How can you help at home?  In so many ways!

Parents play a vital role in their child's scholastic success   There are several things you can do to help your child to be successful at school:

Sleep is important

• There is a dramatic difference in a child's performance at school when he/she is rested.  I have asked students what their bedtimes are for over 30 years.  The ones who come to school ready to learn each day, are focused, and pick up on information quickly almost always say that their bedtime is between 8:00 and 8:30. 
• Studies have shown that children this age need 10-11 hours of sleep per night to help with growth, development and normal immune function.  It also helps school and sports performance, behavior, attention, memory and concentration.
• Research says it usually takes about 15 minutes to fall asleep.  Children who take longer than that may be overtired or overstimulated and probably need to start the bedtime relaxation routine a little earlier. 
• Because they stimulate the mind, televisions, computers and video games should not be in the bedrooms or used at least a half-hour before bedtime.  Instead, encourage children to read or engage in calm and quiet activities before bed. 

Make sure your child gets to school on time

• Whenever a student is late in the morning, they are already behind the rest of the class.  They often feel self-conscious and frustrated because they have to hurry and catch up with their classmates.  Students are allowed in the classrooms at 8:40 and the tardy bell rings at 8:45.

Only miss school if absolutely necessary

• There are many activities that we do in class that simply can't be made up.  Your child should, of course, stay home if he/she has a fever over 100 degrees or is vomiting.  If your child isn't feeling great, (but would be able to sit up and play a video game or watch T.V.), please send them to school and let me know. I'll keep a close eye on your child and let you know if he/she needs to come home and snuggle up in bed. The average child has 6 days of absences a year... and several have no absences throughout the entire year!

Communicate with me

• If you have any questions about anything,  please feel  free to text, call, jot me a note,  or e-mail me. If there is anything that you feel may affect your child's behavior or performance at school, please keep me informed. You are welcome to call/text me any time, day or night. My number is 541 580-1036.

Study with your child

• Spelling tests are scheduled for Fridays. Students are more successful when they have had a practice test at home at the end of the week.  Please let me know if your child is able to be successful on the tests without studying since that is an indication that he/she needs a more challenging list. Also, at the end of each Social Studies or Science unit, your child will need to study for a test.  I will send a study guide home for you to help your child study from. It is important to sign it saying that you studied with your child since there will be a reward for your child at school.

Check your child's homework for accuracy and completion

• If your child is focused at school, he/she should be able to complete homework independently since it is a review of work competed at school.  Some students struggle for different reasons and need extra help. If your child misses a problem, show them how to do a similar problem, and then have him/her finish the assigned problem independently to help develop confidence.  Homework is due on Thursday mornings and is a recorded grade on the report card.

Help your child stay organized

• Finding a time and place to do homework, helping your child keep his/her binder and backpack organized and making sure his/her materials are ready the night before is important. It doesn't come naturally for most children, but with practice, it will become a habit. Your child will need your help in developing a routine that will help them for years to come.

Check your child's Friday Folder each week

• The papers will keep you informed of your child's progress. Please help your child with any concepts that he/she may be struggling with. Be sure to sign and return the folder on Monday. ​

Read with your child

• In third grade, students should be reading chapter books. Encourage your child to read books that challenge them, but they are still able to comprehend.  In addition to listening to your child read aloud, be sure to ask them questions about the book to make sure they are understanding. When you read to your child, you are modeling what a good reader should sound like. The majority of the reading, however, should be done by your child. Reading aloud helps them to become more fluent and expressive readers.  It also helps your child to gain confidence.