PARENTS - SCHOOL COMMUNICATION TO SUCCESS STUDY

Parent-Teacher Communication

Research shows that children do better in school when parents talk often with teachers and become involved in the school. There are number of ways that parents and teachers can communicate with each other, rather than relying on the scheduled parent-teacher conferences. Close communications between parents and teachers can help the student.
Parents who participate in school activities and events will have added opportunities to communicate with teachers. Becoming involved with parent-teacher organizations (PTO, PTA, and Booster Clubs) gives the teacher and parent the possibility to interact outside the classroom. In addition, the parent also will have input into decisions that may affect their child's education.
Teachers usually welcome meeting their students' parents early in the school year. Making an effort to do this will help the teacher better understand you, your child, and how you will support the education of your child. Teachers appreciate knowing that parents are concerned and interested in their child's progress. And, this helps open the lines of communication.
Another good investment in your child's education is to volunteer. Depending upon parent's availability, interests, and the needs of the school, the opportunities are endless. Some suggestions include: lunchroom monitor, tutoring, library aid, classroom speaker on a specific topic of interest, and concession worker at school events. Parents should take stock of their skills and interests to volunteer. School personnel may not know what parents want to do as a volunteer.
Phone calls and visits to the classroom are also good ways to cooperate with teachers and keep informed about your child's progress. Discuss appropriate times and means of contact with the teacher.
Parent-teacher conferences are often scheduled at the time of the first report card for the school year. For parents and teachers, this is a chance to talk one-on-one about the student. The parent-teacher conference is a good opportunity to launch a partnership between parent and teacher that will function during the school year.

Learning Styles

Introductory Activity
Ask yourself and your child what comes to mind when you hear the word dog. Some people see a picture of the animal, hear a bark, while others visualize the animal dog. Those who see a picture of a dog in their minds's eye or see the letters are probably visual. While those who hear the bark are probably auditory learners. Those who feel the soft fur of a dog are probably kinesthetic.

Learning is reflected in the way we respond to environmental, social, emotional and physical stimuli, to understand new information. Learning style is defined as the way that information is processed. It focuses on strengths, not weaknesses. There is no right or wrong learning style Most children show a preference for one of the following basic learning styles: visual, auditory, kinesthetic/ manipulative. It is not uncommon to combine the primary and secondary learning styles.
Parents also show a preference for one of these learning styles. It is not unusual for parents to prefer a different style of learning than their child. In order to work effectively with your child it is important to understand your own learning style. (Take inventory at this point)
Visual learners learn by watching. They call up images from the past when trying to remember. They picture the way things look in their heads. Forty percent of secondary students fall into this category.

Activity: Spell words suitable to your child's reading level. After spelling the word(s), write the answer(s) and check your dictionary for the spelling and spell the word(s) out loud.
Example: If new spelling words are presented by calling out the letter, visual learners would not be able to picture the word, if however, they are printed on a blackboard in addition to being said out loud, visuals would see the way the word looks so they could remember it more easily. Kinesthetic learners might remember better by manipulating letter blocks to make the word as for the primary student. Creating a word poem or crossword puzzle could be used for the secondary student.

Auditory learners tend to spell phonetically. They can sometimes have trouble reading, because they don't visualize well. These students learn by listening and remember facts when they are presented in the form of a poem, song or melody.
Kinesthetic learners learn best through movement and manipulation. They like to find out how things work and are often successful in the practical in the arts, such as carpentry or design. These students make up 50 percent of secondary students and have difficulty learning in a traditional setting.
Knowing your child's preferred learning style can help you interest a child in new material. With this information you can also learn which style your child needs to strengthen because of the way most information is presented in school. Only 10 percent of secondary students learn best auditorily, but 80 percent of instructional delivery is auditory.
You may have found that you use different learning styles in different situations. Your child does the same. If your child is having difficulty in school you might want to explore the way that information is being presented in school and approach the subject with your child at home using a different learning. It may also be advisable to discuss this with his/her teacher.
Another consideration is the environment in which people learn best. While tradition tells us to have a quiet room, well lit with a straight back chair, some children learn best in a more chaotic environment. Loud music, laying on the bed, and a dimly lit environment may be the best study situation for others.
Trying different methods of learning may prevent the children from feeling frustrated and inadequate when they are not able to work up to their potential. Experimenting with different learning styles and environments may improve the child's accomplishments and feelings of achievement.

Study Habits and Homework

Many of the issues concerning success in school revolve around developing good study habits and expectations regarding homework. Parents can certainly play a major role in providing the encouragement, environment, and materials necessary for successful studying to take place.
Some general things adults can do, include:

• Establish a routine for meals, bedtime and study/homework
• Provide books, supplies, and a special place for studying
• Encourage the child to "ready" himself for studying (refocus attention and relax)
• Offer to study with the child periodically (call out spelling words or do flash cards)

An established study routine is very important, especially for younger school age children. If a child knows, for example, that he is expected to do homework immediately after supper prior to watching television, he will be better able to adjust and ready himself than if he is allowed to do homework any time he pleases.
Connected to the idea of a study routine is the concept of a homework chart. This type of visual system tends to work very well, especially with children ages 9-12. The chart might look something like this:

Day	Reading	Math	Science	Spelling
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

All children need their own place at home to do homework. The space does not need to be big or fancy, but it needs to be personal so that they feel it is their "study place."
Remember, learning styles differ from child to child, so the study place should allow for these differences. Parents can take a walk through the house with their child to find that special corner that is just right.

Instill a Love in Learning

Children who have a broad foundation of knowledge and background on a variety of subjects will find school and learning easier and more interesting than those who do not. Parents have the privilege and responsibility to share the world with their children.
Talking with your child about life's everyday experiences will help each of you understand the others' viewpoints, values, dreams, and interests. Parents need not only talk, but also listen to their children. Answering questions, or helping children find the answers, will help your child develop a sense of value and self-respect.
Many parents think activities such as going to the zoo, museums, or shows make up for lost time with their children. But, there can be just as much educational value in everyday activities, such as going to the bank, going grocery shopping, or doing a project at home. Parents just need to plan ahead a little to help their child discover the world.
Here are a few suggestions for activities to enjoy with your child:

• Watch news and documentaries on TV.
• Rent or buy educational videos.
• Visit natural history museums, science museums, art museums, children's museums, zoos, botanical gardens, and historical sites.
• Experience national or state parks and forests. Sign up for a tour.
• Read articles in the newspaper, news, and magazines together.
• Go to the public library.
• Make vacations learning experiences.
• Plan "theme" parties that involve some research. For example, an American Revolution costume party, a play, or a display of inventions of the time.

The important thing for parents to remember is that they are the most important teachers in their child's life. Children are born eager to learn, but parents need to help them channel that learning. Talking with children before, during, and after any activity helps them learn the steps involved in learning.
This conversation also will improve your communication and in turn, your relationship with your child. The more you talk with each other, the more rewarding your conversations will be, and the better you will get to know your child.