Curriculum becomes more in-depth as the academic pace accelerates. This
combined with newfound social connections leaves many students
struggling and most parents frustrated.

Follow these three simple habits at home to help regain control of the
situation:

1.Organization is Key

As simple and unrelated as many people feel this component is, it is
critical to academic success. Beyond the obvious and overstated, have a
specific spot for homework assignments to be completed. The next step to
this process is rarely mentioned; put the homework, books, teacher notes,
notebooks etc, in the book bag at night.

Many students stumble into class each morning half awake only to find the
work they spent time on the night before is still sitting on the dinning
room table.

When this happens these assignments are considered missing, incomplete, or
late. All of which put a lower grade in the gradebook. Several days of this
repeated pattern and any GPA would certainly be reduced.

2.Be Proactive

Unlike the elementary years where teachers were available to keep parents
informed of progress, middle school educators teach 100 or more students a
day. The parent to teacher communication now falls mostly on the parent.

Be proactive. Monitor your children’s grades weekly. If you see low grades
or notice that your child struggles with understanding homework assignments,
it is wise to seek intervention immediately. Email the teacher. Ask what
steps he or she recommends to get the tutoring your child needs. Take action
and get help. The work  will only get more challenging as
the year progresses.

3.Social Activities and Academic Effort

The adolescent mind is different than that of a child. By now your children
are probably seeking more social outlets, friendships, and activities. While
parents need to encourage children to participate in extracurricular
activities, clear guidelines must be set. These guidelines should include a
base level of academic success. Participation in social events should be
allowed only when the agreed upon base for academic grades are met.

Far too many parents are unaware of the power of tying social events to
academic success. When children know their social outlets are contingent
upon their academic efforts, most are more willing to take responsibility to
earn good grades.

Start and follow through with this practice in middle school, and by their
high school years your children will know academic responsibility is
imperative to their freedoms.

Happy Parenting!

Victoria

www.thrivingstudent.com

Technorati Tags: Academic Success, Academics, Adolescent, Grades, Middle Grades, Parenting, School

Over 20 years of experience in the classroom has lead me to notice these less social children arrive in the early grades smiling less, pouting more, and seeming less open to others in general.

I am sure it will come as no surprise to know as these children get older and move through the grade levels with this self-absorbed attitude, they appear to have few friends and acquire a reputation for being “different”.  As such, these children are generally the ones that make the best targets for bullies.

I do believe it is the responsibility of the adults in the lives of these children, teachers and coaches included, to offer these less social children situations where they can practice social skills. It is imperative for a healthy sense of self-esteem and well being that children are given guidance in how to make and be a friend. To assist parents in helping their children to be more likable and social, I have listed some tips that may be useful.

Children need to be around other children. Begin in the toddler years to schedule plenty of play dates for your children. Being around others allows your child to learn valuable skills such as caring, empathy, sympathy, sharing, and bonding. By interacting with others from an early age, children learn to be social.

Do not make everything about the child. Many children grow up in an environment where they are the center of attention. Adults and older siblings dote on them. This is perfectly normal and acceptable inside the family unit. But doting needs to be tempered by situations where the child understands that he/she is not the center of attention in every situation. Children need to realize they are part of something much larger. The earlier children are exposed to others outside the home, the easier this concept is for them to accept.

Tell your child to smile often. It is human nature to be drawn to those who smile. People who smile appear friendlier and more approachable to others. This simple gesture allows others to know when one is open to making new friends. Teach your child to smile from an early age by allowing them to see you model this behavior often.

Teach your child to ask questions. One of the easiest ways to make new friends is by showing interest in people. Everyone enjoys someone who seems genuinely interested in him or her. As a way of bonding and getting to know others, teach your child to ask appropriate questions of others about hobbies, vacations, sports, likes and dislikes.

The biggest key to your child knowing how to act in social situations is you. A child who grows up around people who socialize will be more likely to enjoy and engage in socializing. Be sure to let your child see you as a social being and when appropriate allow children to be part of your social network.

The article link below offers some helpful tips to parents as they teach social skills to their children.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584671,00.html

Technorati Tags: Bully, Bullying, Children, Parenting

Parents, who don’t yet have children of this age, be forewarned, never argue with an adolescent; the child will out talk you every time.

Parents who choose to argue with an adolescent end up frustrated, often times befuddled, and angry, while it appears the child enjoys the test of wills. Adolescents can out last and out argue anyone. It seems they find pleasure in it.

One attribute of this age group is a growing awareness of injustice. Parents of adolescents hear statements like, “it’s not fair”, “he/she did it too”, and “you’re picking on me” as a child begins to demonstrate his own sense of justice.

While on a larger scale parents will notice older children being more aware of social injustices. Developmentally, it is in the adolescent years that children begin to notice and talk more about the world around them.

