TIPS FOR PARENTS

Very often as fourth grade teachers we are asked by parents, “What can we do to help our child have a successful 4th grade experience?” In an attempt to answer this question we have compiled for you what we feel will be a list of strategies to encourage responsibility, preparation, and attention to detail that will enable both parent and student to have not just a good year but a GREAT year in 4th grade.

1. MAKE YOUR CHILD RESPONSIBLE. Check their assignment sheet daily and insist that all work be written down and accounted for. Look on our web page and you should have some idea of what you should be seeing on the daily assignment sheet.
2. Check and review work brought home in your child’s weekly folder. Have them correct any papers below 80 and return them the following day along with the folder and signed parent sheet. Be sure to read and respond in a timely manner to any teacher or school correspondence that may be included in this folder.
3. Ask questions. Find out what your child is learning each day in school. This lets them know that you take a special interest in the new facts and skills they are acquiring.
4. Model for your child the ways you continue to obtain knowledge as an adult learner. Let him/her see you reading for information as well as pleasure. When you work with your child share with them the different strategies you use to problem solve. This will show your child that learning is a life long process.
5. As soon as tests are announced help your child begin studying. A few minutes each night in preparation is much better than trying to “cram” it all in the night before.
6. When projects are assigned have your child begin right away and help them to pace themselves so that work is finished and turned-in on time.
7. Continually review new concepts introduced, especially in math, on a regular basis to be sure your child “is getting it.” Sometimes that 10 or 15 minutes of one on one with you determines success or failure.
8. Set HIGH STANDARDS both academically and behaviorally. Accept nothing less than your child’s best in all areas. By fourth grade school behavior should not be an issue. Quality time on task is essential to learning. Any behaviors, which take away from this objective, are unacceptable.
9. Visit your child’s classroom at appropriate times and join him/her in the cafeteria for lunch when you can.
10. Communicate clearly and concisely with your child’s teacher should any problems arise. Do not allow any situation to grow and fester out of control. Good communication between TEACHERS AND PARENTS is essential to the learning process.