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Helping Students Learn
Tips families can use to help students
do better in school.

Kaye McCarty

        
 

Reinforcing Learning

  

Motivating Your Child
Following written directions is an important skill. By middle school, students need a firm grasp of how to follow written directions. They may be asked to write more essays and take more standardized tests than in elementary school. Trouble following instructions can lead to low performance.
 Here's an activity that can help:		   Young children often play outside after school. But middle schoolers are more likely to watch TV, pick up the phone, or play on
a computer. Keep your child physically
 
 
  active by making exercise a fun routine. For example you could walk your child to
school, or learn a new sport
together.
  • Give your child a list of things to do. For example, have him/her follow the steps for putting together a new toy.
  • Suggest that your child start reading directions out loud. He/She shouldn't rush. This is a good way for him/her to see if he/she understands everything.
  • Focus on the actions your child needs to take. Have him/her highlight or circle key words such as "measure", "gather", or "turn clockwise."
  • Monitor your child as he/she carries out the steps. Help when necessary, but let him/her do as much as possible by himself/herself.
  • Reread the directions together when the job is finished. Did your child follow them to the letter? See if he/she can catch any mistakes. Congratulate him/her on his/her hard work!
 


Working with Your School

Touch base with teachers on a regular basis.
See if there are ways that you can help at home.

 
 
 

Coping with Middle Schoolers
Promote honest behavior. Make sure your child knows that you consider lying or cheating  unacceptable behavior.

To convey this message:
  • Tell your child that copying from another student's homework or from the Internet is cheating.
  • Don't overreact to dishonest behavior when your child admits to it.

Discipline
Expect your child to be respectful. At some point, your middle schooler will surely challenge your authority. There's a simple way to win his/her respect: expect it.
You should:
 
  • React calmly. For example, if your child yells something rude, stay composed. Simply look him/her in the eye and say, "We do not speak that way in our family. That is disrespectful." Then wait until he/she is ready to be polite to talk further.
  • Trust your judgment. Once you have discussed something that your child wants, make a firm decision. Then stick to it.
  • Be respectful. The best way to teach respect is by example. If you treat your child lovingly and fairly, he/she will learn that this is the way to behave.