MODERN PARENTS Magazine by Modern Parents

CONNECTING HOME & SCHOOL

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dknyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

donna karan creates

kids curriculum discipline : one size does not fit all

MySpace! what parents should know look School

what to for in a

effective

ways to study

voluMe i,

iSSue iii

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inforMation

“What we have to learn to do we learn by doing.” -ariStotle

features

how to iMprove your child’S GradeS

state department of education Websites

donna “dKnY” Karan creates child centered curriculum

What every parent should Know about myspace

learning styles

the Write stuff

school choice

Word search

departments inFant/toddler..........................6 Helping toddlers Become problem solvers ho w t o r a i s e a r e a d e r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 communication 101: speak, listen and act (PA R T I I ) preschool .................................8 Quality child care and preschool programs eleMentary school ....................9 Helping Your child with math M i d d l e s c h o o l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 How to improve grades h i G h s c h o o l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 How to communicate effectively with a High school teacher c o l l e G e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 effective study techniques

keepinG an eye on MySpace

Modern parent mary favorite

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M o d e r n e d u c a t o r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 paul Vallas parent toolkit suggestions form

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

p r e G n a n c y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Your pregnancy timeline en español

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e d u c a t o r s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 discipline: one size does not fit all

modern parents magazine

CONNECTING HOME & SCHOOL

publiSher/editor-in-chief

carol alexander-lewis adviSory board

florence townsend, ph.d Belinda alexander, md Julian stafford, ph.d myrna nickens, md tammie causey-Konate, ph.d adele london, Jd editorS

lindsay mack rhodesia J. douglas art director

Jennifer tyson vice-preSident, MarketinG

dr. Julian stafford aSSociate MarketinG directorS

monica White rollin Black contributinG writerS

melanie Johnson, ph.d talisa Beasley michelle cullison

Kathy frady Jana ortiz Janice Williams

contributinG photo conSultantS

gus Bennett, Jr. eric paul Julian traductora de eSpañol

Victoria Bastani new orleanS office

2536 delta pointe drive marrero, la 70072 504.339.5310 houSton office

10710 desert springs Houston, tX 77095 1.866.994.4242 chicaGo office

8515 constance avenue chicago, il 60617 1.866.994.4242 Special thankS to: Jesus christ allen Houston legacy foundation eula & Joe lewis dillard University — Upward Bound, dr. camacia smith-ross

modern parents welcomes letters, articles, artwork and photographs from our readers and the community. modern parents is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials. modern parents magazine is published quarterly by the national family development institute, 2536 delta pointe’ drive, marrero, la 70072. modern parents magazine. due to audit regulations, anY reQUests for a cHange of address mUst Be sUBmitted in Writing. other subscription-related inquiries may use the same address, or telephone 504.339.5310/ 1.866.994.4242. subscription rates: $29.95 for one year; single copies $8.95. pre-payment required for single cop orders. address all single-copy requests and sample inquiries to the above address. manuscripts must be accompanied by a self addressed envelope and return postage. publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts of art. all rights reserved. reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

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~About Us ~ the mission of Modern parents Magazine is to provide a fresh, relevant connection between the academic world and the parenting world by providing innovative, research-based parenting strategies and techniques. in addition, we serve as a valuable resource for educators by showcasing Best practices and the most effective instructional strategies and techniques. exposing parents to effective instructional strategies not only broadens parenting strategies, but also provides the tools needed to ensure their children are receiving quality educational experiences. Modern parents Magazine is dedicated

to increasing global literacy and enhancing the quality of life forC families in our society. readers gain access to information from expert practitioners and associations. From school to home and all that lies between, Modern parents is your source for the most innovative parenting and instructional strategies and techniques. Modern parents Magazine voices

the most pertinent issues and concerns of today’s parents. By providing trusted information to our audience, and featuring content that is driven by our readers, Modern parents is the premier resource and choice for today’s parent. we help parents make better decisions about their most valuable investment ...

their children.

Fashion Icon DONNA KARAN

There could be no greater surprise than to discover that one of your favorite fashion designers is also a great humanitarian. This realization holds true regarding the creator of the “DK NY ” fashion empire, Donna Karan. We recently had the great pleasure of spending time with Ms. Karan. Surprisingly, this fashion mogul displayed great passion for a new social foundation dedicated to improving society and the lives of children worldwide. We are excited to share her inspiring thoughts and efforts with you.

Bountiful Blessings and Happy Parenting! Carol Alexander-Lewis editor-in-chief clewis@modernparentsmagazine.com

froM our readerS one of our readers recently experienced a series of problems with her grandson at school. She contacted us for advice. we spoke with her at length and suggested a physical conference and use of the progress report featured in the parent toolkit in our previous issue. here is her response: I just wanted to let you know that the meeting went very positively. The principal admitted that he felt the teacher was new at the job and had not yet developed patience with some of the students as yet, and that the suspension would be under review to bump it down since the incident happened in the course of play and there seemed to be no mal-intent. I can’t thank you enough for your guidance; they have accepted the progress report and I’ll be getting feedback two times

a week. The principal is also going to see to Lenny’s* teacher placement for next year with someone more experienced ... because he believes Lenny needs this to keep him stimulated and focused.

Thanks again, Vickie * name Was cHanged to protect tHe identitY of tHe cHild.

modern parents magazine

infantS

& toddler S

toddlers can Become problem Solvers with a little help

all parents and teachers have seen the unique ability of toddlers to use toys and materials in unexpected ways. one child may turn a cup into a hammer or a basket into a hat. another toddler may stand on a riding truck to try to reach a toy or pull over a chair to climb onto a bookshelf. observant adults recognize these innovations as signs that children are learning to use their thinking skills to solve problems. experiences in problem solving help children develop curiosity and patience, along with thinking skills such as flexibility, and understanding of cause and effect. they learn to work toward achieving a goal, and gain confidence in their ability to reach a solution. even very young children make discoveries of their own. an infant who accidentally creates a noise with a rattle may then make the sound again and again on purpose. an older infant discovers that by looking under a blanket, he can find a hidden toy. a toddler who cannot pull a wagon up a hill by herself learns that she and a friend can push it up from behind. By not rushing in and rescuing young children who are facing minor everyday problems, adults can help infants and toddlers develop confidence and increase their thinking abilities. it is also helpful for parents and teachers to provide materials that encourage children to explore. some toys, such as jack-in-the-boxes and busy boxes, provide opportunities to explore simple cause-and-effect relationships. other common materials such as empty cardboard boxes, plastic bowls, or scarves can provide open-ended experiences through which toddlers can make choices and decisions, and find different ways to manipulate the materials. other activities can involve materials such as clear plastic tubing, (such as the tubing used for aquariums) which children can fill with bright materials, and watch the materials move as they shake the tubes. if you provide inclines or ramps of wooden blocks, a toddler can watch what hap-

