choose the next one.”
Bring books to life. “Go to a school play or show (or movie) based on a book,” suggests Maravel. “It’s a fun activity to compare the book and the show.”
Unplug for success. “Families should designate a no electronics period where everyone turns off their (devices),” said Angela DiRusso, English teacher at Wisdom Lane Middle School in Levittown, N.Y. “This way, families can spend time together … (doing) whatever they want. It’s amazing how you can reconnect with yourself and others when you’re not distracted by technology.”
Stay current. “Stay up-to-date on current events,” said Matthew Crichton, social studies teacher at Turtle Hook Elementary School in Uniondale, N.Y. “Take a current-events article and look at the history of the event in an attempt to better understand its significance.”
Research movies. “View a movie set in a historical setting and see how accurate the movie really is,” said Crichton. “This will teach students to evaluate historical accuracy and research.”
Ace physical fitness tests. “A fun way to help reach fitness goals is to challenge (yourself) to do as many jumping jacks as possible for the total length of a TV commercial …” said Robert Dulberg, a physical education teacher at Turtle Hook. “(You) can do the same with push-ups, crunches and stretching.”
Be a chef and eat healthy. “Choosing vegetables for a salad or planning a meal together using veggies is a creative and fun activity for the family,” according to teachers from New York’s Valley Stream 13 school district’s psychology and social work department. “It provides a chance (for) children to develop skills as young chefs (and) think about providing meals for those around them. Plus, cooking together offers opportunities for measuring, planning, cooperating as a team and caring for others.”
Save wisely. “Cut and sort supermarket coupons and … add them up for family savings,” advised Block.
Join organized clubs or sports. “It’s important to socialize with peers outside of the school setting,” said principal Rogers. “Children who socialize in organized sports, extracurricular group activities or even just play dates in the backyard will learn problem-solving skills, tolerance and respect for their peers.”
Ask for help. “You’re never too old to ask for help,” according to teachers from Sycamore Avenue Elementary School in Bohemia, N.Y. “Teachers are a resource for both parents and students when there is a question about homework, projects or peer relationships. They are there to help problem solve and as a listening ear for everyone in the school community.”
No comments:
Post a Comment