 |
Support your child's success in school.
- If you suspect that your child might have a vision or hearing problem or a learning disability, such as dyslexia, ask your doctor for referrals for:
- a vision screening, which should be performed at each well-child examination
- a hearing test
- a testing for a learning disability
- If your child wears eyeglasses, he/she will need sports frames for gym class.
- Choose the right backpack for your child . . .
- wide, padded shoulder straps
- padded backpack which protects against sharp edges on objects in the pack
- · Emphasize proper use of backpack . .
- always use both shoulder straps
- pack light – the pack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the child’s body weight
- organize the pack to use all of its compartments
- pack heavier items closest to the center of the back
- check with the school to see if rolling backpacks are allowed, which are ideal
- Start planning “brain-power” breakfasts. Studies show that children who eat a nutritious breakfast are more alert in class.
- Create a healthy sleep schedule.
- Children ages five to twelve need ten to eleven hours of sleep each night.
- Teach healthy sleep habits
- Emphasize the need for a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine
- Create a good sleep environment – dark, cool and quiet – and keep television and computers out of the bedroom
- Discourage watching television, playing video games, using the Internet, drinking caffeinated beverages or eating sweets before bedtime
- Review school bus safety rules.
- Have a safe place for your child to wait for the bus, away from traffic and the street.
- Teach your child to stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the bus driver says that it is alright to enter.
- Make sure your child is aware of their surroundings when getting off of the school bus – many drivers do not obey school zone speed limits or other rules of the road concerning school buses.
- Important information to give to the school:
- Up-to-date emergency telephone numbers to be kept on file at the school on how to reach you and another caregiver at all times.
- If your child receives medication on a regular basis for diabetes, asthma, or another chronic health problem, school nurses and teachers must be made aware of these needs, especially if they are the ones who will administer the medications.
- Be sure to speak with them about the prescribed medication schedule and procedures before school begins.
- Work out an emergency course of action in case of a problem.
- Go to the school’s open houses and parent/teacher meetings
- to view your child’s work and school exhibits
- to have a say in your child’s learning.
- Encourage your child in his/her learning process and progress. Words sink deep into a child’s heart, and what you say to your child can be prophetic.
Return to Parenting Tips
|
 |
©2006, 2008 Partnership for Families Northside
|
|
|