Many young people grow emotional or angry over global issues like world hunger, senseless war, and the destruction of natural disasters. They ask questions like how could this happen and what can be done to change it.

It is this same sense of justice that has children arguing to get their way until a parent finally caves in and cries “uncle”. Hence the child gets his or her way in the battle of wills.

So the question becomes, how does a parent work through issues with these strong willed children. Here are three tips that may help to keep you sane as you work through these trying years.

1. Be fair

If your child asks to attend an event with friends, at school or other social setting, think it through before giving an answer. Unless the request is completely unreasonable, take time to think before responding. There will be plenty of requests from a child to gain more independence throughout these years. It is wise for parents to choose their battles well. The best way to truly be fair is to take a moment to consider the request.

2. Be firm

If you know the answer to a request is a solid, “no”, then state the answer firmly leaving no room for doubt. This does not imply that parents should treat children with disrespect. A harsh tone does not need to be used. Simply, ‘no” will do.

If your child chooses to argue the point, ignore him or her. It is not easy, but the sooner a parent learns to live with the background noise of a disgruntled youth, the better. Ignoring children when they protest lets them know you mean what you say.

3. Bargain

Most parents use this technique with younger children. One example most of us see regularly is a child crying in the grocery store. The parent offers candy or gum to pacify the child. This technique works even better with older children because bargaining with older children offers rich rewards.

Take for instance if a child wants to attend a party. In the meantime, a school science project is due; it is perfectly acceptable to link attending the party with earning a passing grade on the project. At this point, the choice belongs to the child. If he or she chooses to take time to do the project well, the party is the reward.

Bargaining works with simple tasks as well. Parents can link daily chores to small rewards like watching a favorite show, playing on the computer, or talking on the phone.

Bargaining is a win/win situation for parents because it links children’s desires to a skill most young people need to learn, responsibility. This is a natural way for adolescents to simultaneously grow more independent and responsible.

Word of caution:

This technique is a great one, but it only works when parents are in the driver’s seat. Bargaining is not a two way street. It is not advisable to allow children to turn this around and attempt to set bargain guidelines. If this occurs children should be firmly told, “No.” Let them know this technique is a parent tool. Be prepared for the, “It’s not fair” argument and stand firm.

Parents, to avoid arguing with your children throughout their adolescent and teen years, it is important that consistency is established. Children need to know parents are in charge. Parental follow through during these experimental years helps children grow through the adolescent and teens years safely. It helps to set a firm foundation as children grow into responsible adults.

Happy Parenting!

Victoria

www.thrivingstudent.com

Technorati Tags: Adolescent, Children, Parenting

Be a reader to raise a reader. The more children see reading take place in the home, the more natural a choice it will become for them. Let children observe you reading for pleasure, information, and knowledge.

To engage children in early reading, be sure they have plenty of reading materials of their own. Ask them to look at their books when they play alone. Often times, parents hear children pretend to read favorite books to younger siblings, stuffed animals or imaginary friends. This is the type of play you want to encourage. This behavior lays the foundation children need to become readers.

Read to your child from an early age. Set aside a time each day to read to your children. Bedtime offers a good opportunity to read to your children. This is a lovely way to spend quality, quiet time with your child. It serves as a way to relax as you end the day together. It also helps children to see the value of reading for relaxation.

One of my pediatrician friends tells me she recommends that parents end each day with bath, book, and bed. This practice builds routine and a sense of well-being in children.

There are reasons why your children want to hear the same story over and over. Simply put, they find joy in repetition. The world is a big and overwhelming place. Children enjoy the familiar. Book characters become part of their small world to such an extent that sometimes children will talk about these characters as if they are real. Developmentally, when children see the same books over and over, they begin to identify words in the text. Likewise, as they hear the book repeated often, they begin to notice more of the context in the book. Over time, your child may point out things in the book they had never noticed before. This is evidence that your child is not only enjoying the repetition of the book, but learning as well. This repetitive reading is part of the foundation where connections between words, reading and comprehension are born.

There are many ways a parent can help their child become a reader. The ones I have included are basic and doable by every parent. Exposure to books is a key element in a child’s love of literature and ability to read. Have plenty of reading materials in the home for your children to view and hear. Make reading part of your daily lives, and remember a child learns through repetition.

Happy Parenting!

Victoria

Technorati Tags: Academics, Parenting, Reading

Children who are engaged are happier

Dear Parents,

A happy child is the unspoken creed for successful parenting. Yet, many times parents feel helpless when they see their children experience sadness, apathy or low self-esteem. If you want to improve the well being of your children you are not alone.

Over 20 years experience in education has lead me to an understanding of what attributes are necessary for children to succeed. To embrace the world with excitement and joy children need to feel a sense of purpose.