6 modernparentsmagazine.com

pens as objects roll down inside the tubes. she may discover that some objects roll faster than others. he may learn about actions and reactions when he sets plastic bottles at the bottom of the ramp to create a unique bowling game. (whatever materials you provide to help children experiment with problem solving, remember to be very careful about choking hazards.) these everyday materials are fun, and can hold childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest for long periods. they also help

children experiment with cause and effect and with gravity and physics. in addition to supporting cognitive development, problem-solving activities help in the social arena. Groups of children engaged in these activities negotiate with their friends and learn how to solve interpersonal problems. By providing interesting materials and enthusiastically reinforcing childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attempts to explore and solve problems, parents and teachers can stimulate childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development, promote advanced critical thinking, and help children take pride in their own abilities to find out more about how their world works. national association for the education of Young children

how to raiSe a reader

communication 101: Speak, listen and act toddlers love board books, bathtub books, and pop-up books — any type they can hold easily and manipulate themselves. they love stories accompanied by bright, clear, realistic pictures. and of course, they love rhymes. that’s not to say your 2year-old won’t appreciate the stories her big brother chooses — who knows, Rocks and Minerals may end up being her favorite book. Just make sure she has access to simpler books as well. ham it up lose your inhibitions when you read to your child. Growl like the papa Bear in Goldilocks, studder like piglet in Winnie-the-Pooh. kids love drama as much as adults do — in fact, your youngster may love to pretend to be the scary wolf in The Three Little Pigs. encourage her, even if it slows the story’s progress. she’ll get more out of the story if she’s participating actively. Follow her interests. choose books about her favorite activities — visiting the zoo, swimming, playing ball. Back up your kids’ favorite videos and tV shows with books about the characters. you may not understand the appeal of “teletubbies,” but if your child loves the cheery little creatures, she’ll love the books about their adventures as well. Follow her lead, but do experiment with a wide variety of books before you decide you know exactly what your child will like. your little girl who loves dress-up and dolls may, to your surprise, also be the one who asks to hear Godzilla Likes To Roar or Monster Bugs over and over. Go to the library. even babies like library storytime, and they are wonderful adventures for toddlers. your child may well discover a new favorite when it’s presented by an enthusiastic librarian a her soothing voice and perhaps some pictures or puppets to illustrate action. and, of course, libraries let parents — and kids — try out countless stories without spending a bundle. turn on the tape. Many wonderful books exist on cd. you can feed your child’s eagerness to hear Puss in Boots for the umpteen-th time, even though you need to go start dinner, by turning on

the recording (with or without the accompanying picture book). you could also tape books and stories yourself, or ask a beloved friend or relative to do so. hearing grandma’s voice reading a favorite story is a special treat. which technique you use to communicate with your child does matter. the use of communication has to be developed much sooner than later. to effectively speak to a child means once you have spoken, you then expect the child to listen and retain what he or she has heard. after this has taken place, you should expect some form of action to take place by the child. communicating with a child can be defined as speak, listen and act. the use of these skills can be very beneficial in a child’s growing and development process. in addition, applying this method can make learning fun. teaching kids when to speak and when to listen will result in good behavioral characteristics. For example, in a classroom setting a child raises his hand to receive permission to speak and once permission has been given the child speaks. the teacher listens and then action takes place either by the student or the teacher. teaching a child good communication skills early in life will prove beneficial in the classroom as well as in the school of life. Janice williaMs

nex t iSSue

dealing with wigglers!

modern parents magazine

preSchool

Quality child care and preschool programs the following guidelines, based on the national association for the education of young children (naeyc), early childhood program standards can help you identify high-quality early care and education programs for your young children.

preschool and child care programs should focus on children: watch to see that children interact with other children and adults, so they can build healthy relationships. ask about the curriculum, which should include a variety of activities appropriate for the children’s ages and needs. preschool and child care programs should have qualified staff. the staff should have the educational background to promote your children’s learning and development. ask what degrees and training teachers have. inquire about how long teachers and staff have been with the program. teachers that stay in the program longer are more able to focus their attention on the children and establish bonds with them.

preschool and child care programs should build relationships with families: program staff should work with families to meet their children’s needs. ask how information and concerns are communicated between staff and families. check to ensure that the program’s policies allow families to visit their children during the program day.

preschool and child care programs should be well-run: Make sure the program is licensed by the state. the facilities need to be age-appropriate and well maintained, both indoors and outdoors. check

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whether the program has policies and practices to help keep children safe from preventable illness and injury. ask about the child-to-teacher ratio, which helps determine how much individual attention your child will get. For example, there should be at least one adult for every ten 4-year-olds. evaluating a program based on these standards will help you choose a high-quality program for your children that will allow them to get a great start on learning.

eleMentary School

helping Your child with Math Math is often times a difficult subject for children to master. with assistance from their parents, however, children can learn to appreciate math and achieve desirable grades as well. parents should follow key steps to help with this goal.

1 2 3 4 5

visit your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school. Meet with their teacher as soon as possible. try to determine if your child is actively involved in math. Find out ways to help your child better understand math problems.

Set high standards for your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to reach in math. Make sure your children are mathematically challenged and encourage their interests and pursuit of math. By the end of the 10th grade, children should be knowledgeable in both algebra and geometry.

help your child see that math is very much a part of everyday life. From statistics in sports to the sale price of clothing, math is important to us in our everyday lives. these examples and others can be used to assist your child with making connections to math.

explain to your child that several job professions require math. these include, but are not limited to; scientists, doctors, plant managers, newspaper salespeople, and computer programmers. help your child see that a strong foundation in math leads to many exciting career opportunities.

