Question: How can my children and I tell if we have been doing the essential things to ensure a successful year? - Want to Know
Answer: The following checklist will help you see if both you and your children have been on the right track so far. If there are any things that need to be done, they would make excellent New Year's resolutions.
Kindergarten: The pattern for the future is being set.
Parents, have you:
- Read to your children every day
- Established good communication with their teachers
- Talked with your children daily about school
Children, have you:
- Learned to listen at school
- Followed directions
- Taken turns and shared with the other children
Elementary School: Your children now are learning essential basic skills.
Parents, have you:
- Looked at your children's schoolwork each day and talked about it
- Taught your children to take responsibility for getting ready for school every day
- Helped your children learn how to tackle their homework
Children, have you:
- Mastered the basic math facts for your grade level
- Learned to bring materials home and return them to school
- Turned in most assignments when they are due
Middle School: Children now should be becoming more independent learners.
Parents, have you:
- Shown your children how to be organized
- Been aware of what your children are doing in each of their classes
- Set limits on the use of the telephone, television and computer
Children, have you:
- Started to take most of the responsibility for completing your homework
- Established a regular time to study every day
- Learned to prioritize academics over social activities
High School: Children now should be taking charge of most aspects of their schooling.
Parents, have you:
- Begun to discuss college and career opportunities with your children
- Encouraged your children to read beyond their textbooks by having a wide variety of magazines, books and newspapers available in your home
- Remained aware of what your children are studying in school
Children, have you:
- Made sure that you are on track for graduation and college entrance
- Become involved in extracurricular activities
- Started to set career plans for the future