Help Children Develop A Plan for a Successful School Year

Recently I read an article by Dr. Jan Hittleman on developing a plan (with your child) for a successful school year. I think it offers valuable advice for parents; take a few minutes to read it.
It is my prayer that each and every RCS student has a successful and BLESSED 2015-2016 School Year!

– Mrs. Hoppe

“While most students strive for academic success, many struggle to consistently perform at a level commensurate with their potential. Each year, so many students start out strong, but as the school year progresses they hit a slump and may even struggle to pass their classes at the end of the school year. Too often parents find themselves relegated to enforcer and chief; frequently checking on progress, providing endless reminders to get homework done and make-up missing assignments, which usually leads to arguments rather than desired results. A more effective approach is to use an empowerment strategy in which each child takes increasing ownership of their academic responsibilities, so that when college rolls around, the child has the skills necessary to meet with success. This effort should start early. While some students have unique learning challenges that may require special consideration, by the beginning of middle school if not sooner students should be in charge of their academic life. Parents play a critical role of providing support and advice, but should not be overseeing everything … that’s their job. Consider the following approach:

  • At a positive moment, initiate a discussion with your child about the upcoming school year. • Allow everyone to share what went well and what didn’t in years past.
  • FIRST, offer to change your approach as a parent and encourage your child to provide constructive feedback and more specifically how you can better support your child in the future. Agree to try and implement any/all reasonable suggestions. AFTERWARDS, provide feedback to your child and offer your own ideas and suggestions.
  • After mutual agreement/negotiation, agree to an “Experiment” for a finite period of time (e.g 2-4 weeks) to try and implement the agreed upon suggestions, with a feedback session scheduled on the calendar when that timeframe is reached.
  • At the feedback session, try and focus first on any/all positives and only then focus on areas in need of improvement. Only make modifications that are mutually agreed to and restart the experiment clock. This approach teaches children responsibility, problem-solving skills, and at the same time, reduces conflict and enhances the parent child relationship.”