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“School connectivity” is the second most powerful protective factor.
Kids connect to their school when they feel comfortable there, when they belong. Some of the responsibility for that rests with the school administration, but a big part of that is doing well academically. No one wants to go to school when it is a place where they repeatedly experience failure. Parents can help their children do well academically by creating an environment at home that encourages learning.
- establish daily routines with time for play, meals, chores, homework and bed
- demonstrate that what kids are learning in school applies to real life – read the newspaper to check what movies are on, use the internet to buy a book, use math to figure out how much milk to put in the pancakes, etc.
- model reading for pleasure yourself and read to them
- teach them how to search for what they need in the library and on the internet
- help them with homework projects, but also teach independent learning
- show an interest in what they are doing at school and try to expand on what the teacher is covering in class (e.g., if studying bears, rent a movie on bears)
- if they are having difficulties
- meet with teacher(s) to find out what is happening and how you can help
- look for tutors – many schools have peer tutoring programs, or can recommend college students who will tutor for reasonable rates
- be an active member of the Parent Advisory Council
- attend all school functions
- meet with the teacher regularly
- volunteer to chaperone school trips and activities
- get to know other students and their parents
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