Challenge your child to a writing game

Effective writing connects individual ideas into an overall whole. To help your child practice making these connections, get several index cards and have your child write the name of a different thing or idea on each. Next, draw four cards. Can your child use all the ideas in a single sentence? For example, if the cards said "toys," "trip," "sunny" and "teachers," your child might write, "On sunny days, teachers let students take their toys on school trips."

For a great parent-teacher conference, do a little homework

Attending a parent-teacher conference, either in person or online, is one of the important ways you can work with the teacher to help your child learn. To prepare for your conference, make a list of things to tell the teacher about your child (interests, strengths, challenges, etc.). Make another list of things to ask about (grades, behavior, attitude, etc.). Be sure to ask your child for suggestions about what you and the teacher should discuss, too.

Bedtime reading ends the day a special way

Finding time to read with your child can be a challenge. But with a little planning, bedtime reading can be one of the best parts of your day. Choose five books for the week and set them near your child's bed. Each day, say, "We'll read this book tonight. Tomorrow, we'll get to read another." This lets your child know that reading is an important part of your day, too. At breakfast, talk together about the book you read the night before.

Set up a study routine to foster positive habits

To help your child develop positive study habits, establish a regular time for doing schoolwork at home. Turn off digital devices and minimize background distractions. At the start, make sure your child reads and understands assignment directions. To foster management skills, have your child estimate how long each assignment will take, and time how long it really takes. Then show support by doing your own work quietly nearby.

Choice and charts help children take responsibility for chores

Chores teach kids about responsibility. To get your kids to pitch in, write weekly chores on slips of paper. If a job has to be done daily, write it on six slips. Put the slips in a jar. Then make a chart with each child's name down the side and the days of the week across the top. Have your kids take turns drawing jobs. Let them choose what day to do them and put their chores on the chart. One day a week, don't assign chores. Just write, "See what you can do to help."

Take time out for family

How can you help your family find more time for togetherness in a fast-paced world? Call a family "time out." Stop and talk about what you'd like to do as a family and how to achieve it. Set specific goals, such as eating dinner together four times a week. Post goals where you will all see them. Childhood doesn't last forever, so make family time a priority now. You'll have time for other activities later on.

Help your child make deposits in a 'word bank'

Young writers often have trouble thinking of words to write. Making a word bank helps your child think of words in advance. Say a common word and ask your child to write a list of words with similar meanings. For "said," for example, your child might write words like "whined," "shouted," "whispered," "yelled," etc. Your child can also make lists of words about a particular topic. Collect the lists in a notebook "word bank." When writing, your child can check the bank to find just the right word.

Attendance is critical for your child's success

Children who miss school regularly fall behind and score lower on tests. They can have a hard time making and keeping friends. And frequent absences in elementary school can set a pattern that makes a child more likely to drop out of school later. Make school attendance a family priority. Don't let your child skip school for reasons other than illness or emergency. If your student regularly resists going to school, or your family is facing attendance obstacles, let the teacher or school counselor know.

Try a kitchen timer to motivate your child

Kids hate to be told what to do. Nagging, arguing and scolding don't usually motivate them. But a kitchen timer can. When you want your child to do something, set the timer. Say, "Let's see if you can pick up your toys before the timer goes off." A timer also works to enforce a time limit: "When the timer rings in 15 minutes, it will be time for bed."

Your child needs your time more than screen time

Too much of the wrong kinds of screen time isn't good for kids. And when parents focus on screens too much themselves, their children miss out on important family time. So turn off your devices and play board games with your child. Plant an herb garden together. Take a walk and look for unusual things. Try foods from a different country (and find the country on a map). Create a secret code. You'll be helping your child think and learn.

Promote safety on the way to school

Whether your child walks or bikes to school or just to the bus stop, ensuring safety along the way is vital. Choose a route with the fewest street crossings. Then walk it with your child. As you go, role-play situations your student might face. What can your child do if a large dog is in the path? If possible, arrange for your student to walk with a friend or family member each day. And be sure your child knows never to talk to or ride with strangers.

Celebrate achievements with a special photo

Setting goals is an effective way to motivate your child, in school and at home. Sometimes reaching a goal feels so good, it's all the reward students will need to keep going. But when your student reaches a tough goal, it's time to celebrate! One way is to take a picture of your child reaching the goal. Frame it and put it by your child's bed. Seeing themselves as achievers is a great way for students to start the day!

Set a fun tone for physical fitness

Research shows that physical fitness is linked to higher self-esteem and attentiveness in school. Encourage your child to get active by making it fun. Instead of saying, "It's time to exercise," plan a physical activity your child will like. When a friend comes to play, suggest games that involve movement, like Simon Says or Red Light, Green Light. On weekends, get your whole family moving together.

