Parent Source - Back to School 2014

Parent Source Back to School 2014 | Parent Source | 1

Serving DeKalb County

Digital learning Is your child ready for kindergarten The right amount of homework

Fall Resource Guide for Parents

2 | Parent Source | Back to School 2014

Back to School 2014 | Parent Source | 3

Table of Contents 4

Determining the right amount of homework

5

How to help kids transition back to the class room

6

How to help students who need speech therapy

7

The advantages to joining a parent-teacher organization

8

Is your child ready for kindergarten

10 Digital learning continues to transform learning experiences

Parent Source is distributed in the Daily Chronicle

Project Manager: Lisa Angel Design & Layout: Allison LaPorta We reserve the right to include and edit all editorial content of this publication.

4 | Parent Source | Back to School 2014

Determining

the right amount of

homework Students spend roughly six hours in the classroom each day while their parents could put in eight hours at the office. When a family returns home in the evening, homework is probably the last thing they want to worry about. Still, homework is part of many families’ daily routine, and chances are it is not going anywhere soon -- no matter how much kids complain.

There’s no denying homework can be a chore, but how much homework is assigned could make a difference in a student’s overall academic performance. Parents, students and educators have long debated the homework issue, and that debate has included discussions on determining the right amount of homework and if homework has any actual benefits on student performance.

Is homework beneficial?

There are various points of view regarding the benefits of homework.

The prevalent philosophy in education for decades has been that students learn better when lessons are reinforced through homework.

Yet new findings indicate that homework may benefit certain age groups and grade levels more than others.

According to Harris Cooper, Ph.D., a psychology professor at the University of Missouri, the benefits of doing homework seem to depend on the student’s grade level. After reviewing more than 100 studies on the effectiveness of homework, Cooper found high school students who do homework outperform those who do not on standardized tests, and those who do homework earn better grades.

Homework is only half as effective for middle school students, while at the elementary school level, homework has no apparent measurable effect on achievement.

Still, some educators are reluctant to stop assigning homework. Some teachers assign homework, but only after fine tuning assignments

Back to School 2014 | Parent Source | 5 to be as effective as possible, while others feel homework diminishes interest in learning, especially time-consuming or especially difficult assignments.

Ultimately, homework is a way for teachers to measure how well their students grasp lessons and concepts. Parents of struggling students can always ask for additional work to help kids better understand their coursework.

How to help kids transition back to the classroom

What is the right amount of homework?

Homework assignments are on the rise, and that increase may be fueled by certain factors.

Intense pressure on educators to meet national testing standards likely influences the number of worksheets and assignments teachers send home each night. If students do not get work finished in the classroom, they usually must complete it at home. In addition, the idea that excessive homework is synonymous with a rigorous education is common among some parents, who may feel that extra schoolwork will get their children into top colleges and universities.

According to Bruce Ravage, the executive director of Park City Prep in Bridgeport, Conn., homework is only given in his school to reinforce and review what students learned in the classroom. He says the charter school has been emphasizing the quality of homework assignments over the quantity.

The National Education Association suggests 10 minutes of homework per night for first-graders is sufficient. This amount of homework should increase by 10 minutes per grade level, so second graders would be assigned 20 minutes per night, third graders 30 minutes, and so on. However, the NEA said there should be a cap on homework so that it does not exceed two hours per night.

Parental assistance Parents should be available to provide guidance and help with homework when necessary.

But parents also should be careful not to do the homework for their children, which only undermines the purpose of the assignments.

If homework appears burdensome or a consistent source of struggle for students, parents should speak with their children’s teachers to discuss both the amount and type of homework given.

The homework debate figures to continue with each new crop of students entering school.

Educators and family can continue to work together to help students make the most of their educations.

The dawn of a new school year is an exciting time. Kids may not want to say goodbye to days spent lounging by the pool, but such disappointment is often tempered by the prospect of returning to school with friends.

For parents, getting kids ready for a new school year is about more than updating their wardrobe or organizing carpools with fellow parents. Reacclimating kids to the routine of school after a relaxing summer is a significant undertaking, and the following are a handful of ways for parents to get a head start as the school year draws closer.

Establish a routine over the last few weeks of summer. Summer vacations typically lack the structure of the school year, and that lack of structure can help kids unwind and make the most of the freedom that summer vacation provides.

But as summer starts to wind down, parents can begin to reintroduce some structure into their kids’ lives to make the transition back to school go more smoothly. Plan morning activities so kids can readjust to waking up early each day. In addition, serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same time you typically serve it during the school year so kids’ bodies can begin to readjust as well.

