Encouraging School Success

Starting Early

Long before kids start school, their potential school success begins. When children enter and continue school with good habits of communication, a sense of community, and stable role models, they're in a position to succeed -- to learn all that has to be learned, and to become confident students.

Here are some things you can do when your children are young:

• Let them see you read, and read to them and with them.
• Visit the library. If they're old enough, make sure they have their own card.
• Keep books, magazines, and newspapers around the house.
• Teach children to do things for themselves rather than do the work for them. Exhibiting patience when children are young will pay off later.
• Help children, when needed, to break a job down into small pieces, then let them do the job one step at a time. This works for everything -- getting dressed, a job around the house, or a big homework assignment.
• Develop, with your child, a reasonable, consistent schedule of jobs around the house. List them on a calendar, day by day.
• Set and enforce consistent house rules your children can depend on. Put plans into action, and follow through.
• Set limits on TV viewing so everyone can concentrate and get work done.
• Watch TV with your children and talk about what you see.