Share family photos to encourage writing

Here's an activity to try when summer boredom hits. Use your family photos to encourage your child to write. Look at the pictures together and discuss what you each remember about each one. Ask your child to choose a few to share with a friend or relative, and to write short descriptions to send along with them.

A pet makes a great audience for reading aloud

Reading struggles can make children feel self-conscious about reading aloud. But it's important for them to practice so they can improve. When reading to people is scary, a family pet can be a nonjudgmental audience that will help your child feel at ease. If you don't have a pet, suggest that your child try reading to a favorite stuffed animal or two.

Suggest a different kind of journal this summer

Journaling over the summer is a great way for your child to keep writing skills sharp. If your student doesn't know what to write about, suggest keeping a research log. Have your child pick a favorite topic, such as swimming. Then your child can research facts about the topic and write about them. How are the different strokes done? How long are Olympic pools? Who holds records for swimming?

Family well-being should be the reward for chores

Chores help children develop a sense of responsibility. But getting them to pitch in should be more like coaching a team than managing employees. Instead of offering payment for doing a routine chore, help your child learn that when everyone helps, a better home environment for all is the reward. Improve the experience by letting your child choose among several tasks, or by doing a special family activity after chore time.

Make summertime learning part of the fun

Summer is prime time for combining learning and fun. Try having a family spelling bee (give each family member words that are appropriate for their skills). Or add math to a family trip (How many miles until we get there? How much gas will we need? How many steps to climb the hill?). Try some science and history with your child, too. Learn the names of the bugs or trees you see. Talk about ways the world has changed over time. With a little thought, you can add some learning fun to every day.

To reduce anxiety, turn down the volume

Is your child prone to stress and anxiety? Noise may be part of the problem. Loud, chaotic environments can contribute to anxiety and other issues that affect children's learning. Do what you can to eliminate background noise at home. For example, turn off the TV when no one is watching it. Or take your child someplace quiet to unwind. Regular routines can also help your child maintain a sense of order.

There's no deadline for summer writing

The lazy days of summer are great for writing. Your child has time to dream, choose the right word and make revisions. Encourage your student to do some writing this summer. Provide a notebook to use as a journal. Encourage your child to observe and take notes about people and things, and then write stories about them. You might even help make a collection of your elementary schooler's writings that your child could give as a holiday gift.

Help your child understand how fairness works

If you have more than one child, you've probably heard it: "That's not fair!" Kids have to learn that treating people equitably doesn't necessarily mean treating them the same. To explain, talk about different ways to achieve the same results. For example, one of your children might prefer to do assignments or chores in the evening, and another might do them early in the morning. It's not unfair to let each child do what works best for them.

Help your child make a reading connection

To encourage a love of reading, help your child get actively involved with the stories. One way is to ask your student to think about how things might have turned out differently. What if Laura Ingalls and her family had stayed in the big woods? You can also ask how a book is or isn't like your child's own life. "Have you ever felt like that? Would you have done what this character did? How might you have handled this situation differently?"

Offer your child a fun summer in a jar

To keep your child active and engaged this summer, create an "I'm bored" jar. Have your child make a list of fun activities. They should be things your child can do alone without your help. Ideas include painting a picture, writing a poem or going for a bike ride. Write each activity on a slip of paper and put it in a jar. When summer boredom strikes, have your child pull out a slip and do the activity. Not knowing which activity will come out may add a little zip to the day!

How to support a frustrated student

Statements like, "I hate school!" or "I'm dumb!" are often signs that a child is frustrated with schoolwork. To help your child in this situation, share a story of how you struggled with something when you were young. Explain how you worked through it. Ask guiding questions to help your child come up with strategies to try. Then encourage your student to try again. If frustration persists, let the teacher know.

Make this a summer of learning for your child

Experts say that kids who don't use their school skills can lose months of learning over the summer. To help prevent this loss, have your child "do the math" when you shop or follow a recipe together. Set a regular daily reading time and visit the library often for new things to read. You can also plan activities around topics your child will cover next year. If it's state history, for example, perhaps your family could tour a local historic site.

When teaching respectful behavior, these rules apply

Does your child think that rules are for somebody else? To encourage the respectful behavior that supports learning, let your child see that you follow rules, too. Then look for other teachable moments: Talk about how characters behave in the books your child is reading or the shows you watch together. To help your child remember what's important, put more emphasis on good sportsmanship and improvement than on winning.

Newspapers deliver daily reading practice

Reading the newspaper daily, in print or online, is a great way for kids to build reading skills. To encourage a newspaper habit, explore the sections together to find articles that interest your child. Have your student read an article to you each evening as you prepare dinner. Or play a game: Have your child turn a headline into a question, then read the article to see if the question is answered.

