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.

Nurture your child's inner motivation to learn

Successful learners are motivated more by their own curiosity than by any other reward. To promote this kind of "intrinsic motivation," allow your child some independence to explore the things he's learning about. Provide learning challenges he can be successful with. Then, when he completes a task, ask him to evaluate his own efforts. When you offer praise, compliment efforts more than accomplishments.

Break big tasks into small pieces to help your child see them through

Many elementary schoolers have a tough time thinking ahead and following through on their plans. One reason is that they lack a realistic sense of time. Your child may really think one day is enough time to finish a big project. Help her break large assignments down into small parts to do over several days.

Get your child's attention when giving directions

Does your child seem forgetful, absent-minded or irresponsible when you give directions? An ability to focus on instructions and carry them out is important to his school success. To help him concentrate, reduce distractions when you speak to him. Turn off the TV. Say things like "I know it's hard for you to pay attention, but I need to see your eyes when I'm talking to you." Then keep your instructions short.

Your child has the power to make a difference

October 23 is Make a Difference Day. It's a day to help your child do something that will make a difference in your neighborhood, your community or even the nation, and boost self-esteem at the same time. Help your child come up with a list of things your family can do. Children often feel powerless. By helping your child take action, you'll prove that kids can make a difference.

Strengthen skills that improve social interactions  

Swooping in and saving your child from social challenges won't help her learn to navigate them. Instead, develop her social survival skills. When she describes a social situation, ask questions like, "What did you do next?" This tells your child that she can act to affect the outcome of social interactions.

Teachers' tips can make a big difference in your child's learning   

What do teachers wish that families would do to help their students be successful in school? Simple things: Set firm standards. Read to your child. Attend parent-teacher conferences. Communicate often with the teachers, and give them lots of information about your child's interests, strengths and weaknesses. When you team up with the teachers, you improve your child's chance of school success.

Routines are stability your child can count on

A feeling of security gives children the courage to face challenges. For most kids, that sense of security comes from feeling loved. It also comes from knowing that some things don't change, such as certain family routines. Set regular times for bed, meals, reading and studying. When schedules must change, let your child know how and why.

Clear, consistent discipline mixed with lots of love is the recipe for good behavior

Kids don't always behave as adults would like. To improve your child's behavior, keep these guidelines in mind: Emphasize what you want your child to do, rather than what you don't want. Say what you mean, and stick to it. Then when misbehavior happens, use consequences that relate to your child's actions. Pay more attention to what your child does right than to mistakes, and always show your love.

Healthy snack choices encourage positive food habits

Healthy food is fuel for growing bodies and brains. To help your child learn to make nutritious food choices, create an "anytime" shelf in your refrigerator. Stock it with a selection of healthy foods such as carrot sticks, broccoli "trees," cheese, chunks of melon and raisins. Then allow your child to help himself from this shelf any time he is hungry. He'll like choosing, and you'll know he's making healthy choices.

Let your child know you care about effort

Your child is likely to work hard in school if you let her know how high a value you place on effort. For instance, when your child shows you a high test score, instead of just saying "Hooray!" say "I know how hard you studied. Your hard work has really paid off." When she finishes reading a book, you can say, "You made a real effort to finish that book. I'm proud of you."

Let your child pick a code word for safety

Emergencies happen. Your child may be expecting you to pick him up from an activity, and you may not be able to. It's a good idea to come up with a special family code word. If you have to send someone to get your child unexpectedly, give them the code word. Hearing it will let your child know it's safe to get in the car.

Volunteering encourages family and community teamwork

When families volunteer together, they strengthen their relationships. They have a shared purpose. Children learn about caring. They learn about their community and teamwork. And they learn that they can make a difference. Why not sit down as a family and brainstorm ways you could volunteer, such as by raising awareness for a cause, organizing a school supply drive or sprucing up a playground.

It's no joke that humor can make reading fun

Learning to read can be hard work. So it's important to remind your child how much fun reading can be. Write a joke on silly stationery and tuck it in with your child's lunch. When he reads it to his friends, the laughter he hears will make him feel special and proud. And he'll connect those positive feelings with reading.

Help your child put travel time to good use

Time management is a valuable study skill. One way to help your child make use of spare minutes is to make the most of time in the car. For example, you might tape cards with spelling words to the backs of the front seats. If your child practices them each time she's in the car all week, by Friday she will be ready for the spelling test!

Address mistakes respectfully and privately

Elementary school students are learning the social skills that help make a classroom comfortable and productive, such as how to treat people with respect. When your child makes mistakes, don't point them out in front of others. That will only make him ashamed, not teach him to be considerate. Ask yourself what he needs to learn, then teach him those skills one-on-one.

Daily conversations show your child that schoolwork matters

Talking with your child about school shows her you care about her life and her education. Make it a regular habit to have your child show you at least one example of her schoolwork each day. Comment on progress she's making, praise her effort and encourage her to do her best work. You'll learn more about what your child is learning, and your child will learn that schoolwork is important.

Sports can help kids become confident learners

After-school sports teach children that practice and effort lead to improvement. That's a lesson they can apply in school, too. Let your child's interest, not yours, motivate which sport he chooses. Then praise what he does well and ignore his mistakes. He'll probably get enough knocks on the field. Give him hugs at home.

Make time for what matters as life gets busier

Fitting in lots of time with your child may be more challenging as schedules get busier. But it's worth it! Children who spend more time with their parents tend to do better in school. Try taking a daily walk with your child. You both need exercise, and you'll have time to talk. Eat at least one meal together each day. And look for activities the whole family can enjoy, such as having a picnic in the park.

Anger often masks other emotions

Disrespectful, angry children may be perfectionists—and very good students. Or they may show their anger and disrespect by doing poorly in school. Anger and disrespect are often a cover for other emotions, such as fear or frustration. If your child has recently begun behaving defiantly, think about what's changed in her life. Ask what's bothering her and say you want to help. Then discuss ways to change her behavior.

Teach listening by example

There isn't a class at school called "Listening." That's because listening is important in ALL school classes. One of the best ways to teach your child to listen is to set an example. Each day, set aside some time to talk about school. Ask questions to get the ball rolling. Then stop what you're doing and pay attention to what your child is saying. Make eye contact as you listen, and give your child time to put thoughts into words.