Stimulate your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest in technology. encourage your child to use calculators, when appropriate, and computers to further their learning.

play games that help your child develop decision-making and mental math skills.

there are many games sold commercially, such as board games, which involve patterns and probability. play games from your own family traditions such as counting games and games that keep score. try schoolyard games such as jump rope, hopscotch, and jacks. Games require your child to use strategies to make decisions, solve problems, and develop an understanding about numbers and how to use them (number sense) and computational skills.

display positive attitudes about math. these attitudes will reinforce encouragement. positive attitudes about math are just as important in encouraging your child to think mathematically. your feelings will have an impact on how your child thinks about math and the ability to view him/herself as a mathematician. U.s. department of education

modern parents magazine

Middle School

helping Your child get better Grades it was the evening before i was to give a test to my students, and i received a frantic phone call from a parent, asking me to let the daughter take the test later since the parent didn’t feel her daughter was ready to take the test. “Mrs. ortiz,” the voice at the other end said, “you have the children reviewing sixteen pages of notes for this test! it’s too much! My daughter isn’t absorbing it all and she has the test tomorrow!” “okay, let’s see what we can do to help her. First of all, is this the ﬁrst time your daughter has looked at the material?” “yes.” “if this is the first time she’s looked at it, i agree with you: it’s a lot. But since it covers three and a half weeks, it’s really less than a page a day. so, let’s see if we can get her to review it in manageable chunks and follow a study plan.” the plan i gave her is the plan i will share with you. First of all, it is said that the difference between an a student and a c student is an hour per week. i haven’t tabulated it, but i do agree that what matters is short, repeated exposure to the material. here’s the plan i gave this bright, pleasant student of mine:

when you take notes, don’t let your mind wander. Focus on what you are writing, and that will be your first exposure to the material.

you can understand it later.

next, review the notes as soon as you get home from school. it takes five minutes or less to read over one notebook page of notes, and if you do this for all your classes, it would take just above half an hour to review everything. a painless half an hour equals no more bloodshot eyes at three in the morning before a test. you will have much better retention, too. this is now the third time you have reviewed the one page of notes.

at the end of each week, on Friday after classes are finished, review all the notes from the week. that’s five pages of notes that have now been reviewed four times.

2. at the end of class, most teachers give the 5. Before the test, give the notes another re-

students five minutes or so before the bell rings so they can get their materials packed and get ready for their next class. since it only takes a minute or less to do this, students have a few minutes to read over what they just wrote. this small use of a few minutes makes a huge difference: it reinforces what was just learned, right after it was learned and before details have a chance to slip through the cracks of memory. that way, if there’s anything missing from the notes or something was written poorly or a question arises, you can catch it right away and ask the teacher or correct the notes so 10 m o d e r n p a r e n t s m a g a z i n e . c o m

view. Because you’ve already reviewed it four times prior, this would give you a pretty good handle on it. at this point it’s just a refresher, not learning something new. the sixteen pages that seemed so overwhelming the first time you look at it is really quite manageable now, and the difference between failing and acing the test is really just a few minutes a day. Author: Jana Ortiz. Ms. Ortiz has an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Philosophy of Education. She is the founder of Kosmar Enterprises. Look for additional tips from Ms. Ortiz in our next issue.

hiGh School

How to communicate effectively with a high School teacher at long last, your child has entered high school. this is an exciting time for both you and your child, and you want to make sure that your child does well in high school. part of your child’s success includes communicating effectively with your child’s high school teachers while at the same time enabling your child to begin the process of becoming an adult. Step one

Meet your child’s teachers as soon as possible. Before school starts, attend the Meet and Greet and introduce yourself to every teacher. provide them with your phone number and email address. Step two

attend open house or curriculum night. your child’s teachers have presentations to show you and you may have opportunities to speak to them regarding your child’s particular needs and individual situation. Step three

Make your child the first point of contact when it comes to personal responsibility. For example, if you discover that your child earned a bad grade, instead of calling or emailing his teacher immediately, question your child about the situation. he may confess to blowing off the assignment and you can provide him with the appropriate consequences. if your child cannot provide a decent explanation for his bad grade, contact the teacher. remember, high school is about nurturing personal responsibility. Step four

sign up for your district’s online grade monitoring system, if applicable. Many larger school systems have this capability. teachers can link their grade books to a secure website and parents can log in and see their child’s grades. remember the above caveat. if you see a zero, ask your child

about it first; do not email the teacher right away. Give your child a chance to defend himself first and make the proper restitution. Step five

limit your emails and phone calls to teachers to once a week or less unless there is a true problem with a child’s performance. high school students should deal with most problems on their own. you do not want to gain the perception of a highmaintenance parent who badgers teachers with constant demands, as this could negatively influence a teacher’s opinion of your child. Step Six

assume that no news is good news. Many schools require that high school teachers contact parents if a student is failing a class or if her grade significantly slips. if you have not heard much from your child’s teacher, do not take it personally. chances are your child is doing just fine. after all, most high school teachers teach 150 or more students each day, so individual reports to every parent are impossible. Source: EHow Education Editor modern parents magazine

colleGe

effective study techniques

uSe a pattern when you read

when you read your textbook, take advantage of the organization. read the table of contents for your assignment first, then read the introduction and conclusion. next, read the core assignment, paying attention to sidebars and items in bold. review any questions at the end of each section. outline, outline, outline

looking at a textbook’s page can be intimidating. the hundreds of letters, words, and punctuation marks can overwhelm you. relax. outline the main ideas. think of it as a map. take a sheet of paper and “sketch” the map by creating an outline of your reading. arrange your outline in tiers, and soon you’ll have your “map” to a better grade. rewrite your noteS

after class, rewrite your notes. Fill in any blanks, and prepare a list of the items you don’t understand. Meet with the instructor before or after class, and see if he or she can help you with these questions. uSe MneMonicS

Mnemonics are a way to memorize complex items. the trick is to take something complicated (like a list of state capitals or the essential elements in chemistry) and create silly sentences, words, or phrases that prompt you for the answers. For example, the first 20 essential elements can be recalled by memorizing this silly sentence: “howard hughes liked Being a Billionaire, but he could not often Fly near nebraska, so he Made an amazing super plane sturdy enough to carry him across kentucky and connecticut.” this mnemonic represents the elements hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium, boron, car-

12 m o d e r n p a r e n t s m a g a z i n e . c o m

ten tipS for takinG teStS 1) read the instructions carefully. 2) read the entire test through before starting. 3) answer the easiest questions first,

then the ones with the highest point value. 4) keep busy. if you get stuck on a question, come back to it later. 5) if you aren’t sure how to answer a question fully, try to answer at least part of it. 6) need to guess on a multiple-choice test? First, elimi-

nate the answers you know are wrong. then take a guess. 7) on an essay test, take a moment to plan your writing. 8) keep it neat. if your teacher can’t read your writing,

you might lose points. 9) don’t waste time doing things for which you will not

receive credit, such as rewriting test questions. 10) leave time at the end to look over your work.

