Ways to Help Your Student Succeed!!

Hi,

I am often asked by parents for ways they can help their student succeed, be organized, and become responsible for their learning.  The truth is that many middle school students are still learning how to juggle all of their responsibilities and their personal commitments.  Students also struggle with keeping all of their learning materials organized.  It is very important to play an active role in helping your student learn how to stay organized and motivated to achieve their best academically.  By modeling good organizational skills, assisting your student stay organized, and valuing students' academic achievements, students will adopt the same behaviors and attitudes.

Here are some steps you can take to help your student:

• Check all three middle school teachers' classroom blogs, and review the assigned homework
• Take a look at your student's agenda and ensure that your student is copying the homework
• Ensure that your student is bringing home the study materials they need to complete their homework
• Designate a specific time period for homework time each day, and if your student does not have homework one day, that time should be used for reading
• Students are creatures of habit, and this schedule teaches them the discipline needed for higher grades with heavier workloads
• Designate a quiet and distraction-free space for homework where you can casually monitor your student as they complete their homework.  (Students often need re-directing)
• Ask to see the completed assignments, and encourage your student to challenge themselves to complete their homework to the best of their abilities
• Remind students that their work is a reflection of their abilities!
• Once a week/month, ask to see your students' folders and notebooks.  It is important to see what your student is doing in class, and how they organize their paperwork.
• Check http://www.gradelink.com/ once a week to monitor your student's grades and missing assignments
• Review your student's paycheck and discuss the student's strengths and weaknesses 
• Reward your student's achievements!!! It's so important to acknowledge any improvement in behavior/grades/organization
• I recommend a reward chart (Ex. the student receives 4 paychecks that are 100 pts. they are rewarded with something they enjoy)
• Enforce a strict bed time during school days
• Create a positive and learning-centered home, encourage your student to constantly think of where they would like to attend college and what they're future goals are
• Limit/monitor time spent on the computer/smartphone

I hope these suggestions are helpful,

Thank you,

Mrs. Moussa