Research has shown that parents are crucial in establishing school success for children. Here are a few things you can do to support this:

         Be in touch with your child’s teacher. Set up lines of communication and keep them open.

         Be a vocal supporter of school. Openly support the school’s policies, teachers, goals, programs, events, and rules. Make the events that happen at school part of your family’s schedule. Attend programs such as back-to-school-night, book fair, science fair, and literacy fair. Do your best to buy the wrapping paper, scrip, and other fundraising products. Volunteer at the school if you have the time.

         Talk about what happened at school each day. Get into the routine of hearing about school projects as they are assigned and progress through the year. In this way, you can be available to give support as needed.

         In going over homework, ask your child to explain it to you. It is reasonable to expect that children have a basic understanding of what needs to be done. If this is not the case, talk to the teacher to find out why your child does not understand what has to be done.

         Explain why it is important to get a good education. Use examples from your own life to bring home the points you want to make.
 
         Be sure your child has a routine time and place to work on reading, studying, and regular homework. This will need to be a quiet and secluded place for some children. Recognize that some children may need non-traditional settings such as having background music and being sprawled out on the floor.

         Read daily to your child and show her or him that you read daily for your own pleasure. This is an activity that never takes a vacation, so you should be prepared to do this daily, regardless of the school calendar. 

         Have a great school year and keep in touch.

         This column has been incorporated and expanded in Teach Your Children
Well: A Teacher’s  Advice for Parents.