Resources for Parents
- Parent Teacher Conferences
- How to Study Guide For Students
- Taking Notes
- Tips For Test Taking
- Homework and Hormones
- Mission Possible: Middle School
- Resources & Helpful Websites
Parent Teacher Conferences
The parent-teacher conference brochure is a tool for helping parents prepare for conferences. It guides parents in sharing pertinent information about their child with teachers and provides some sample questions that parents can ask teachers. It concludes with an action plan which is an agreement that lays out what the child, the parent, and the teacher will do to ensure student growth.
Preparation
Part 1: Talk with your child about school.
- How does your child feel about school?
- What subject is your child most successful in?
- How does your child describe his or her behavior in school?
Make sure your child is a participant in the parent-teacher conference.
Part 2: Information to Share With the Teacher
Please share any information that might help the teacher develop a better understanding of your child.
- What are your child’s goals, dreams, likes, dislikes, concerns, etc.?
- List concerns you have with your child that are home or school related ( physical or emotional challenges, etc.).
- What is your child’s role in the family (youngest, oldest) and the effect that other family members may have.
Questions
Below are some sample questions to ask your child’s teacher.
- How is my child doing in reading (math, science, social studies, art, music, P.E.)?
- In what areas does my child need improvement?
- How do you evaluate students and determine grades?
- Does my child participate in class discussions and activities?
- Does my child work well independently?
- How does my child work in groups?
- Is my child putting forth enough effort?
- How are my child’s study habits?
- Does my child accurately complete homework assignments, and is there a homework policy?
- What can I do to encourage my child’s learning?
- How well does my child get along with children and adults?
- Does my child respect the rights and property
of others?
Action Plan
Finalize the conference with an “Action Plan”. Include some specific goals.
- What will the teacher do at school?
- What needs to be done by the child at school?
- What needs to be done by the child at home?
- What needs to be done by the parent(s) at home?
- How will we check our progress (notes, phone calls, emails, etc.)?
Take this guide to your parent-teacher conference.
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How to Study Guide For Students
Make Studying
Your Job
Be comfortable. Have a straight chair and good light (with no glare).
- Assemble needed materials such as assignment, books, notebooks, pencils, pens and paper.
- Keep regular study hours. Pick a time that’s best for you and study every day at that time.
- Cut down on distractions. Don’t let a stereo, radio, TV, phone, or other noise distract you.
Plan Your Study Time Each Day
Keep a planning notebook to help balance your schedule. Your time is valuable—use it well!
- Assignment - What must be done?
- Due Date - What is your deadline?
- Days Until Due Date - How many days do you have available?
- Estimated Hours Needed - How long will it take to complete the assignment?
- Days You Will Work on It - Plan when you will work on the assignment.
- Hours Per Day - Plan enough hours to finish the job.
Planning Tips
- Plan for deadlines. Don’t leave assignments until the last minute. You will have more time to do a better job.
- Do the assignment as soon as possible while the subject and your interest are still fresh!
- Break large assignments into several small ones—divide and conquer!
Taking Notes
Taking notes is an important key to success in studying and learning. It’s your personal diary of what you want and need to know, helps you concentrate in class, and helps you review for tests and write papers.
Develop Your Own Shorthand System
- Abbreviate words by dropping middle letters such as “cont’d” (continued).
- Dropping end of words such as “Oct.” (October).
- Use common symbols such as “w/o” (without).
How to Take Notes
- Show importance of key information by size or by underlining.
- Write clearly so you can read your notes later.
- Date each sheet and put subject and source of information (textbook, teacher) in upper right corner.
- Organize key points by using capital letters, numbers or simply indent.
Taking Notes in Class
- Don’t try to write everything down. Listen for key words.
- Listen for clues such as “the four causes were . . .” or “to sum up.”
- If your class discusses the topic, note any major conclusions.
- If your teacher emphasizes a point, such as by writing it on the board, put it in your notes.
Taking Notes From Books or Articles
- Get the “big picture” first. Glance through chapter headings and subheadings.