bon, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, neon, sodium (na), magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorous, sulfur, chlorine, argon, potassium (k), and calcium. Study in GroupS

Gather a small group of classmates and commit to studying together. when you study in groups, you can answer each other’s questions, share memorization tips, and challenge each other for answers. uSe flaSh cardS

Flash cards are great for reinforcing information, but only if there are fewer than 100 terms. if you try to use too many, you’ll just be overwhelmed. review and practice

if your teacher offers practice sessions or review periods for big exams, take advantage. if there’s more than one, take advantage. in fact, take advantage of every opportunity you have to go over complicated material. if you repeat the information over and over, it will soon become second nature. source: infoplease homework

Modern parent:

motHer of tWo-time lsU cHampion

mary favorite according to lsusports.net Marlon Favorite is a “key member of an lsu defensive line that should be considered among the best in the nation.” Modern Parents sat down with the mother of this successful student athlete to discuss the keys of success. Modern parentS Magazine (MpM): Please share your philosophy regarding parenting. Mary favorite (Mf): you just have to make sacrifices. that’s key. Be a leader. Get involved in whatever is going on in the school. know what each teacher has assigned for your child and what’s expected for that school year. periodically, you don’t have to go everyday, but keep in touch. Build that type of relationship and you will have a better student. Most important is teaching character. instilling it early in your child. it starts at home and filters out. this means respect yourself, others, and have a good attitude. these things together, in my experience make for a better student. even kids starting out in pre-k or kindergarten should be taught to respect other people’s property, etc. teaching is also an important aspect of parenting. teaching your child, being there, and being aware of all the things that are going on in the school. MpM: Talk about basic daily activities, like homework. Mf: we always had a homework time set aside. we had an area provided for the kids to do homework. homework was major. consistency is key. when they were old enough to do chores, i set up a weekly chart for them on the refrigerator. at the end of that week there was a reward system set up for them. since my husband worked out of town, often i had to be momma and daddy. so i had to be a little tougher. MpM: What were some of your rewards? Mf: allowances. Marlon always liked to collect cards-football cards, basketball cards, etc. if he saved up enough money, he bought a case for them. My daughter liked to buy clothes, purses, outfits. Melkile, Jr. liked electronics-radios, cds, etc. they would get whatever they saved for. as they got older, it was things like movies on the weekend. we have always accommodated them in everything they did. their little friends could come along. My husband would stay at the movies. he loves movies, so he would take them. MpM: You have a very interesting youngest child. Tell us a little about him. Mf: yes-Marlon. well i have three. it’s hard to discuss him without the other two. they are all individuals. Marlon was more fortunate because he saw what the others went through regarding discipline, etc. so he’s always been focused. he was always eager to learn, loved to read and loved football. his high school football team won two state championships. he was selected to play in the army all-american Bowl, was featured on espn and in parade today magazine. he had the opportunity to attend many top 10 schools, but wanted us to attend all of his games. therefore, he selected lsu. they offered him a ﬁve- year scholar-

Modern Parents spotlights Mary Favorite, the proud mother of l su champion-Marlon Favorite, who successfully balances athletic and academic pursuits.

ship. he stayed focused and ﬁnished in four years. he started the summer after high school. he was 17 years old while many kids were 19 or 20 as entering freshmen. so we talked and decided that it would be beneficial for him to red shirt his first year and take time to learn the program. this was difficult because it meant he was the back up. however, he thanked me because he received a 3.2 Gpa. the second year he played and they won the sec championship. the next year they won the national championship, as well. and i must say his character is great. he often talks to young people about the importance of education. they sent for him to do a Black catholic workshop in new york. he spoke about being a “pray-er” before a “player.” that theme went over so well he was invited to lafayette to repeat it. this past May, he graduated from lsu with a degree in communications, and a minor in Music. now he’s playing his fifth year and working on his Master’s degree. MpM: Did you ever take away sports from your children? Mf: yes, my oldest son. he loved football. all of them started in the park when they were six years old. if they didn’t make the grades, they didn’t play. Marlon learned that from his brother’s mistake. even my daughter, she liked to play volleyball. But if the grades weren’t there, we didn’t go to the park. once they got the hang of it, i was a worn out mother. i went from football, to volleyball, to basketball. they knew if they didn’t make the grades they had to study more. that’s basically how i did it. like my sister said i guess you were the villain. i didn’t mind being that. MpM: In your opinion, is there a secret to success? Mf: one lady said to me, “you have three children and they’re all doing well.” My oldest son works for entergy. My daughter is a nurse in dallas. Marlon is in graduate school at lsu. they ask, “how do you do it all?” well, first of all, prayer. you have to keep christ in. also, i had older people to help me. i was always open to what people could tell me to help. we call our kids Village children, because my community and my church community all helped rear them. they say me and my husband should take credit. we know without him they wouldn’t be where they are today. attitude. teaching them attitude is everything. appearance. i used to tell them their first impression is the lasting impression. always watch how you present yourself. humbleness. humble yourself in whatever you do. modern parents magazine

Modern educator

paul vallas we begin our two-part interview with paul G. Vallas, during his second year as superintendent of the state-run recovery school district in new orleans, la. in this installment, he speaks with us about his vision for the uniquely structured district.

Today we are meeting with Mr. Paul Vallas, Superintendent of the Recovery School District in New Orleans, L A. Please share your vision for the Recovery School District. Modern parentS Magazine (MpM):

Superintendent vallaS: our approach is to design a district, to create a district … we had to build a brand new school district. we’re not here to restore the old district or to revitalize the old district. that district is gone. the hurricane has given us the opportunity to, in fact, build a district from the ground up. the hurricane has really brought people together. there is a sense of urgency and emergency. when in life does someone wipe the slate clean and give you the opportunity to start from scratch? so, when you ask about my vision, it is to build a great school system, so that we can revitalize a great american city, so that we can develop a model for the nation, because, everybody is watching new orleans. we have an opportunity to build a district with no restraints. we have certain financial limitations, but there are no institutional limitations.

