Making Milestones: Tips for parents
Helping children succeed in school means everything from getting them a good breakfast before class to requiring that they do their homework. But the Milestones Framework can help focus your support into key areas that predict your child’s success at the next level:
Pre-school and elementary school: Reading.
- Read daily to children at a young age.
- Visit the library regularly.
- Ask your elementary age child to read to you.
- Be a reader yourself.
- View a “Becoming a Reader” checklist and more.
Middle grades: Writing, math, good attendance and study skills.
- Read and discuss your child’s writing assignments.
- Ask for teachers’ expectations in writing and math.
- Find out about homework clubs and tutoring at the school.
- Try online math tutoring resources such as http://hotmath.com.
- Encourage your child to find a study buddy.
- Get your child a notebook to track assignments and due dates.
- Set aside time for homework every evening.
- Set clear expectations and consequences around attendance.
- View newsletter tips on math study skills.
High school: Passing core subjects, adding extracurricular activities.
- Ask for your high school’s graduation requirements, create a checklist of courses with your student.
- Ask teachers for your student’s strengths and weaknesses in core courses and how you can help.
- Learn about tutoring and support services at your school.
- Look into mentoring programs such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
- Encourage activities that draw out your student’s academic strengths, such as debate, drama, student government, school newspaper or chess.
- Encourage team sports or activities that build discipline, attendance and health.
- Attend your student’s games, presentations or productions.
Note: We will build on these tips in the near future. If you have helpful links or resources to share, please send them to pubinfo@pps.net