- Read the summary paragraphs at the end of each section or chapter to get a general idea.
- Then read the entire chapter, looking for the key points of each paragraph.
- Reading speed depends on your purpose: skim pages if you’re looking for the general idea; read slowly if you’re looking for details.
Tips for Taking a
Test
Before the Test
- Consider it a contest (you versus the test-maker).
- Try to guess the questions—can you answer them?
- Review your notes, outlines, quizzes, etc.
- Look up points that aren’t clear.
During the Test
- Relax and forget about other people.
- Read directions carefully.
- Look over the whole test first. Plan how to budget your time.
- For objective test questions (true/false,
multiple choice, etc.): - Read each question twice before answering.
- Answer the ones you know first.
- Circle the ones you skip. Do these last.
For essays and short-answer questions:
- Cover only the points asked for in the questions.
- Answer the ones you know first.
- Circle the ones you skip. Do these last.
- Before you turn in your paper, check it carefully if you have time. Ask yourself:
- Did I follow the directions?
- Are there any spelling or grammatical errors?
- Did I answer each question fully?
After the Test
- When the test is returned to you, read any comments carefully so you understand any mistakes you made.
- Talk with your teacher or instructor if you have any questions.
How to Write a Report
The secret to a good report is taking the time and making the effort.
- Know your subject—do your research and reading.
- Gather your notes.
- Think of your main points—limit yourself to just a few.
- Make an outline. Use the main points as your headings. Organize details that support each main point under each heading.
- Arrange your notes according to your outline.
- Write a first draft using your outline and notes. Consider working on a computer if one is available.
- Include footnotes and cite all sources in a bibliography.
- Review and revise your first draft. Make any changes on the computer, or rewrite your paper.
- Check your final draft. Proofread for:
- Punctuation and spelling
- Usage (grammar and vocabulary)
- Paragraph and sentence structure
- Neatness
- Ask someone else to check it too.
Check Out
the Library
There’s a wealth of information in reference sources available in the library at your fingertips including:
- Encyclopedias—These are comprehensive summaries in various fields of knowledge, arranged alphabetically.
- Yearbooks and Almanacs—These are books of facts covering specific topics. They’re published yearly.
- Directories—These books are special-interest listings of people, places, services and events arranged for easy reference, usually alphabetically.
- Atlases—These books are collections of maps and geographical data.
- Indexes and Abstracts—These are list of books, pamphlets, magazine articles and other documents, usually arranged by subject and author.
Other Sources of Information
- The Internet—additional information and resources can also be found using the Internet. Many libraries offer access to the Internet.
- The Librarian—Librarians are specially trained professionals who are there to help you. If you can’t find what you’re looking for or have any questions, just ask!
- Other Books and Magazines—To locate other books and magazines, look up the subject, title or author. Some libraries use a computer system or a card catalog. Others use both.
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Homework and Hormones
In addition to the physical and emotional changes that adolescents experience,
Middle School brings its own challenges …
homework doesn’t have to be one of them!
The Homework & Hormones brochure provides tips and specific strategies on how parents can help their children become organized and responsible for managing their own homework.
Turn Chaos
into Control
" But Mom, I don't have any homework.!"
In order to succeed in Middle School, your child must learn to be the master of his own schedule and that includes homework. Your job is to help your child become organized.
If there is a pattern of no homework, check with your child’s teacher.
The Student Agenda
Help your child learn to use the student agenda for charting and tracking homework assignments.
- Every homework assignment should be entered into the agenda.
- Details such as subject, pages to read and due date should be included.
- Parents should check the agenda daily to make sure that assignments have been written down.
Homework Space
Create a “Study Friendly” Homework Space. Help your child learn to use the student agenda for charting and tracking homework assignments.
- Your child needs “space” for studying and homework.
- The study space should be away from the noise and confusion of normal
family life. - The study space should have: a good work area such as a table or desk (free of clutter), paper, pencil, pens, dictionary, thesaurus and good lighting.
Homework Schedule
Schedule a “study hour” for the same time every day.