Tell us a little about how the district looked when you arrived. MpM:

when we arrived, we actually needed 22 new sites for additional schools that we had to open to address the needs of the returning population. when i arrived there were nearly 500 teacher vacancies. when i arrived there was no infrastructure. there was no student information system. there was no special education system. none of the special education chil-

vallaS:

14 m o d e r n p a r e n t s m a g a z i n e . c o m

Superintendent

louisiana department of education recovery school district dren had iep’s (Individualized Education Plan), which is a federal mandate. when i arrived 90% of our principals were new. they were rookies or second year principals. eleven of the schools we opened had to become modular schools. when i arrived 90% of the buildings were either closed, or if they were open, were in poor and unsatisfactory condition. that’s what i inherited. Many of our readers are in Illinois and other parts of the country, so explain to them what modular means. MpM:

well, modulars are like trailer classes. and, believe me when i say, they are not like chicago’s old willis wagons. if you are from chicago, you know about the willis wagons. incidentally, which i closed and tore down. the modulars are trailer classrooms, but they are large and spacious. they are air conditioned; they’re terrific. But they are not permanent. vallaS:

This interview will continue in our next issue …

Stay tuned!

pleaSe cut on the dotted line

parent toolkit

s u G G e s t i o n s For w o r k i n G with M y c h i l d at h o M e _________________________________________________ teacher : ______________________________________________________ date : _________________________________________________________ dear MS./Mr. : __________________________________________________ child’S naMe :

pleaSe liSt My child’S StrenGthS in the Subject(S) you teach.

pleaSe liSt My child’S weakneSSeS in the Subject(S) you teach.

what are your SuGGeStionS for addreSSinG My child’S weakneSSeS in the Subject(S) you teach?

what are your SuGGeStionS for MaintaininG My child’S StrenGthS in the Subject(S) you teach?

what can i do to aSSiSt My child at hoMe?

Thank you for helping me to assist my child academically. ______________________________________________ parent/Guardian SiGnature

www.modernparentsmagazine.com

preGnancy

Your pregnancy timeline preparinG your baby’S rooM

nesting is one of the most common experiences of pregnancy. almost all mums-to-be experience a strong desire to get their home ready to bring baby home to. a rooM of one’S own

it is likely you are going to want to have your baby sleeping in your room for the first few weeks or months following birth. But sooner or later, you’ll want to get the baby settled into his/her own room. it is probable that this is going to be baby’s room for a few years, so bear that in mind when you decorate. choose a style that will be suitable for up to pre-school age. research has suggested babies prefer bright, bold, primary colors and distinct patterns that they can focus their developing eyesight on. a few large pictures of animals or cartoon characters will liven up the nursery, giving baby something to look at. it’s also worth buying a musical mobile to put about the cot to keep your baby entertained when they’re put to bed.

implicated as factor in sudden infant death syndrome (sids).

huSh-a-bye baby

tableS and chairS

initially your baby can sleep in a Moses basket or crib, but soon enough they’ll need a proper cot. ideally, get a drop-down cot with a safety catch. if it isn’t new, check the woodwork is splinter free and smooth and that the paint or varnish is non-toxic. the bars should be no more than 5.5cm apart. this is very important; any bigger and the baby could jam his/her head through them. Buy a new waterproof mattress with air-holes and make sure it fits perfectly into the cot with no gaps around the edge. you’ll need two or three fitted sheets to dress the bed with, plus a number of light, cellular blankets to prevent the over-heating that could be caused by a heavy quilt. this is worth the extra money as over-heating has been

a sturdy, waist-high, flat topped piece of furniture to use as a changing table is extremely useful for the day-to-day care of your baby. it helps if you can have nearby shelves or drawers in which to keep all your baby changing products. you will also need drawers and a cupboard for baby’s clothes along with shelves and/or a big toy box for books and toys.

16 m o d e r n p a r e n t s m a g a z i n e . c o m

niGht, niGht

invest in a dimmer switch for the main light or a small lamp for checking on baby and night feeds. you are going to need a comfortable chair to sit in while you’re doing the night feeds, but make sure it’s not too difficult to get up from.

state

department

of education

websites

what doeS your State have to offer? state department of education websites can be a valueable source of information for parents. however, some are more parent friendly than others. these sites generally contain indepth information regarding curriculum and what students are expected to learn at particular times of the year. take the time to become familiar with the department of education website for your state. you are sure to discover many hidden gems. we have featured a few here for your review. if your state is not listed and you need assistance finding the your stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, email us: pps@modernparentsmagazine.com. let us know which sites are most parent friendly and provide the most resources. we may feature your comments in a future issue.

Does site contain parent resources? Does site include parental involvement resources? Does site feature curriculum utilized?

louisiana State website

http://www.doe.state.la.us

NY GA

new york State website

http://www.nysed.gov Georgia State website

http://public.doe.k12.ga.us illinois State website

http://www.isbe.state.il.us http://www.psparents.net

texas State website

http://www.tea.state.tx.us

california State website

http://www.cde.ca.gov

modern parents magazine

en eSpañol

consejos para el regreso a clases cÓMo hacer MÁS fÁcil el priMer dÍa •

•

recuerde a su hijo que no es el único estudiante que está un poco inquieto respecto al primer día de clases. los maestros saben que los estudiantes están ansiosos, y harán un esfuerzo adicional para asegurarse de que todos se sientan tan cómodos como sea posible. haga notar los aspectos positivos de empezar a ir a clases: será divertido. Verá a viejos amigos y conocerá otros nuevos. recuérdele acerca de los años previos, cuando quizá haya regresado animada a casa después del primer día porque pasó un momento agradable. Busque a otro niño en el vecindario con quien su hijo pueda acompañarse mientras va a la escuela a pie o en el autobús. si considera que es apropiado, lleve a su hija en automóvil (o acompáñela a pie) a la escuela, y pase por ella el primer día.

•

coMida durante el dÍa eScolar •

SeGuridad reSpecto a la Mochila • •

•

elija una mochila con correas anchas y acojinadas, y con la parte posterior acojinada. sólo coloque los objetos necesarios en la mochila. organice la mochila de modo que use todos sus compartimientos. ponga los artículos más pesados en el centro de la mochila. la mochila nunca debe pesar más de 10 a 20% del peso corporal del estudiante. haga que su hijo siempre use ambas correas. colgar una mochila sobre un hombro puede causar lesiones de músculos, y aumentar la curvatura de la columna vertebral. considere adquirir una mochila con ruedas. este tipo de mochila puede ser una buena elección para estudiantes que deben acarrear una carga pesada. recuerde que las mochilas

18 m o d e r n p a r e n t s m a g a z i n e . c o m

con ruedas aún deben cargarse en escaleras, y puede ser difícil que rueden en la nieve. os conductores.

