Thanksgiving is a good time for a status check

Thanksgiving weekend provides students (and teachers!) a chance to re-charge their batteries and prepare for the stretch run to December break. The long weekend also provides a wonderful opportunity for students and parents to do some reflecting on the first few months of school. Find a quiet moment to talk with your child about how he feels things are going. What’s been challenging? What’s been a pleasant surprise? Looking ahead, what can he do to maintain (or improve) his current standing? What can you do, as a parent, to help? By being a good listener and asking thoughtful questions you’ll signal to your child that his opinion matters and that you value and appreciate his insight. When students feel heard and valued, they are often times much more willing to take ownership and make necessary changes.