9 tips for helping your child succeed in school | Schools

The Illinois State Board of Education encourages families to establish and maintain good health and study habits as schools across the state open doors for the start of a new academic year. The onset of the school year provides a prime opportunity to review academic skills and implement positive habits and routines.

“Students need to arrive at school ready for new challenges and experiences,” said State Board of Education Chairman Gery J. Chico. “Families can help their children excel by developing habits that ensure children get enough sleep, a good breakfast and a dedicated study time and place. Most importantly, they can pass on a positive attitude about education. Learning doesn’t just happen during the school day but every moment adults spend with children.”

As students approach the new school year, families might start new bedtime hours for an easier transition during the first week of school. Setting aside a quiet dedicated study space, with good light and appropriate supplies, may help children focus as they do homework.

A review of academic skills before the start of the school year may also help students succeed in the classroom. Some ideas include:

• Dictate a grocery or task list to a child for writing practice.
• Read both fiction and non-fiction to your children.
• Ask a child to write about summer vacation for a family scrapbook.
• Review multiplication and division skills.
• Talk about current events, the causes and possible connections to the school and local community.
• Ask students to write three goals for the school year and then discuss steps that might help them realize their goals. Review goals every couple weeks.
• Talk to children about their fears or concerns regarding the return to school.
• If a child is transitioning to a new school building or a new district, arrange a visit to the building so they might be familiar with their surroundings and perhaps meet faculty, staff or even other classmates in advance.
• Check homework nightly and find ways to expand on topics through trips to local museums, libraries, parks and zoos.

Illinois 2012 Teacher of the Year Josh Stumpenhorst, a sixth-grade language arts and social science teacher at Naperville’s Lincoln Junior High School joins ISBE in encouraging families to make sure children arrive at school ready for the rigors and joy of learning.

“Learning and school success is a team effort,” Stumpenhorst said. “Parental involvement plays a huge role in how children approach school, work with their peers and embrace challenges. An enriching school experience not only teaches children critical academic skills but prepares them for a successful and happy life.”