•

los empleados de casi todas las cafeterías escolares envían con regularidad programas de menú al hogar. con esta información por adelantado, usted puede planear poner un almuerzo en la mochila de su hijo los días en que el plato principal sea uno que su hijo prefiere no comer. trate de hacer que en la escuela de su hijo se hagan elecciones saludables, como fruta fresca, productos lácteos con bajo contenido de grasa, agua y jugo de fruta al 100%, para surtir las máquinas expendedoras. cada refresco de 345 mililitros (12 onzas) contiene aproximadamente 10 cucharaditas de azúcar (150 calorías). Beber tan solo una lata de refresco al día aumenta 60% el riesgo de obesidad de un niño. restrinja el consumo de refrescos por parte de su hijo. © 2007 - american academy of pediatrics

source: infoplease homework

educatorS

discipline: one size does not fit all

(part II)

the Solution is in the process In our previous issue, Dr. Johnson discussed challenges to effective disciplinary methods. Here she discusses the solution process.

the process of youth and children becoming disconnected consists of at least four stages. these stages are investigating, drifting, recoiling and revolting. while all students may appear disconnected at times – someone who does not make the cheerleading team or breaks up with a girlfriendonly a portion will continue to escalate the stages of disconnection. investigating is the first stage of disconnection. it is also the stage where the first deviations occur. symptoms: in this stage, children break or bend rules as a last resort to accomplish a task awarded to them by the institution. they may cheat for a grade, “borrow” something prohibited from a family member, or forge their parent’s name on a permission slip that they forgot to have signed by a parent. they are doubtful of their ability to succeed in sanctioned ways. typical discipline: youth are typically disciplined with avoidance by authority. this stage is oftentimes ignored because it is the least serious, and so many youth and children may fall into this category temporarily. effective discipline: effective discipline for these children and youth should be to teach them ways to overcome weaknesses and consistently celebrate their strengths, based on their individual experiences. although the goal may continue to appear to be far removed, applaud them consistently for participating in a process based on principles rather than deception. this training, if implemented consistently and diligently by parents and school officials will lead to training of effective moral and mental behavior, while deterring further alienation. drifting is a higher stage of disconnection. youth and children in this stage have become disenchanted with their ability to succeed according to the expec-

tations established by the institution. they no longer believe that they can achieve success. symptoms: children who identify with this stage simply “go through the motions,” given that this appears to be the path of least resistance. they sit through tests, but do not finish them, they show up for family dinner, but do not contribute to the conversation. typical consequence: this behavior is deemed by adult authority as either laziness or learning deficiency. the typical consequence is children and youth are regarded as helpless and left alone due to their behavior is not distracting. effective discipline: the disciplinary method that should be implemented is that the children and youth should be offered increased individualized training rather than ignored. provided that all children can learn given the appropriate time and resources, these children should be offered more of both. parents should assist their young with exploring their individual experiences and edify them. demonstrate links from their experiences and show them how the two are incongruent. Finally, assist them with ways that their uniqueness can be an interesting tool for development. this concept is perfectly aligned with disciplining alienated youth. the process allows concerned adults to provide youth and children with appropriate discipline as opposed to inefficient and outdated disciplinary measures. dr. Johnson will continue this discussion in our next issue.

Dr. Melanie Johnson has been researching discipline in schools for a decade. She is an administrator at Galveston College (Galveston, TX) where her primary focus is student connectedness and engagement. Another important research topic to Dr. Johnson is experience-driven pedagogy. Dr. Johnson is a wife of 15 years, and the mother of two sons.

modern parents magazine

Fa s h i o n desiGner

donna kar an ope ns up

“everything i do is a matter of mind, body and spirit,” says donna karan, founder and chief designer of the international company that bears her name. “For me, designing is an expression of who i am as a woman with all the complications, feelings and emotions ... the fact that i am a woman, makes me want to nurture others, fulfill needs and solve problems. at the same time, the artist within me strives for beauty, both sensually and

visually. so design is a constant challenge to balance comfort with luxury, the practical with the desirable.” donna karan credits her feminine instincts for the success of the company she founded in 1984 with her late husband stephan weiss. a modern system of dressing, karan’s concept is based on seven easy pieces, where a handful of interchangeable items work together to create an entire wardrobe that goes from day to evening, weekday to weekend, season to season. For karan, it’s never

20 m o d e r n p a r e n t s m a g a z i n e . c o m

been just about clothes; it’s about lifestyles. karan’s quest for the perfect jeans as well as her desire to dress her daughter Gabby, resulted in the 1989 birth of dkny. it grew so popular and diverse that other brands and labels spun from it, including dkny Jeans, dkny active, dkny underwear, dkny Jeans Juniors, and dkny kids. like collection, dkny has an accessories and shoe collection to underscore its new york city, street-smart look. determined to seduce all the senses, karan took on the world of beauty in 1992. the beauty division went on to introduce best-selling fragrances. completing the lifestyle approach to design, in 2001 karan introduced a donna karan home collection. throughout her long career, karan’s peers have acknowledged her achievements with numerous accolades. the council of Fashion designers of america has saluted her six times. in 2003, karan was the first american designer to receive Fashion Group international’s “superstar award.” a year later, karan’s alma Mater parson’s gave her an honorary doctorate to commemorate her contribution to the school and fashion industry, and, in 2007, Glamour Magazine named karan one of their women of the year. in 2008, she was named “woman of the 21st century” by the women’s Guild of cedar-sinai Medical center. using her company’s visibility and resources for social causes is a heartfelt priority. a member of cFda’s Board of directors, karan conceived and spearheaded its seventh on sale benefits to raise funds for aids awareness and education. karan co-chairs the annual new york “kids For kids” events for the elizabeth Glaser pediatric aids Foundation, as she has since its 1993 inception. she also underwrites “super saturday”: an annual