Take kids along when shopping for school supplies. If you plan to buy your child a new computer or other supplies for the upcoming school year, take him or her along on your shopping trips. Kids who get to choose their supplies might be more excited about returning to school than those youngsters who are given what they need without offering their input.

Monitor or assign summer reading. Many students are given summer

reading lists to keep their minds sharp over the summer and prepare them for upcoming coursework. Parents should monitor kids’ progress on such reading lists and even discuss the books with their kids when possible. Read the books along with them if you think it will help engage them. If kids were not assigned summer reading lists at the end of the school year, assign your own books, rewarding kids when they finish a new book. Kids who read throughout the summer may be more likely to start the school year off on the right foot than those who don’t crack a book all summer.

Encourage kids to sign up for extracurricular activities. Many

school-aged athletes get a head start on the new school year by trying out for sports teams. Such tryouts often commence a week or two before a school year is scheduled to begin, and this can help kids ease their way back into the school year.

But even nonathletes can begin pursuing extracurricular activities before the first school bell of the year rings. Theater programs may begin auditions or encourage interested youngsters to attend orientation meetings before the dawn of the school year, and such sessions can be a great and pressure-free way for kids to ready themselves for a new school year.

The arrival of a new school year can be both exciting and daunting. But parents can help their youngsters readjust to school in various ways after a relaxing summer.

6 | Parent Source | Back to School 2014

How to help students who need speech therapy

Parents who are active in their children’s education often find that such an approach is a great way to recognize any potential problems before they have too significant an impact on a student’s educational experience. For example, interaction with educators may shed light on a student’s developmental readiness.

Parents often first learn of their children’s strengths and shortcomings when children are exposed to classroom settings and compared to their fellow students. It is here where teachers may first recognize obstacles that could hinder students as they pursue their education.

Parents of preschool and kindergarteners may be made aware of speech issues that may require therapy to address. The good news is that children often make tremendous strides once they are enrolled in speech therapy. Although determining if a child needs speech therapy can sometimes be confusing and take some effort and testing, parents who receive such a diagnosis about their youngster will need to focus on some skills that can alleviate speech concerns.

Articulation

Many children require speech therapy because of a speech delay or an issue with articulating.

This relates to the clarity of speech sounds and overall speech. A child’s speech begins with initial sounds as they mimic the adults around them, which will then form words and phrases.

It’s common for young children who have difficulty with certain speech sounds to substitute easier sounds for certain letters or sound blends. But if inconsistent speech articulation or improper sound usage extends beyond a certain age, this may require treatment.

Fluency and resonance

Some children receive speech therapy due to disorders like stuttering or prolonging sounds and syllables. When the flow of speech is interrupted by abnormal stoppages or repetition, this can be distracting to both the child and those around him or her.

Some children have problems with the pitch, volume or quality of their voice. These problems can distract listeners from what’s being said and make it difficult to communicate.

Apraxia

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, childhood apraxia of speech, or CAS, is a motor speech disorder. Children with CAS have problems saying sounds, syllables and words. The brain has difficulty moving the mouth for speech. The child knows what he or she wants to say, but the brain does not send the correct message to move the muscles accordingly. Children with CAS are typically assessed earlier than school age.

Seeking therapy

Parents who suspect their child has a speech-language concern should first consult with a pediatrician and talk to their child’s teacher. If the speech problem is not causing any learning difficulty or making it hard for teachers and fellow students to understand the child, intervention may not be necessary. However, if the child is embarrassed or getting frustrated with those who do not understand him or her, it may be in the student’s best interest to be assessed.

Speech-language pathologists are trained in speech therapy and are most qualified to make assessments of a child’s speech abilities. This person will provide a thorough articulation assessment and conduct a medical history inquiry to determine if there is a need for treatment.

A good speech pathologist will conduct an evaluation in a way that is comfortable for the child. Toys and games may be part of the assessment. Sometimes parents are allowed to remain in the room. Physical skills, vocabulary and grammar also will be checked.

Once the source of the problem has been identified, a therapist can develop a treatment plan to fix some of the problems. Homework exercises can help parents continue lessons between therapy sessions.

Many parents opt to work with a speech-language pathologist one-on-one. These services may be covered through a health insurance plan. School districts may offer low- or no-cost speech therapy for students who need speech assistance. These may be conducted in solo sessions or as part of a group. Parents should inquire about speech testing at their child’s school and if any services are offered. BS147306

Back to School 2014 | Parent Source | 7

The advantages to joining a parent-teacher organization Parental involvement plays a key role in a child’s academic and social development. Mothers and fathers who take an active interest in their children’s education and extracurricular activities may notice their children are more willing to put their best efforts forward.