Treat mistakes as steps toward learning

To succeed in school, students must develop problem-solving and decision-making skills. But as they learn to solve problems independently, they are sure to make mistakes. Help your child see mistakes as opportunities to learn, rather than as failures. When your student makes an error, discuss it. Talk about ways your child can avoid it in the future. Emphasize that people get smarter when they learn from mistakes.

Model the way to good character

When it comes to teaching character and values, your example is the most powerful teacher of all. Ask yourself, "If my child could watch my behavior all day, what lessons would it teach?" Set high standards for your own behavior as well as your child's. Talk with your child often about the values that are important to you. Some families make values a point of family pride. "In our family, we tell the truth."

Offer support during study time, but let your child do the work

Being involved when your child does assignments doesn't mean answering the questions or doing the work. That prevents your child from learning to do it. Instead, make sure your student understands the assignment. Have your child read the directions to you. Then ask, "Can you explain them in your own words?" At the end of each study session, review your child's completed work. This sends the message that you think it is important.

A little competition can help children learn

Some students avoid competing with others. But competition can teach kids to handle conflict, work cooperatively and overcome challenges. For positive competitive experiences, encourage activities that build your child's self-image. Let your student choose among several activities, but make it clear you expect your child to stick to the choice for at least a few months. Then praise your child's efforts, no matter the outcome.

Use your child's imagination to encourage writing

Many kids think of writing as work. But they love storytelling. Encourage your child to write by providing story starters that make writing fun. You might have your child imagine interviewing a famous book character. What questions would your student ask? What answers might the character give? Or, the next time your child asks, "What if …," say "Write down what you think might happen." The wilder your child's imagination, the better the story.

Sometimes, let your child learn by doing

Teaching your child new skills is important, and it can be a great way to spend time together. But kids often lose interest when everything feels like a lesson. So take a step back sometimes. Let your child decide how to tackle a project. You might ask if there is anything you can do to help. Remember that your child also learns a lesson from trying something that doesn't work.

Help your child move forward after a setback

Setbacks can cause self-doubt for even the most positive kids. Help your child overcome setbacks by building skills for success. Demonstrate how to break down large tasks into smaller steps that are easier to master. Teach problem-solving skills, like brainstorming and evaluating solutions. Role-play challenging situations until your child feels comfortable handling them. And never put your child or yourself down.

Teach your children to look for a solution, not a fight

Constant arguments are disruptive, at school and at home. To teach your children how to resolve a conflict without arguing, set some rules. When your children have a disagreement over something, they have to work together to find a fair solution. They should each tell their own side, then say what they need most. After that, it's up to them to try to figure out a way they both can get something they need.

Ask questions to strengthen your child’s thinking skills

There are many ways you can help your child learn to think things through. One is by asking questions aloud, like "I wonder why that happened?" and then discussing possible reasons. You can also show interest in the questions the teacher is asking, as well as what is being taught. When your child expresses opinions, ask for facts that back them up. And when your student reads, ask "What do you think is the most important thing you read in that passage?"

Ask questions to connect actions and consequences

Kids who behave responsibly get along better with teachers and classmates. They are also more likely to try, follow through and succeed in school. To help your child connect actions to consequences, ask questions like "How do you think Avery felt when you said that?" Asking "What happened first?" or "Why do you think that happened?" also helps improve children's understanding of their role in a situation.

Encourage your child to pick up a pen with fun writing activities

Encourage your child to write with activities that make writing fun. You might make a family cookbook and let your child name the recipes and write stories about times your family ate a particular dish. Or encourage your student to keep a journal of funny ideas, jokes and events. You can suggest making a photo album together and have your child write the captions. Or each of you write down and share your dreams for your child's future.

Teach values and behavior by example

Children learn by imitating. So be the kind of person you want your child to become. When you set goals for yourself and are conscientious about your work, your child learns that it is important to do these things. When you help your child with schoolwork even though you are tired, you show that education is a priority. Your small actions, repeated over and over, have the greatest impact on your child.

Listen to negative feelings, but don't encourage them

Some children seem to have been born with a negative outlook. You may not be able to change your child's personality, but you can make coping easier. First, accept the person your child is, outlook and all. But don't pay so much more attention to negativity than other feelings that your child learns to use it to get attention. Instead, listen to complaints so your child feels heard, then change the subject to something your student feels positive about.

Create a schoolwork routine that works for your child

Some children have more trouble concentrating than others. That can make working on assignments at home challenging. Establishing a study routine will make it easier for your child to get down to work. Turn off the TV and other distractions, and encourage your child to make daily to-do lists. Together, break big tasks down into smaller chunks. Then 

Offer honest answers to your child’s hard questions

Discussing tough issues with your child is part of parenting. But how do you get your child to open up about worries or challenges? Say that you will always answer your child's questions. Then when you do, be truthful, but don't feel you have to provide every detail. If you don't know an answer, you might say, "What a good question. Let's find out together." And if you can't answer right away, say something like, "I want to answer that. Let's talk about it after dinner." Then follow through.

