‘Where You Live’ – January 23, 2010
This weekend we’re showing you ways to make planning a little easier. From mealtime to your energy bill, find out how you can save time and money with a great plan!
National Heritage Academies
Education Options For Your Child
There are some many choices out there when it comes to your child’s education. The charter school system is one of them.
If you’re planning to enroll in a charter school for the 2010-2011 school year, the deadline is quickly approaching. Open enrollment closes on February 26, 2010. For an application link and more details visit www.heritageacademies.com.
Winter Educational Activities
Winters in West Michigan can be a little harsh. While it’s certainly fun to get outside with the kids and go sledding or skiing, sometimes it’s just too cold. National Heritage Academies recommends involving your children in a number of indoor educational activities that will keep them entertained and are a great alternative to television.
• Jigsaw Puzzles – Sure jigsaw puzzles can be frustrating with all those pieces that look exactly the same, but they can be a lot of fun, they provide relationship building time with your child and just think of the pride your child will have in completing a jigsaw puzzle.
• Winter Crafts – What better way to fight off boredom than by making a foam mitten wreath, handprint snowflake photo frame or popsicle snowman? Break out the glue and popsicle sticks and have a blast making a bunch of winter-themed crafts.
• Dr. Seuss Book Marathon - From here to there, funny things are everywhere. Take turns reading some of Dr. Seuss’ amazingly entertaining books.
• Butterfly Garden – Your child can create their very own butterfly hanging garden. Visit http://fun.familyeducation.com/childrens-art-activities/outdoor-games/30104.html?detoured=1, print out the monarch butterfly pictures and follow the directions for creating your own butterfly garden.
Getting Your Child to Like Math
Math. It’s a simple and harmless word. Why then does it cause such dread for so many students? More importantly, since it’s such a critical tool in school and business, how can you as a parent get your child to embrace the subject?
The ideal solution is to help children build an interest for numbers before they enter school. Here are some suggestions:
- Whether its reading books that include numbers or simply exploring numbers throughout their environment – at home, on traffic signs and billboards, or at gas stations and grocery stores – introducing young children to numbers will build a familiarity that will be helpful when it comes time to go to school.
- If you’re a parent of a school-age child who doesn’t like math, take a look at engaging your child in different forms of math. For instance, if your child is a sports fan, use the score of a ballgame to work on addition and subtraction, or a player’s stats to work on statistics, multiplication and division. If your child likes to help you cook, use measuring out the ingredients as an avenue for building enjoyment in utilizing math skills.
- Be positive. For many parents, the thought of math may lead to horrible memories from when they were in school. Remember that math is our friend. If you want your children to enjoy math, the last thing you should do is tell them that you hate math or exhibit negative feelings toward math. Take your child’s learning math as an opportunity to learn math all over again. You may find that you enjoy it as well.
For more information or for other helpful tips on making math more enjoyable for your child, do not hesitate to speak to your child’s teacher or visit www.familyeducation.com.
Helping Your Kids with Homework
Research shows that parent involvement is important to a child’s success at school. The more engaged a parent is in their child’s education, the more likely the child will show greater interest in their school work.
“Homework is an effective tool to reinforce classroom instruction and improve student learning,” says Joe Nieuwkoop, principal at Cross Creek Charter Academy (http://crosscreek.heritageacademies.com). “It’s also an opportunity for parents to become more involved in the school process and to gain a greater appreciation for the work their child is doing.”
GENERAL HOMEWORK TIPS FOR PARENTS
• Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit place to do homework. Avoid having your child do homework with the television on or in places with other distractions, such as people coming and going.
• Make sure the materials your child needs, such as paper, pencils and a dictionary, are available. Ask your child if special materials will be needed for some projects and get them in advance.
• Help your child with time management. Establish a set time each day for doing homework. Don’t let your child leave homework until just before bedtime. Think about using a weekend morning or afternoon for working on big projects, especially if the project involves getting together with classmates.
‘Where You Live’ – September 19, 2009
This week on Where You Live, find out simple things you can do to transform your life.
Smooth Back-to-School Transitions
Whether your kids head back-to-school this week or next, making smooth transitions can help children feel good about themselves and teach them to trust other adults and children. Helping children adapt to new situations can ease parents’ minds and give them a chance to become involved in their children’s education.
Parents can help by:
- Be enthusiastic about the upcoming change. If you are excited and confident, your child will be too.
- Prepare yourself. Take note of how your child reacts to separation. If possible, visit the new setting with your child and introduce your child to the new teacher in advance.
- Arrange a playdate with another child from school, so that your child will see a familiar face when she walks in on the first day.
Is Your Family Ready For School?
Before your kids head back to school this fall there are a few things that every parent should remember. Here are some helpful tips from Timberland Charter Academy in Muskegon.
CONTACT THE SCHOOL
1. Find out if any physical examinations or immunizations are required.
2. See if there are any new registration requirements this year.
3. Get copy of school policies (absence, illness, discipline, etc.)
4. Go over school rules with your child.
BE PREPARED WITH SCHOOL MATERIALS
1. Before the first day of school, make sure your child finds out what school supplies and materials are required.
2. Make sure to stock up on paper, folders, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, etc. Take advantage of the back-to-school sales and stock up early.
Get Involved in Your Child’s School
Research shows that active parental involvement improves a child’s success in school. Parents engaged with their child’s school are more aware of their academic and social progress, which facilitates communication as the child continues to grow. There are a number of opportunities for parents to become involved at school, so don’t be discouraged if you’ve volunteered for an activity and found that it wasn’t the right fit for you. Simply try your hand at multiple activities to see what you are most comfortable with.
- Make it clear before you begin just how much time you’re willing to volunteer. Even stay-at-home parents don’t have an unlimited amount of time to volunteer at their child’s school – many parents have other activities and interests, as well as other children to care for.
- Don’t be afraid to say no if you’re being asked to do more than you feel comfortable with – just try to say it early enough so that someone else can be found to take your place, because many trips and activities can’t be taken unless the school has a certain number of chaperones or supervisors.
‘Where You Live’ – August 1, 2009
Over 7,000 kids and families enjoyed our Park Party in Allegan this past Thursday. Take a look at the final party of the summer!
Blogs
Maranda's Blog
Keep in step with Maranda as she explores issues affecting your family.
Maranda's Go-To Gal
Insights from the mom who helps Maranda get it all done.
Whitecaps Blog
Whitecaps mascot Crash takes you inside the ballpark.
Cruiser's Blog
Cruiser has the inside track for Craig's Cruisers.
Health & Wellness
Make health and wellness a priority.
Fifth Third River Bank Run
On pace with the Fifth Third River Bank Run.
Healthy Living
Simple solutions for healthy living.
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