Unlike adults who can actively seek situations where we can connect with others and garner a sense of purpose, children must have most of their needs met within the family and school settings. The elements needed to raise happy well-connected children are attainable for every parent. Most require little time, but offer great returns on building a foundation for your children to be happy and engaged in life.

This site shares insights, advice and guidence for parents. By implementing some of the suggestions offered here, parents can help their children feel a heightened sense of happiness,  belonging and success. Sign up to receive updates on new post and learn simple ways to improve the life of your children.

Happy Parenting!

Victoria

Technorati Tags: Academic, Children, Parenting

Lego Creationary is one of the many great Lego products that parents have to choose from for children.

As a former educator and parenting coach,  I am asked often asked my opinion on toys and games. Parents want to know the  type of toys that foster cognitive development in their children.

Any game that challenges thinking and processing is good.  Old standards like the various Lego products do a really  good job in these areas.

Games that naturally challenge a children’s mind helps them to grow more independent and confident in themselves.
Lego Creationary is a game intended for children 7 years and older.  Players roll a  die to select one of four building categories  in the game. Children enjoy this game because of its variety, not realizing that they are learning and practicing classifying, one of the most basic of academic skills.

I like that there are three levels of complexity written into the game.This variety of difficulty creates an environment for children to grow in their thinking while assuring the game stays fresh and new. Any game that continutes to challenge a child is good for their mental development.

Another aspect of the game that I like is it engages imagination and creativity. These are skills which children do not get enough oppertunity to explore and develope in today’s fast paced world of education.

Lego Creationary is both fun and educational. I recommend it and other Lego products as a means of giving your children oppertunities to practice congitive skills while having fun.

Happy Parenting,

Victoria

www.thrivingstudent.com

Technorati Tags: Learning, Lego Creationary, Parenting

Leapster L Max is one of the many fun and educational handheld games parents can choose  for their children.

As a former educator and parenting coach. Often times I am asked my opinion on toys and games. Parents want to know the type of games that foster academic development in children.

Any games that challenge thinking, processing and motor skills are good for child development, but  it is a bonus when parents can find products that aid in academic learning as well.

One handheld game system that I find particularly good is the leapster L Max.

I like the Leapster learning game system for a variety of reasons. One thing I like most about the Leapster L-Max learning game system is the games cover academic skills for preschool through 4th grade.  This large span of  knowledge assures parents that children have room to grow cognitively as they “play”.

Secondly, it is widely known that children find comfort in repetition. But, the added benefit is that they also learn at deeper levels when exposed to the same stimuls over and over. As children become engaged in these games, they want to play them again and again. This serves them particularly well as they are learning new skills and perfecting old as they play.

The third reason I think  the Leapster L-Max is a good investment for parents to make in children is the game is handheld for mobility.  The academic in me loves the fact that children can learn on the go. I had much rather see a child playing a handheld game while traveling than watching a meaningless video.

For home play, there is a cable for hooking this game up to the larger screen of a television. An extra long cable cord is included with the unit so that children do not have to sit too close to the screen to play.

Finally, the unit comes with games built in so the initial investment is enough to get started. Once your child get used to the system, there is a  large variety of Leapster games that can be purchased that cover various academic skills.

I must admit, I believe children can learn most anywhere. As one who works with young people and their parents, I am constantly thinking about children and how they learn. I give Leapster L Max a thumbs up for helping children learn while having fun.  If you are considering this type of game for your child, take a look and see what you think.

Happy Parenting,

Victoria

www.thrivingstudent.com

Technorati Tags: Academic, Leapster L Max, Learning, Parenting

I have always found pleasure in teaching new vocabulary to children of all ages. They generally balk at the mention of learning new words, it sounds too much like work, but once they realize they can use these new words to impress their friends, they generally get into the spirit of it.

Parents it’s easy to make an ongoing activity of helping children learn and apply new vocabulary. Create a game for your family where each member listens or looks for one new word each week. (Search Google for word of the day sites if your children start off reluctant to play.)

At dinnertime, in the carpool line, or on the way to a weekly event, family members can introduce their chosen word. The word should be pronounced and used in a sentence as a way of having family members guess the meaning. Once the meaning has been guessed, go one-step future and have family members practice the word by finding ways to use it in conversations throughout the week. Applying the new word helps children to recall it’s meaning over time.

Parents, if your children are young, there is an easier form of this activity you can play with your children. Simply, introduce a “word of the week” on Monday. Pronounce the word, tell it’s meaning and use it in several sentences. Then ask children to find ways to use this word each day.

Granted in either game, not all words will be remembered over time. But some of the words will “stick” and become part of the way your child communicates. This game is a means of helping children feel and be smarter while offering your family a positive and unique way to bond.

