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Ponderings for Parents
Create a Strategy Wheel to help your child with Math homework. When your child gets stuck on a math problem, she probably can't always remember how to get herself back on track. That's where a strategy wheel can help. It's a poster your child creates that will help her remember all the different things she can do to find the answer to a math problem.
Her list could include: *Read the problem *Draw a Diagram *Restate the problem in my own words. *Guess an answer and then check it out. *Think about how I solved other problems like this one. Then have her create a pie chart with her strategies listed. Let her post the chart where she does her math homework. The next time she's stuck, all she needs to do is glance at the wheel and then try one of the strategies. Elementary Parents make the difference! November 2008, vol.20, no.3, p.2.
Understand what you can expect from your Middle Schooler. Middle school usually spans three years or fewer, but the growing your child will do in these years is huge. Your child will grow physically. But expect tremendous mental, emotional and social growth as well. Your preteen will probably display: Some degree of self-absorption A key job for a child in middle school is to begin to answer the question: "who am I?" Your child will be thinking about his own identity and how he appears to others. At time he may appear self-centered or even selfish. Try not to let this hurt your feelings. Give him some alone time, but do not allow him to isolate himself from the family. Identification with a peer group In middle school, the peer group often sets the tone. New behaviors you see in your child may be copied from peers. Your child may not seem as affectionate as before. But don't be fooled into thinking this is a time to back away. Your child needs you as a support and a guide, not a micro-manager. A strong desire for independence countered by immature behavior if he doesn't get his way or he's anxious or upset. This is the age when you can expect to hear "I'm not a child! Stop treating me like one!" Five minutes later, this person who thinks he deserves to be treated like an adult will be having a meltdown that reminds you of his toddler years. Be mindful of your child's need for more freedom. But make sure he knows that you will link with more responsibility on his part. Middle School Parents still make a difference! November 2008, vol.12, no.3, p.3.
the previous tips are from the Vermont Principal's Association |