- Consider sports, outside interests and favorite shows when scheduling homework.
- One hour is usually enough time, unless there is a special project.
Don't Procrastinate
Your job is to walk the fine line between nagging and enforcing the homework “rules.” Set an example:
- If your child sees that you are always putting things off, he will copy your behavior and apply it to homework.
- If your child sees that you tackle your chores first and postpone the “fun,” he will learn the importance of being responsible and organized.
Rewards and Incentives
Rewards work much better than punishment when teaching your child to do her homework on time.
- Don’t nag.
- Don’t threaten.
- Offer a positive reward, such as a card game or TV show, after homework is completed.
Missing School
It is your child’s responsibility to inquire about missing assignments. Your child should:
- Ask every teacher about homework.
- Use the “Buddy System.” Make a list of names and phone numbers of one child (buddy) in each of your child’s classes. Your child can then call a buddy to find out what was done in class.
Helpful Hints for Parents
Don’t do the work. Monitor and check!
- Don’t make corrections. Teachers need to see exactly what your child has or has not learned.
- Homework too hard? Talk to the teacher.
- Too much homework? Your child may
not be using time wisely in class. Talk
to the teacher. - Too little homework? Talk to the teacher.
- When there is no homework, your child should spend the “study hour” reading
or reviewing. - Before leaving the school, your child should stop and look at homework assignments to know which books to bring home.
- The kitchen table, the floor or the bed can be good spots for doing homework, as long as it is comfortable and well-lit.
- Remind your child to take short breaks,
if needed. - Just before going to bed, your child should double check that all assignments are complete, in the backpack and ready
to go.
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Need some helpful hints about supporting your middle school student? “Mission Possible: Middle School explains the middle school concept and detail strategies that will help make the journey through adolescence smoother.
Parent Involvement
You make all the difference.
The more parents participate in schooling; the better for student achievement. Decades of research show that when parents are involved, students have:
- Higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates.
- Better school attendance.
- Increased motivation, better self-esteem.
- Lower rates of suspension.
- Establish a daily family routine.
- Monitor out-of-school activities.
- Model the value of learning, self-discipline, and hard work.
- Express high but realistic expectations for achievement.
- Encourage children’s development/progress in school.
- Encourage reading, writing, and discussions among family members.
Parents of children who are doing well in school exhibit the following behaviors:
Involvement opportunities are available for parents. The more intensely parents are involved, the more beneficial the achievement effects. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to volunteer and be involved. Following are a few suggestions:
- Education Leadership Academy for Parents
- African American Parent Support Group
- Parent organization meetings
- Red Chair visit
- Tutor and mentor
- School volunteers
- Parent Workshops
- Site Council meetings
For more information about these activities click here
The Middle School Concept
- Teams work together and share the same group of students.
- Teams are able to look at the “whole child,” and see their strengths and needs.
- Teams are aware of the student’s progress or needs in other classes.
Questions to Ask . . .
- What specific goals have you set for my child?
- How can I be more involved in order to help my child achieve these goals?
- Is my child in any special classes, groups, or programs? Why?
- How can I contact the teachers?
- Does my signature in the agenda count toward grades?
- If my child is absent, how do I get books and assignments?
- How are report cards sent home?
- What are the behavior expectations and consequences?
- What type of in-school suspension policy is used at the school?
- Will I be notified if my child needs to be or has been disciplined?
Parent Rights
Parents may request that teachers correspond about: homework and assignments, academic status, behavior, and other areas through their child’s agenda as needed.
Resources
Do you want to know more about your middle school child? Books and videos are available for checkout. Contact the school office, Parent and Community Resource Specialist, or Parent Teacher Resources for more information.
Books
- Queen Bees and Wannabes, by Rosalind Wiseman
- Not Much Just Chillin’: The Hidden Lives of Middle Schoolers, by Linda Perlstein
Videos - Living up to Responsibility: Parents and Teens
- Communicating With Your Teen
- Characteristics of Teens: What to Expect
- Communicating With Teenagers
Web Sites
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