Encourage the qualities that make your child a good friend

Having friends at school contributes to students' positive feelings about education. To help your child be a good friend, explain that friends are respectful, polite and listen to what others have to say. Talk together about good sportsmanship and the importance of standing up for what's right without being rude. Encourage your child to be friendly, smile at classmates and say "hi."

Guide your child to better decision-making

Making good decisions is key to becoming an independent learner. When there is a decision to make, guide your child's thinking by asking questions. For example, you might ask what could happen if your child chooses one toy over another at the store. Which toy would your child play with more? It is also important to let your child learn from choices. Living with the results of a poor choice helps kids make a better one next time.

Movies offer great chances to talk about real life

Part of managing screen time is making it count. Use movie nights to jump-start the conversations that build parent-child connections. Watching families on the screen offers you an opportunity to discuss how they interact and how you would like your family to interact. Let the way a movie character deals with a problem, such as drugs or divorce, prompt a conversation with your child about your family's values.

Simple habits keep students organized for success

Students who lack organizational skills lose school papers and materials, forget what they are supposed to do and don't turn in schoolwork on time. Encourage your child to track assignments and due dates in a notebook or planner. Then, have your student create a list each day of everything that needs to be done that day, and check completed items off the list. Establishing these habits will keep your child on track for school success.

Use positive ways to promote better writing

When your child shows you a piece of writing, your response can be discouraging or motivating. Instead of pointing out mistakes, begin by praising something specific. "This phrase is very lively!" Next, comment on the point your child is making. Is it clear?  Ask questions to help your student clarify or add details, such as "Can you give some reasons why you think that?" Then leave the revisions up to your child.

Help your child get organized for a great new year

As you and your child make plans for 2022, resolve to help him get organized. Do activities together that involve sorting or classifying. Help him figure out the time it takes to do things and show him how to break big projects into smaller steps. Encourage him to organize his things by providing bins, baskets and boxes to put them in. And develop consistent routines for completing recurring tasks.

Don't be in a rush to eliminate boredom

You're worn to a frazzle trying to get your child to all her practices, activities and meetings. "At least she's not bored," you say. But a little boredom from time to time can actually encourage kids to be creative. It can inspire your child to draw, read a book or build a fort from a blanket and chairs. Too much boredom can be bad, but if you and your child never have a minute to spare, a little might be a good thing.

Learning 'gifts' and disabilities can go hand in hand

Did you know that children can be both gifted and have learning disabilities? Does your child focus so intently on one activity that it is difficult to shift attention to another task? Does your child have an above average vocabulary, but also struggle with speaking, reading, writing or doing math problems? Ask the school about how to help children who have both gifts and disabilities. Work together to support your child.

Reinforce the connection between school and life

One of the best ways to be involved in your child's education is to show him how what he is learning in school relates to life outside the classroom. You can do this by pointing to specific things as they occur ("I am using fractions to follow this recipe") and by talking about the things your education has enabled you to do. Explain things you are learning now, and emphasize that learning is valuable and continues throughout life.

Learning is the prize in a fun library scavenger hunt

Going on a scavenger hunt at the library is a fun way to help your child learn where to find certain kinds of information. Write down some facts for your child to find, then help her identify where she could look. You might start with: The capital of each state in the U.S. The height of the world's tallest building. A list of Beethoven's symphonies. A recipe for chocolate chip cookies. Need help? Ask a librarian.

Build math recall with flash cards

Using flash cards to quiz your child is a great way to help him learn math facts. You can have him write or say the answer as you show him the problem. Or have him write a problem that fits the answer. Flash cards are a perfect way to fill odd moments. Just keep sessions short and frequent. Spend more time with math facts that are harder, and end each session with praise for your child's efforts.

Create afternoon routines for easier mornings

"Where is my library book?" "I can't find my math worksheet!" If your mornings sound like this, add some routines to the afternoon. Designate a special box for your child's school materials. As soon as she walks in the door, have her go to that box to unload. After completing assignments, she should put them back in the box. Each evening, your child can pack the contents of the box into her backpack, ready for the next day.

Keep the focus of sports on sportsmanship

If pressure is taking the fun out of sports for your child, talk with him about what it means to be a good sport. Remind him that fun should come first. If everyone is having fun, winning and losing don't seem so important. Make sure your child understands the rules of the game, too. Praise good sportsmanship when you see it, and always be a good sport yourself. Cheer for all the kids on both teams, not just yours.