Passion for charity, education and parenting designer flea market/barbeque founded with the late liz tilberis philanthropic involvements. in 1999, karan and weiss established the karan weiss Foundation. in 2006, donna founded the urban Zen initiative to play an active role that raises awareness and inspires change by promoting well-being, preservation of culture and empowering children through forums and special events. through its partnerships with foundations, corporate sponsors and private donors, it serves as a catalyst for collaboration which co-develops pilot projects for its three programs. the urban Zen initiative will endeavor to raise funds for existing charitable organizations. it envisions a world where people embrace the vital connection between mind, body, and spirit in order to live healthier lives. establishment of the urban Zen brand which exists to create sustainable revenue streams that support the urban Zen initiative through a percentage of sales of clothing, educational and media materials, and lifestyle products. donna is committed to use her heart, her creativity and her resources to make a difference to these global causes that mean the world to her. the urban Zen Foundation creates, connects and collaborates to raise awareness and inspire change in the areas of wellbeing, preserving cultures and empowering children. it design forums, partners with existing organizations and brings together experts to define solutions and implement action. eMpowerinG children the mission is to care for childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-being and give them the tools to face obstacles and opportunities

with love, compassion & strength. it collaborates with existing childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organizations and creates programs to enhance spiritual, physical and emotional growth. spirituality For kids teaches children the tools for life. new yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lower east side to the Middle east. Malawi to Miami. los angeles and london. the goal is simpleone world. every child. end the cycle of conflict for children at risk. Begin by teaching the tools that will help them realize their full potential and change the course for them and future generations. the potential spirituality for kids believes that the future begins today. By showing one child he or she has a voice and a choice, the promise of the world beyond what they know is revealed and the potential of what is possible becomes crystal clear. the curriculuM at spirituality for kids we teach solutions. our curriculum teaches children to make life choices. through partner schools and facilities, children ages 8 to 12 learn the principles and life skills today to create transformation in their lives for the future. through hands-on active learning, we provide the knowledge and experience to understand the empowerment of choice by using their individual voice. this program is about reawakening the inherent human spirit through lessons in cause and effect and activities based on universal human truths. By working together with educators, families and children throughout the world, we remove the chaos created by events encountered in real life.

modern parents magazine

Myspace

The Most Important

Safety Setting

so many parents worry about how safe their kids are on Myspace and other social networking internet sites. the media reports frequently on predators who stalk kids on Myspace and on the internet in general. so, what is a parent to do? what is the most important safety setting? along with parental involvement (keeping in touch with what your kids are doing online), the most important safety setting on Myspace.com is the prIvacy settIng . this one setting enables you to keep strangers from viewing your child’s information. only Myspace friends will be able to see the profile (the place where kids post information.) to make your child’s profile private (not public): • login to your child’s account. • click account settings. • click change settings (next to Privacy Settings.) • under who can View My profile, select

My Friends only. • click the change settings Button.

22 m o d e r n p a r e n t s m a g a z i n e . c o m

setting a profile to private is one of the easiest ways to prevent a predator from reaching your child on Myspace and sites like it. to make this method effective, parents should routinely look at their children’s Myspace Friend list to make sure that all those listed as Friends are real life, safe friends. then, when your child adds information (pictures, social event updates, conversations, etc.) only real life, safe friends will read that information. social networking is here to stay and 95% of children between the ages of 9-15 are actively on social sites. parents can help keep kids safe by staying involved and keeping information private and out of the hands of those who aren’t real friends. Michelle cullison Michelle Cullison, the creator of Lost in MySpace Seminars, equips parents to guide their kids on sites like MySpace so that kids will learn how to use social networking sites safely, responsibly and with integrity. You can learn more about the seminar and other internet education opportunities by visiting www.LostinMySpace.net or by contacting Michelle at info@lostinmyspace.net.

here is your chance to help design Modern parentS Magazine.

your

voice counts

let us know what topics are of interest to you. This is your chance to help us help you. Issues big or small, we can help with them all! 1 What parenting issues concern you the most? 2 What would you like to see more of in modern parents magazine? 3 Would you prefer to read modern parents magazine online or in print? 4 What age range most concerns you? 5 What would you like to see online? 6 What part of the magazine do you read first and why? 7 What do you enjoy about reading in the magazine and why? 8 What was your favorite issue discussed in the magazine? Was it well presented? 9 Have you implemented techniques youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve read about in the magazine? 10 as a parent, what do you struggle with most?

email us at:

pps@modernparentsmagazine.com modern parents magazine

learning

styles

this is the last installment of our three-part series on discovering how your child learns.

Do You Know How

Your Child Learns?

we began our three-part series on learning styles with the visual learner. we unveiled several characteristics of this learning style. in our previous issue, we discussed the characteristics of the kinesthetic learner. we revealed the fact that the visual learner is greatly dependent upon the sense of sight, while the kinesthetic learner prefers movement in order to learn best. our current installment in this series focuses on the auditory learner. the auditory learner

if your child learns best by hearing, he may be very sensitive to your voice tone and inflections. if your voice is too firm or you raise the pitch, he may sense you are angry or frustrated with him. when you acknowledge his successes, he will know how sincere you are. if you correct or tell him what to do repeatedly, he may think you are nagging and “turn you off.” think of this student as having a tape recorder in his head. he will hear what is said over and over, even after a lesson is over. even something that you may have thought he did not understand, may “replay” for him, and he’ll “get it”. this child does not have to look at you to under-

24 m o d e r n p a r e n t s m a g a z i n e . c o m

stand what you are saying. he may even hear you mutter or speak in the adjoining room! if you are visual, it may bother you that he may not look at you when you are speaking. you need that; he doesn’t. this may drive you nuts. it’s ok to explain to him that you know he learns best by hearing. tell him you know he does not have to look at you to understand. share with him that you are visual, and you do need him to look at you so you can understand. you might tell him that more people are visual learners than auditory learners, so it’s a good social skill for him to learn to look at people when they speak to him. lessons on tape recorders or other equipment that requires wearing headphones will be especially good for him. noises can distract him from concentrating. Most importantly, help your child develop ownership regarding his particular learning style. Make your child’s learning style a sense of pride. also, inform your child that learning styles may change over time and to watch for those potential changes. thus, it is important to inform your child of each learning style. Happy Learning!

CONNECTING HOME & SCHOOL

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learninG StyleS: do You Know How Your child learns? our learning styles have more influence than we may realize. our preferred learning styles greatly influence the way we learn. they affect the way we process information, even many of our lifestyle choices. Join us and learn more about learning styles. Help your child by discovering his or her learning style. hoMe-School relationS: the relationship between parent and teacher is one of the most important relationships affecting the life of your child. develop a positive partnership with your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teacher. Join us and learn innovative guidelines for developing a successful home-school relationship. innovative parentinG StrateGieS: Have you ever wondered how to reach the planet your child inhabits? We reveal some innovative ways to break the force field between parent and child. learn how to get some of your ideas through effectively.

