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Dear Friends,
Preparing your Teenager for
school…
If
you are like most parents, your teenager probably hasn’t connected with
the fact that school is about to begin again. If they are like my teens, they are
still trying to cram every last ounce of summer into their schedule –
visiting with friends, swimming, staying up late, sleeping
in late… Sound familiar?
So,
what can we do to help transition them from summer
vacation back to Middle or High school? How can we help them avoid the
stress that often accompanies going back to school? Here are a few great tips from the Sylvan Learning Center
that might offer some assistance:
* Get back in the routine. Ease transition
from lazy summer days to the structure of the school year by
re-establishing bedtime, mealtime, reading and
homework routines this week.
* Set education goals. Help your
child set goals at the very beginning of the year. Whether it is striving
for an “A” in reading, handing in homework on
time or preparing for tests well in advance, setting goals can help set
the routine for the new year.
* Homework routine and place.
Designate a specific time for homework and help your child discover a
regular, quiet place where he can study. Make sure that the area is free
from distractions and that study tools are at your child’s fingertips. (
** Some teens learn best while multi-tasking. Be open if your teen asks to do his/her
homework where there is a lot activity.)
* Stay on schedule. Your teen
should keep a schedule of all classes, assignments and key dates, such as
project deadlines and test dates. As part of that schedule, he/she should
include specific times for studying, projects and extracurricular
activities.
* Emphasize organization. For some
students, having color-coded binders or index tabs for each subject helps
them stay on track throughout the school year. Keeping notes organized
helps test preparation later in the year, so work with your child to
determine the best method for him.
Encourage the use of a planner or organizer.
The most important thing to remember while your teen is
going through this transition period is to keep the lines of
communication open. Your child
appreciates your involvement, they just won’t tell you! Look for those moments of apprehension
to communicate love and encouragement to your child(ren). They
will appreciate it… I assure you!
We’ll see you at the bus stop!
Michael “Kapp” Brown
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If you
found this information helpful, we have made other Pebbles of Truth articles
available on our website (www.hotrfm.org). Each month we feature
articles on the topics of: men's issues, marriage, blended families,
parenting, and church ministry to families. You will also find a
great deal more information about House on the Rock Family Ministries!
Thanks for visiting.
Please
feel free to forward this to friends and family … we just ask that you
keep it intact … thanks
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