Start with easy questions to keep communication flowing

If you worry about whether you'll be able to talk to your child when she's a teen, you're not alone. Worrying won't help, but good communication habits will. One helpful way to get a quiet child to talk is to ask specific questions, such as "What was the best thing that happened today?" Start with questions that aren't threatening, like "What do you think of this picture in the catalog?" Try it when you're relaxing together.

Help your child feel competent to tackle challenges

Competence leads to confidence. To give your child the confidence to face challenges in school and in life, help him improve his organizational skills, so he'll always have what he needs. Also, give him plenty of opportunities to express his opinions and have them taken seriously. Talk to your child about how you handle your work challenges, too. Your attitude will inspire similar behavior from your child.

Pumpkin math is a seasonal treat

Today is a great day to do some pumpkin math with your child! Get your child a pumpkin, and then have him: Estimate how much the pumpkin weighs. Weigh the pumpkin, and then add or subtract to see how much heavier or lighter it is than his estimate. Estimate, and then measure, how many inches the pumpkin is around at its widest point (its circumference). Count its seeds by fives, 10s and 20s.

Encourage reading, one chapter at a time

Get your child excited about the idea of reading by introducing her to the pleasures of chapter books. Find a book you think she will enjoy. It could be a classic or a new book recommended by the librarian. Have your child read (or you read to her) just one chapter a night. Then talk about the story. Ask your child to predict what will happen next. If she enjoys the book, see if it has a sequel and read that one, too!

Discuss ways to respond to bullying  

Bullying can damage children physically and emotionally. It can also affect their ability to do well in school. If your child is being picked on, talk to him about things he can do to stop it, such as ignoring the bully and walking away. Carefully monitor the situation, and if the bullying continues or gets worse, take action: Talk to the school principal or counselor and work together to resolve the issue.

Create a routine to take the hassle out of homework   

Homework isn't on most kids' lists of favorite things. But it doesn't have to be a hassle. To make study time go more easily at your house, set a regular weekday homework time. If your child is irritable or tired, give her a healthy snack before she starts work. Hunger can be a big distraction. It may also help to give her 30 minutes to run around outside and blow off steam before settling down.

Reading brings the world to your home

Sometimes a pretend trip can be just as fun as a real one. You and your child can "visit" Italy, Argentina, Thailand or anywhere else…by way of the public library and the internet. Choose a country and ask each family member to gather information about it. Then plan a dinner of dishes from that country (check out a cookbook from the library) and discuss the interesting facts each of you has learned from your reading.

Reach out to the counselor with questions or concerns about school

Whether your child is facing pandemic-related issues or you have more typical learning or development questions, the school counselor is a great resource. Here are just a few of the issues you can talk about together: Concerns about schoolwork and school access. Worries about any social or discipline issues. Your child's strengths, limitations or special needs. Thoughts about your student's education goals. Counselors even help elementary schoolers begin to think about career interests.

Families are valued partners in education

There is a mountain of evidence showing that family engagement makes a big difference in children's education. Your involvement can improve student achievement and attendance, and give your child a more positive attitude toward school. Plus, you'll get a better understanding of school programs and policies. Ask the teacher or principal how you can get involved.

Give your child the facts about tough topics

Experts say the best time to begin talking to kids about difficult issues is when they are between ages nine and 11. They're old enough to grasp the complexity of an issue. But they're still young enough to listen. When you talk together, find out what your child already knows. Share facts without exaggerating, and explain your position. Then set a good example by making sure your actions support your words.

Use a conversation game to find out about school

To encourage conversations about school, play a game called "My Day, Your Day." In the evening, let your child ask you a question about your day. After you answer, you get to ask a question about his day. This helps him feel involved instead of interrogated. Ask questions that require more than a one-word answer. Specific questions, like "What did you do in math today?" are better than general ones like "How was your day?"

Turn family activities into bedtime stories

Have you run out of bedtime story ideas? Try giving your characters names that rhyme with family members' names. Then have the characters relive family events or look forward to the next day's activities. This is also a good way to reinforce good behavior: If your family is going on an outing the next day, the characters could make their parents happy by getting ready on time without fighting.

Show that education matters at home as well as at school

To show your child how important her education is to you, reinforce the idea that you and the school are on the same team: hers. Help her understand that the things she learns at school matter at home, too. Make school attendance a top priority, expect your child to complete assignments, and set aside at least 20 minutes a day for the whole family to pursue pleasure reading.

Involve your child's senses in learning math

To sharpen your child's math skills, mix math into activities that use a variety of senses. For sight, you might ask him to look at an analog clock and tell you the time. Then ask: "If Dad gets home at 6:30, how long will it be until we see him?" For hearing, read a recipe aloud and have your child follow its instructions. It's a great way for him

Three school supplies make all the difference

It's school supply season! But you won't find three key things your child needs for school in a store. To supply your child with concentration, organization and motivation, set a regular study time and make sure she has a distraction-free place to work. Teach her to use checklists to keep track of things she needs to do. Most importantly, talk to your child each day about what she's learning in school.

