Keep a Positive Attitude

The best way to help your children do well in school is to show them that school and homework are important to you and the whole family.

Of course, there are lots of other ways you can show your children you care. Here's some helpful advice.

• You are your children's first and most important teacher.
  You know your children better than anyone else, and you probably care about them more than anything. Get involved in their education at every step – from homework help to parent-teacher conferences.
• A close relationship with your children can keep them from having problems in school.
  Children need help making decisions about school, relationships, peer pressure, work, and growing up. All of this can be easier if your children can talk to you about anything.
• Be a good listener.
  Young children want to talk about their school day, so take time to talk and listen every day. As children get older, especially during high school, they might not want to talk as much. Be patient: think of creative ways to stay involved in your children's lives.
• Praise your children.
  You need to be a cheerleader for your children. Tell your kids you're proud if they deserve it. Make sure you give praise when your children make a real effort.
• Offer your personal support.
  Help your children practice multiplication tables or have them read you one of their essays. If your children are having trouble in school, offer to help them get through it.

Having an honest and positive relationship with your children will help create success in school. Even if you didn't have the best experience in school, you can still help your children be successful. Your kindness, humor, and loving support makes a huge difference.
 

Homework Tips

Here are six ways you can help your child with homework.

1. Set a daily regular time every day.
   The house should be quiet and you should have free time to work with your child. Make homework time signs and post them on the refrigerator and TV. The amount of time your child spends on homework depends on their grade level.
2. Ask about homework.
   Ask your child what they have to do for homework each night. You should also ask if your child understands what he or she is supposed to do. If your child doesn't understand, work on some examples together. When your child gets homework back from teachers, make sure you check it. Look for trouble spots and strengths.
3. Talk with your child's teachers regularly.
   Ask teachers about classes and what your child is studying. Find out how you can support your child at home, like using flash cards, practice spelling tests, or other ideas. Remember, you and your child's teachers want the same thing: to help your child learn. If your child doesn't understand the assignments or is having a lot of trouble, don't be afraid to talk with the teacher.
4. Don't do your child's homework!
   Help your child learn how to do his or her own homework. First, make sure your child understands the directions. If you can, do a few problems together. Then watch your child do a few problems alone. When finished, check the work.
5. Praise your child when he or she gets the right answers.
   Make sure you give praise and encouragement for the right answers. If your child makes mistakes, help correct them. It's important to help your child feel good about learning – and to let your child know making mistakes is part of the process.
6. Keep a scrapbook of your child's good work.
   If your child does well, keep those papers, reports, and pieces of artwork in a scrapbook. Keep that scrapbook in an important place in your house where everyone can see it. This shows your child how proud you are and how much you care about education.

Reading Help Tips

Math Help Tips

Help your child understand and learn to love math.

Here are a few simple ways you can interest your child in math.

• Encourage your child to ask questions.
  By letting them ask questions, you can find out how to help them learn more.
• Use games and educational toys .
  Teach young children the difference between big and small, high and low, fast and slow, and heavy and light. By doing this, you help them begin to learn about math and science. And use toys and games, from Tic-Tac-Toe and Monopoly™ to calculators and computers.
• Work with your child's teacher.
  Stay involved in the learning process. If you know what's going on at school, you can help your child at home.
• Don't tell your child you hate math too.
  Math can be frustrating, but don't make it worse for your child. Don't say things like "I hate math too!" Instead, say things like, "I had trouble with math too. But I wish I stuck with it and figured it out like you're doing."
• Set high standards.
  Encourage your child to work hard. Give praise when she does well.
• Make sure your child knows jobs require math.
  Use your job or the job of a family member as an example. Being good at math can help you get a better job.

Science Help Tips

Social Studies Help Tips

Online Resources