Tip of the Week

April 8, 2019

As We Enter the Homestretch…

As we enter the homestretch of the school year, there are projects, papers and exams on the horizon that will be anxiety provoking and stress inducing for your child. Here are a few ideas to help ensure your child stays on top of everything:

  1. Identify all due dates for upcoming papers, projects and exams. Be thorough in your “discovery” phase and dig into teacher websites as well as your child’s binders and backpack. Leave no stone unturned.
  2. Teach your child how to set up a simple spreadsheet to track each assignment. The spreadsheet might include: class, assignment, due date (and intermediate due dates), materials needed (and whether your child has them!), whether there’s a rubric or study guide available, estimated “time on task” to complete the assignment, questions for the teacher.
  3. Read directions and rubrics carefully and ask good questions to make certain your child is considering all aspects of the assignment. If gaps exist in understanding, make a plan to clarify with the teacher.
  4. Use calendars to map out a plan that ensures your child gives himself enough time to produce his best work on each assignment. Include all of his obligations to help him see the bigger picture.