Instill the skills that help kids make and be good friends

Children with strong ties to school friends tend to feel more enthusiastic and confident about school. To instill positive friendship skills, teach your child that good friends are kind and respect people's differences. Encourage your child to be friendly and say "hi" first. Demonstrate how to be a good sport and how to stand up for what's right without being aggressive.

Don't wait to model timely work habits

Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. If you do, your child might learn to do the same and his school performance will suffer. To set a good example, avoid delaying tasks. If you say you're going to do something, do it!  Let your child see you prioritizing tasks and breaking big jobs into small parts. Explain that it's easier to tackle one small job at a time.

Include writing in your regular summer routine

It takes practice to write well. Consider establishing a writing "ritual" for your family. Pick a special time period, such as the duration of summer vacation. Get everyone a notebook (a thin one won't overwhelm your child). Choose a regular time of day you'll all write, and stick with it. You can help your child get started by letting her pick a family photo or magazine picture to write a story about.

Show your child that the dictionary is interesting reading

One way to expand your child's vocabulary is by encouraging him to browse in the dictionary. Get a children's dictionary with lots of pictures. Leaf through it together and look for new and interesting words. Read the definitions. Talk about the pictures. Ask your child what he thinks a new word might mean, or if he knows similar words. He may just develop a lifetime love of words.

Point out the useful ways you read

Children learn by watching their parents. And when you talk about what you are doing, you make it easier for your child to learn. If you are cooking, for example, you might say, "I'm looking for a cake recipe. I don't have time to read all the recipes in this cookbook, so I'm going to turn to the index in the back. Here under the letter C is a recipe for chocolate cake." Now your child understands more about how an index works.

Balance negativity by pointing out the positive

Is your child a "glass half-empty" kind of kid? Some people are more pessimistic than others by nature. But that doesn't mean you can't help your child see the sunnier side of life. Remind him of good times and successes he's had. And if he says he'll never understand something, sit down and offer support as he figures it out. Show him that he can solve "impossible" problems if he keeps trying.

Commercials are prime time for conversation

Don't let TV shut down family conversations. Instead, use it to start them. "Half-hour" TV shows are typically 22 minutes of program and eight minutes of commercials. Use those eight minutes to ask your child to think critically about the program. Does she think the characters and settings are realistic, or not? Does the plot make sense? What other choices could the characters have made?

Remember the funny side of discipline

Discipline is serious business, but that doesn't mean you can't have a sense of humor about it. Humor can diffuse a tense situation, motivate children to act appropriately, and even help them see the error of their ways. For example, instead of sending your foot-stamping, cookie-demanding first grader to time-out, join the protest. Stamp and demand every sweet possible. Your child may be too distracted to keep up a tantrum.

Put your child's personality on a poster

Creating an "all about me" poster with your child is a great way to celebrate what makes her special. It's also a good way to learn more about her. Look through magazines and catalogs together for pictures of things your family has done. Find images of things your child likes, like pets, foods and clothes. Have her arrange and paste the pictures on a large sheet of paper. Then encourage her to write a few words about each.

Look for opportunities to encourage conversation

Meaningful conversations with your child are hard to schedule; they happen when they happen. But there are things you can do to encourage them. Many children prefer to talk while they are doing other things. Find the time when your child is most likely to open up: while doing dishes, for example. Use this time for conversation. To keep it going, ask him follow-up questions, like "What happened next?"

Learn about Helen Keller, a model of resilience

Helen Keller was born on this day in 1880. Although she was deaf and blind, she graduated from college and became a famous writer and activist. To teach your child about this model of determination, check out a biography of Keller or watch the film "The Miracle Worker" together. Then go online to learn more about how blind people overcome challenges, such as by using the Braille alphabet.

Make learning part of the fun this summer

To combine learning and fun this summer, try having a family spelling bee (give each family member words that are appropriate for their skills). Or add math to a family outing (How many miles until we get there? How much gas will we need? How many steps to climb the hill?). Ask questions about things you see in nature and try to find the answers. You can also tell family stories that connect history to your child's life.

Foster learning in easy ways

You don't have to be a teacher to make a difference in your child's education. Here are a few simple, meaningful ways to be involved: Put an encouraging note where your child will find it. Administer discipline with kindness and consistency. Accept that your child's best efforts are more important than his grades. Then celebrate his progress together, and tell your child you love him every day.

