Show him/her that learning
is important. Provide a quiet place in your home for reading,
writing, and study, which is always available for your
child’s use. Expect that homework, reading or study of some
sort should be done five nights per week.
Help your child continue to
develop as a reader and a writer. Provide a newspaper, a
variety of books, magazines and writing materials, for your child
to use. Read and discuss non-fiction as well as fiction.
Students need to see reading as a source of information and need
to become skilled technical readers.
Continue to read to your
child and have him/her read toyou. This remains
important as our children get older. Ask questions about what was
read. Daily news articles are great things to share and
discuss.In junior high, critical thinking is a
focus throughout the curriculum. You can help your child
strengthen these skills by asking questions which include who,
what , why , where, how, why not, etc.
Develop vocabulary by
playing word games with your child. "Scrabble", "Boggle" and
"Wheel of Fortune" are three good choices. Crosswords are great
vocabulary-builders and can be done as family
activities.
Have your child read to
locate information. Have him follow the directions in the TV
or VCR operating manual., read recipes, etc. This is technical
reading.
Let your child catch YOU
reading regularly! Research tells us that children read more
and read a variety of materials when they see their parents and
older siblings reading. Make sure you read for information and
pleasure!
Continue to use family
outings as learning opportunities. Trips to the grocery store,
mall, parks vacations, excursions on buses, planes, trains, all
provide material for discussion. Seventh graders are old enough to
enjoy and recall significant details from trips to museums, The
Pacific Science Center, aquariums, etc. Continue to ask your child
questions about their experiences. Listen to their responses and
let them know their opinions are important. Discussing their
thoughts with you lets your child practice oral communication
skills. You may also have them keep a written journal of their
impressions.
Encourage hobbies such
as crafts and model-building. These require following directions -
another technical reading skill.
Continue to give your child
choices of activities, chores, foods, etc. "Would you rather make
the salad or empty the dishwasher?" "Would you like to read or
practice piano right now?" "Would you rather mow the lawn or weed
the garden? "Remember, you have homework. You can choose to talk
on the phone with Carrie now and study after dinner, or reverse
it. Just let me know your plans." Seventh graders need to
make decisions which give them a feeling of having some
control over their lives. Alternatives such as those above teach
independence andresponsibility while you
ultimately remain in charge.
As you child becomes more
social and independent, remind him/her of respect, rights, and
responsibility. Always stress the importance of treating
others with kindness, respect and acceptance of
diversity.
Limit and monitor TV
watching!
Volunteer at
school!
Remember that YOU are
your child’s first teacher. The impact of your words
and actions are the most important!