CONNECTING HOME & SCHOOL

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the act: How soon is too soon?

requirements: advanced notice of 21 business days. audience registration is required.

is your child ready for college entrance exams? When should they begin testing? What can you do to help prepare your child? What courses are appropriate prerequisites? Join us and learn more about college entrance exams.

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parent tool kit We have developed various tools that parents can use to keep abreast of their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance in school, help in developing responsible kids, etc. Join us and develop an arsenal of tools to help with parenting strategies and techniques. bullyinG Bullying has evolved into a high tech activity. Join us and learn to recognize the signs of bullying, suggestions for coping with bullying and ways to prevent bullying.

CONNECTING HOME & SCHOOL

for additional inforMation contact us at 504.339.5310/1.866.994.4242 or email clewis@modernparentsmagazine.com. modernparentsmagazine.com modern parents magazine

t he w r i t e

st u F F wo uld you lik e to hel p you r chi ld iMp rov e wr iti nG Ski llS ?

he re ar e a few po int er S.

while helping your children improve their writing skills, always remember that the goal is to make writing easier and more enjoyable. here are ways to achieve this goal: provide a place. it is important for chil-

dren to have a good place to write — a desk or table with a smooth, flat surface and good lighting.

deadline, taking responsibility for the finished product, and feeling ownership of it are important parts of writing well.

have the appropriate MaterialS.

praiSe. take a positive approach and say some-

provide plenty of paper — lined and unlined — and writing instruments to write with, including pencils, pens, and crayons.

thing good about your children’s writing. is it accurate? descriptive? thoughtful? interesting? does it say something?

allow enouGh tiMe. Give your children enough time to think about a writing project or exercise. Good writers do a great deal of thinking. your children may dawdle, sharpen pencils, get papers ready, or look up the spelling of a word. Be patient — your children may be thinking.

thinGS to do to Make it real.

alwayS reSpond. do respond to the ideas

your children express verbally or in writing. Make it clear that you are interested in the true function of writing, which is to convey ideas. you should focus on “what” the child has written, not “how” it was written. it is usually wise to ignore minor errors; particularly at the stage when your children are just getting ideas together. do not give in to the urge to complete the writing assignment for your children! do not write a paper that will be submitted as their work. never rewrite your children’s work. Meeting a writing

26 m o d e r n p a r e n t s m a g a z i n e . c o m

your children need to do real writing. it is more important for children to write a letter to a relative than it is to write a one-line note on a greeting card. encourage your children to write to relatives and friends. perhaps your children would enjoy corresponding with a pen pal. SuGGeSt note-takinG.

encourage your children to take notes on trips or outings and to describe what they saw. this could include a description of nature walks, boat rides, car trips, or other events that lend themselves to note-taking. Brainstorm. talk with your

children as much as possible about their impressions and encourage them to describe people and events to you. if their descriptions are especially accurate and colorful, say so.

write toGether. have your children help

you with letters, even such routine ones as ordering items from an advertisement or writing to a business firm. this helps children to see firsthand that writing is important to adults and truly useful.

encouraGe children to keep a journal. this is an excellent writing practice

uSe GaMeS. there are numerous games and

as well as a good outlet for venting feelings. encourage your children to write about things that happen at home and school, about people they like or dislike and why, things to remember or things the children want to do. especially encourage your children to write about personal feelings â&#x20AC;&#x201D; pleasures as well as disappointments. if they want to share the journal with you, read the entries and discuss them â&#x20AC;&#x201D; especially their ideas and perceptions.

puzzles that help children increase vocabulary and make children more fluent in their speaking and writing. remember, building a vocabulary builds confidence. try crossword puzzles, word games, anagrams and cryptograms designed especially for children. Flash cards are good, too, and are easy to make at home.

Have the appropriate materials!

SuGGeSt MakinG liStS. Most children

like making lists just as they like counting. encourage this. Making lists is good practice and helps children become more organized. Boys and girls might make lists of their music cds, Mp3s, baseball cards, dolls, furniture in a room, etc. they could include any items they want. it is also good practice to make lists of things to do, such as schoolwork, tests, attending social events, etc. encouraGe copyinG. if a child likes a

particular song, suggest learning the words by writing them down, replaying the song, or jotting down the words whenever the song is played on a radio program. also encourage children to copy favorite poems or quotations from books and plays. source oeri

modern parents magazine

School

choice

if your children attends a school that has not met adequate yearly progress (ayp) for the third year, you may want to transfer your children to another school. you may start by looking at the options offered by your school district. if your state says your children’s public school is in need of improvement, the school district must give you the choice of having your children stay in that school or sending them to another public school. also, if your state says your neighborhood school is “persistently dangerous,” or if your children have been the victim of a violent crime at school, you can transfer your children to another school in the district. in addition, many school districts offer parents a range of choices based on academic need or interest — to attend a magnet school or charter school, for example, or to go to a school with an honors or advanced placement emphasis. and some places offer scholarships for students to attend private schools. In choosing a public school for your children, ask the school district office what the public school choice policies and procedures are and how to enroll your children. Here are a few steps to help you find the right fit for your children’s needs:

* * * *

consider your children and your family. think about what you want a school to do for your children. your children may have special talents, interests or education needs.

consider your children’s learning style: do they learn best by listening or by reading? do they like to work in groups or work alone?

you may want to look at the location of the school: is it better to be close to your house or close to your work? do you want the school to be close to an after-school or tutoring program?

gather information about different schools. you may want to talk to friends or neighbors to find out about the schools their children attend. U.s. department of education

This article will be continued in the next issue …

Stay tuned! 28 m o d e r n p a r e n t s m a g a z i n e . c o m

CONNECTING HOME & SCHOOL

word

modernparentsmagazine.com

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w v

w w w e

w i C Ok dE &i S Cn GL b N N ErC T Ie NG a HOM HOO

w v

w l

w b

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modernparentsmagazine.com

CONNECTING HOME & SCHOOL

auditory letter sounds childcare mathematics college phonics communication preschool elementary reading modernparentsmagazine.com kinesthetic sequence language arts study learning style visual

can you ďŹ nd these words? modern parents magazine

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