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    How to Help Your Child Succeed

    1.  Read.  Reading is one of the most important contributions you can make to your child's education.  Make sure it's fun!  Read to your child daily and encourage your child to read to you.  Remember, reading doesn't only take place in books.  You and your child can build reading skills by identifying words on signs and in stores, following directions for games and recipes, and by reading magazines and newspapers together. 

    2.  Write.  Practice writing with your child at home through simple notes, letter, e-mail messages, recipes, and grocery lists.  These opportunities show your child that writing is an effective form of communication and that writing serves a variety of purposes.

    3.  Talk and listen.  You can help your child become a good communicator by simply talking and listening to them.  Talk to your child about the favorite part of his or her day.  Listen attentively and ask thoughtful questions to show your interest.  Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are the foundation for all learning. 

    4.  Make math count at home, as well as in school.  Use everyday opportunities to talk about mathematical relationships and patterns.  Counting money, cooking, and even keeping track of your favorite sports team are all good ways to help your child understand and use mathematics skills.  Show that there may be many ways to get to the right answer and encourage your child to explain his or her method.

    5.  Explore your home and neighborhood with your child.  At school, your child is learning to ask questions and find answers the scientific way.  You can further develop these skills by sharing and discussing your own questions and observations about the world around you.

    6.  Get to know your child's teacher.  Children do better when parents are involved in their education.  The best way to know what goes on in your child's school is to spend time there.  If you're a working parent, this isn't easy, and your may not be able to do it very often.  Even calling once in a while will help you build a relationship with your child's teachers, share information with your child, and discuss how you can work together to ensure your child's success. Also, inform the teacher of any important life changes that may effect your child in the classroom. 

    7.  Expect that homework will be done.  Keep track of your child's homework assignments and look over the completed work he or she brings home daily.  Even if there aren't specific assignments, stay informed about what your child is learning at school so you can help  at home.  If your child makes mistakes on his/her work during school, take time to go over those problems together.

    8.  Promote education.  Make sure your child knows you expect him or her to study and learn.  Show your child that you value his or her successes in school.  It's never too early to start communicating these expectations.