I recall two of my favorite books for increasing the vocabulary of children; The Weighty Word Book and Weighty Words, Too. I used both these books in my years in the classroom. I also like giving them to young people as gifts. They are non-intimidating, colorful, short story books that teach new vocabulary in the most clever way imaginable. These short stories are written to be mnemonic devices that help children remember meaning and pronunciation of new words.

If you have a reluctant reader, buy one of these books and read a few of the stories together. It is likely your child will begin to read these entertaining stories independently. But beware you could soon be hearing some hundred-dollar words being tried out on you.
Parents, in order for children to thrive in school, it’s important that they feel successful and smart. Learning new vocabulary is one simple, easy way you can help your child grow academically.

Happy Parenting,

Victoria
www.thrivingstudent.com

Technorati Tags: Academic, Adolescent, Parenting, Vocabulary

In most cases, third grade is the first real experience children have of their active role in the learning process. It is a year when many students experience stress from academic pressure for the first time, as they seek to grasps new concepts as multiplication and division are learned and practiced.

Parents see their children becoming frustrated and seek to offer comfort. Oftentimes, this comfort comes with a price to the children which parents aren’t aware of.

Many parents share with children that they too found math challenging as a child. They may go on to tell stories of their own childhood struggles, poor grades and lack of understanding.

These words spoken with good intent have a tendency to backfire for many students. What children hear from a parent’s well-meaning words is, “I was not good at math therefore, neither are you”.

This admission of academic weakness from the parent becomes an excuse, a reason if you will, for children not to put forth much effort. They feel they have been given permission to perform poorly.

A preconceived attitude of defeat does not serve students as they seek to understand concepts in any academic area. Therefore, it is best not to introduce this type of thinking.

The good news is there are constructive ways for parents to offer assurance and support to struggling students. Following are some suggested ways for parents to offer encouragement and understanding while facilitating and promoting academic development.

1. Let children know you have full confidence in their abilities. (Use matter of fact language. Leave no doubt that you believe in them.)

2. Create a specific time and place in the home for homework to be completed. (This adds structure and organization to their physical environment, as their mental abilities are being challenged.)

3. Have an adult in close proximity when children are doing homework. (This serves to keep them on task and to offer assistance if needed.)

4. Reinforce that some things take time and practice. (Tell them it is like a puzzle they may have had as a toddler. At first it was difficult, but over time the puzzle became easy to solve.)

5. If your child becomes frustrated, ask school officials for resources in tutoring. (Many schools offer morning or afternoon tutoring, or know professional who are willing to help.)

Your attitude towards their learning is a huge indicator of their level of determination. Be positive about learning. Celebrate even the small successes. This encourages children to continue working towards their goals. Your support, attitude and follow through will help to instill a positive self image as your children grow and learn.

If you would like a happier, less stressful relationship with your child contact me for a free 30-minute consultation.
Happy Parenting!

Victoria

www.thrivingstudent.com

Victoria@thrivingstudent.com

Technorati Tags: Grades, Learning, Parenting

Follow these three simple habits at home to help regain control of the situation:

1. Organization is Key

As simple and unrelated as many people feel this component is, it is critical to academic success. Beyond the obvious and overstated, have a specific spot for homework assignments to be completed. The next step to this process is rarely mentioned; put the homework, books, teacher notes, notebooks etc, in the book bag at night.

Many students stumble into class each morning half awake only to find the work they spent time on the night before is still sitting on the dinning room table.

When this happens these assignments are considered missing, incomplete, or late. All of which put a lower grade in the gradebook. Several days of this repeated pattern and any GPA would certainly be reduced.

2. Be Proactive

Unlike the elementary years where teachers were available to keep parents informed of progress, middle school educators teach 100 or more students a day. The parent to teacher communication now falls mostly on the parent.

Be proactive. Monitor your child’s grades weekly. If you see low grades or notice that your child struggles with understanding homework assignments, it is wise to seek intervention immediately. Email the teacher. Ask what steps he or she recommends to get the tutoring your child needs. Take action and get help. The work your child is doing will only get more challenging as the year progresses.

3. Social Activities and Academic Effort

The adolescent mind is different than that of a child. By now your children are probably seeking more social outlets, friendships, and activities. While parents need to encourage children to participate in extracurricular activities, clear guidelines must be set. These guidelines should include a base level of academic success. Participation in social events should be allowed only when the agreed upon base for academic grades are met.

Far too many parents are unaware of the power of tying social events to academic success. When children know their social outlets are contingent upon their academic efforts, most are more willing to take responsibility to earn good grades.

Start and follow through with this practice in middle school, and by their high school years your children will know academic responsibility is imperative to their freedoms.

If you would like a happier, less stressful relationship with your child go victoria@thrivingstudent and ask for a free 30 minute consultation

Happy Parenting!

Victoria

www.thrivingstudent.com

victoria@thrivingstudent.com

Technorati Tags: Academic, Grades, Parenting, Transition to Middle School