Parents are a child's first and most influential teachers and can do many things at home to help their child succeed in school. Every child needs to be taught that school is very important and it deserves their very best effort.
  • Emphasize with your child that school is very important and that you want him/her to be successful.
  • Make sure your child goes to school everyday well fed and rested.
  • Say something positive about your child before he/she leaves for school.
  • Encourage your child to read a lot.
  • Keep a variety of reading materials in the home.
  • Encourage your child to read aloud to you.
  • Read aloud to your child; help identify letters and words; discuss the stories you read with him/her and talk about the meaning of the words.
  • Visit the library with your child and help him/her check out books.
  • Set a good example; let your child see you reaading.
  • Your child can establish good listening and speaking skills if you listen to him/her and make sure he/she listens to you. Ask questions and listen for answers.
  • Make a special place in your home for your child to keep his/her school things and do school work without interruptions.
  • Keep pencils, crayons, and markers handy and encourage your child to write notes, grocery lists, etc.
  • Display your child's work in special places in your home.
  • Establish blocks of time when you expect your child to do homework.
  • Set high expectations for your child and be consistent in these expectations.
  • Support school rules and goals.
  • Do not hesitate to call your child's teacher if a problem arises.
  • Meet with your child's teacher regularly.
  • Teach your child to do things for him/herself. Don't do their work for them.
  • Give your child regular jobs around the house and make sure he/she does them.
  • Have consistent rules in the home that your child can count on.
  • Set limits on TV viewing.
  • Don't expect or demand perfection.
  • Talk to your child about the value of hard work.
  • Talk to your child every day.
  • Take part in school events and activities.
  • Share your own experiences and goals with your child and tell him/her family stories.
  • Set routines for meals, bedtime, etc.
  • Have family meals together and talk about the future.
  • Help your child look up words in the dictionary.
  • Share poems and songs with your child.
  • Be positive about your child's school.