Brighten a rainy day with an alphabet challenge

If April showers have your child bored indoors, challenge her to put her room "in ABC order." If your child is young, ask her to pick a letter and find an object in her room that starts with that letter. Then she can find an object for each letter of the alphabet. If your child is older, she can write down names of several items for each letter in alphabetical order. Set a time limit to make it exciting!

Model attentive listening, now and later

You want your child to listen attentively in class. When you listen attentively to him, it helps him learn by example. But it can be difficult to give your undivided attention when you're trying to get dinner on the table, the dog is barking and a delivery truck has just arrived. If your child is trying to talk to you in a setting that makes it hard to listen, set a time to talk later, when things are calmer. Then follow through.

Use a weather project to build graphing skills

Help your child practice graphing by making a weather chart. On an April calendar, have her write down (or draw a picture of) each day's weather. At the end of the month, she can count the number of sunny, rainy or cloudy days and make a simple bar graph. Help her use her graph to answer questions, such as, "Were there more sunny or rainy days?" and "Which conditions happened least often?"

Enlarge your child's vocabulary with a few big words

Your child's vocabulary may be filled with short, simple words. But you don't have to speak to him in small words. Expand his vocabulary by using some "big" words occasionally. Children naturally mimic the adults around them, so to teach your child a new word, use it often. Define it. Use it in another sentence. Relate it to words your child already knows ("This book is so interesting; it's captivating!").

Five things teachers really want from parents

Teamwork between home and school can make a big difference to your child's learning. Here are five things teachers wish all families would do: 1. Build your child's confidence with praise and love. 2. Discuss the school day and the things your child is learning with her. 3. Support your child's effort with schoolwork. 4. Schedule some relaxed reading time each evening. 5. Partner with the teachers to support your child

Experiment with fractions your child can see

Some children find fractions more intimidating than whole numbers. Hands-on activities can help your child see and understand the concepts. Try this one: Give him some measuring cups and two identical glasses. Have him pour one cup of water into the first glass. Then have him guess: How many half-cups will it take to fill the other glass to the same level? How many quarter cups? One-third cups? Let him experiment to find out.

No-nag strategies help your child keep track of responsibilities

Nobody likes to be nagged. But kids need to be reminded of their responsibilities once in a while. Here are some no-nag solutions: Teach your child to write tasks on a to-do list in order of importance and cross them off as they are finished. You can also make a job chart that lists responsibilities, when they should be done and by whom. Then you can just point to the chart. Or create a "daily reminder box" that family members can check

When kids teach, they also learn

Sometimes, the best way to remember something is by teaching it to someone else. The next time your child is studying for a test, have her make up her own test on the topic and ask you the questions. Take the test, then let her explain the answers to you. You'll learn what she knows (and where she's a little fuzzy), and she'll solidify the information in her memory.

Be clear about the behavior you want to see

"Don't forget your jacket." "Don't run in the street." Sometimes it seems like adults fill kids' heads with all the things they're not supposed to do. The problem is that young children often tune out the word "don't." Instead, tell your child what you DO want him to do: "Take your jacket. Stay on the sidewalk."

Who will your child call in an emergency?

Does your child know who to call in an emergency? Don't wait for a crisis to find out. You should have these numbers programmed in your cell phone and posted by every telephone in your home: Police, fire and emergency responders (911); parents' work phone and cell phone; a nearby neighbor; relatives. Teach your child which number to call in different circumstances, and what to say.

Create a family yearbook with your child

Family bonds give children a sense of security. One way to foster this important connection is to have your child help you preserve family memories in a yearbook. Throughout the year, collect photos of family events and have your child put them in an album. Add things that remind you each of special times: a recipe you all loved, a leaf found on an autumn walk. Encourage your child to write captions.

Make math tasty with an estimation game

Estimation is an important part of math. Here's a fun way for your child to practice estimating: Get two large glasses of the same size. Fill one with something small (like dry beans). Fill the other with something large (like cookies). Have your child estimate how many pieces are in each glass. Then have her count to check her answer. Finally, enjoy the cookies together!

One activity will help your child every day

One of the most important things you can do to help your child succeed in school is to read aloud together. It introduces young children to the world of books, and even older kids love to be read to. Make reading aloud together a daily priority. To keep it interesting, be sure to read books you enjoy. And sometimes, build your child's vocabulary by reading books that are a little too hard for him to read alone.

Create silly sentences to make facts memorable

Studying for a test usually involves memorizing. Your child can remember lists of items by writing a sentence using words that begin with the first letter of each word in the list. For example, the first letter of each word in "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Noodles" stands for the first letters of the planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

Make new goals as clear as a bell

Ring in the New Year by helping your child improve her schoolwork habits. Help her identify negative habits she wants to get rid of and decide on new positive habits she'd like to embrace. Next, have your child cut some bell shapes out of paper. Write the habits your child wants to stop and start on the bells and hang them from some colorful streamers. Then ring out the old and ring in the new!

Reaffirm your commitment to help your child

Families have made a vital difference in education this year. 2020 may be over, but the need for your involvement continues until your child graduates. As we head into 2021, consider making this parent pledge: "I promise to monitor schoolwork and talk about school. I will expect my child to give school his best effort. I will read with him every day. I will tell my child I love him and I know he can do well."

Token earning can motivate learning

When learning something new, some children respond well to learning incentives. These are rewards your child earns for things she has done. Give points or tokens when your child does what's expected. Take them away when she doesn't. Let her trade the tokens for play time or small prizes. Don't make it too difficult to earn them, or your child may end up feeling defeated.

Prepare your child to tackle challenges

Competence leads to confidence. To give your child the confidence to face academic and life challenges, help him improve his organizational skills, so he'll always have what he needs. Also, give him plenty of opportunities to express his opinions and have them taken seriously. Talk to your child about how you handle your work challenges, too. Your attitude will inspire similar behavior from your child.

Whip up some enthusiasm for spelling

Here's a fun idea to help your child master the alphabet and the spelling of simple words: Spread a layer of whipped cream on a dark-colored tray or plate. Have your child use her finger to write letters and words. Mistakes are easily wiped away, and correct spelling is quickly rewarded with a lick of a finger.

Three daily ways to support your child

From day to day, you may be helping your child with schoolwork in many different ways. But three things, according to research, will help every day. The first is making class attendance a priority, whether your child is learning at home or at school. The second is reading together. The third is managing recreational screen time. When the school day is over, turn off the screens and encourage your child to read, play games, exercise or think.

Expect your child to try hard and learn well

Expectations matter. When you let your child know that you expect him to give schoolwork his best effort, he is more likely to do well. If you don’t expect him to work hard, he won't. And if you make him think he is a poor student, that is what he’ll probably be. Keep in mind, however, that even the best student will make mistakes. Your child needs to know that is OK, and he can learn from his mistakes.

Try a sweet way to encourage independence

You want your child to ask for help with schoolwork when she needs it. But some kids ask for help with every problem. To encourage your child to try to figure things out for herself, put out a bowl with a few small treats, like candies or grapes. When she asks for help, give it, but remove a treat. When the treats are gone, so is the help. Tell your child she can eat anything left in the bowl when her work is complete.

Accomplishment is worth a little struggle

If you rush to solve your child's every problem, you send the message that you don't think he can manage by himself. When kids work problems out for themselves, it makes them feel competent and confident. That's why sometimes, it's best to let your child struggle through a problem on his own. Offer support and encouragement ("I know you can figure this out"), and then give him some space.

Give your child the confidence to speak up

Speaking in front of others, in a classroom or online, doesn't come naturally to all kids. But you can build your child's public speaking confidence by being an attentive listener. Start by paying attention when she talks. Show your interest and look her in the eye. Then be patient; don't interrupt to correct her or give an opposing view. Let your child express her opinion before you give yours.

How to help when your child is frustrated

Statements like, "I hate school!" or "I'm dumb!" are often signs that a child is frustrated with schoolwork. To help your child in this situation, share a story of how you struggled with something when you were young. Explain how you worked through it. Ask guiding questions to help him come up with strategies he could use. Then encourage him to try again. If frustration persists, let the teacher know.

Show your child what subtraction looks like

If your child is having difficulty with subtraction basics, try using paper clips to show her what subtraction looks like. Suppose she must subtract 8 from 16. Make a chain of 16 paper clips. Have your child count them. Then she can count again as you remove eight clips, one at a time. Finally, have her count the remaining clips. Visual aids like this can help kids get a clearer idea of math concepts.

Help your child check for writing quality

Before your child hands in a writing assignment, help him review it. Give him this checklist of questions to ask himself: 1. Does his writing make sense? Are the facts correct? 2. Does each paragraph connect logically to the ones before and after? 3. Are his sentences complete? Do subjects and verbs agree? 4. Are all the words spelled correctly? Are any overused? 5. Is his final draft neat and legible?

With your help, your child can do great things

Research makes it clear: All parents, no matter their own level of education, can help their children succeed academically. To do it, set high (but still realistic) goals for your child. Then stress the importance of persistence, and praise her effort and progress. Be firm about limits and enthusiastic about school. Show respect for your child's ideas, and share your family's values.

Predictable books help kids connect with reading

Children who are just learning to read need books that help them along. When you choose books for your child, look for text with rhythm and rhyme, and repeated words and sentences. Predictable plots and events that follow a natural time sequence make it easier for young readers to follow the story. So do pictures that provide clues to what is happening. A plot or character your child can relate to will boost interest.