Research from scholars at the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory found that students with involved parents, no matter their income or background, are at an advantage over their counterparts whose parents are not actively involved in their educations. They tend to earn higher grades and test scores, enroll in higher-level programs, attend school regularly, have better social skills and adapt better to school, and are more likely to graduate and go on to post-secondary education.

There are many ways for parents to get involved at their kids’ schools. In addition to distributing routine progress reports and hosting open-school nights, many schools have some form of parent-teacher group.

It may be an informal group of parental volunteers or a more structured parent-teacher association. PTAs exist all over the world and represent the voices of millions of parents and teachers. Moms and dads looking to contribute to the school often find joining the PTA is a great way to get involved, and membership has a number of benefits.

Be the first to know. Involvement with a parent organization at school enables you to get accurate, firsthand information about upcoming events and plans for the school. Very often news is shared first with PTA members and parents who attend regular meetings.

Serve as role models. Active involvement with your child’s school demonstrates to your child and others that you place an emphasis on the importance of education.

Impart change. The PTA can be a way to voice opinions, enact new programs and offer feedback about particular programs or lesson plans.

Meet new people. A new school year is not just a time for students to make new friends.

Parents often find their closest friends are parents with similar interests and ideals. Joining the PTA can put you in touch with others who enjoy volunteering and getting involved with the school.

Get to know the educators. In addition to meeting other parents and creating a school-based network, getting involved with the PTA is great opportunity to develop a rapport with teachers, aides and even the principal. Being a familiar face inside of school walls can be advantageous to you and your child.

Earn discounts and offers. Schools that are part of a national PTA network may receive discounts and benefits from providers and sponsors. Members may be eligible for discounts on magazine subscriptions, books, insurance, and much more.

Help raise funds. One of the primary goals of a PTA is to raise funds for special programs for the school. Parents who get involved can use their professional expertise to make fundraising even more successful.

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8 | Parent Source | Back to School 2014

Is your child ready for

kindergarten?

Age 5 is a big year in a child’s life.

In many school districts, children enroll in kindergarten shortly after their fifth birthdays.

But age alone does not dictate if a child is ready to transition from a preschool environment to kindergarten, and parents may need to work with educators to determine if their children are ready to take the first big step of their academic careers.

Many developmental and education experts believe that numerous factors, in addition to age, determine school readiness, including physical, social and cognitive development. Many parents want their kids to begin kindergarten at the same time as other kids their age, but enrolling youngsters before they’re ready could have repercussions for years to come. Students who begin kindergarten before they’re ready may fall behind, resulting in frustration that turns them off from school.

With such significant stakes, parents may want to answer a few questions and look for these generalized kindergarten readiness clues before enrolling their youngsters in school.

Does my child have solid oral-language skills?

Language is more than drilling letters and sight words into a child’s head through repetition. Language allows kids to share in new experiences and lessons that will expand their vocabularies. The more kids experience, the more their curiosity grows. This opens up opportunities for discussion about a variety of topics and introduces words and concepts that may be new and exciting to children.

Research indicates one of the best predictors of eventual reading success is a well-developed oral vocabulary in kindergarten. Children will retain words if they hear them enough and if they’re used in context and conversation.

Can my child listen to and follow instructions?

Kindergarten students will be introduced to many foreign things, and some kinds may be in a school environment for the very first time. Teachers will be issuing instructions and seeking cooperation from the class. To keep up with peers and lessons, kindergarteners will need to be able to remain quiet for extended periods of time, listen to instructions and then properly act on them.

Back to School 2014 | Parent Source | 9

Is my son or daughter excited about learning?

Some children cannot wait to go to kindergarten, especially those who are excited at the prospect of going to the same school as their older siblings. Enthusiasm about school and an eagerness to learn and discover new things are indicative of kindergarten readiness. A child does not need to have mastery over every skill just yet, but taking the initiative to try and ask questions is a good start to successful learning.

Does my child want to be independent? The phrases “

I’ll do it myself” or “I’ll try” can be music to a kindergarten teacher’s ears. Parents may be in a rush and find it easier to dress kids or get them snacks. But doing everything for kids puts them at a disadvantage.

Independent streaks can help kids adjust to school. Kindergarteners may have to go to the bathroom and wash up independently. They also may have to fasten buttons, open up lunches and hang up coats.

Children who cannot handle such tasks may struggle to adjust to a school environment.

Parent Source Serving DeKalb County

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Can my child recognize basic letters and numbers?

Children entering kindergarten should know most letters by sight and be able to count to 10. Preparing for kindergarten can be fun and does not require flash cards or homework. Encourage kids to count objects in the world around them or do some preliminary reading by recognizing letters on signs at stores or places in the neighborhood.

Kindergarten readiness is determined by a variety of factors, including age, school assessment, enthusiasm about learning, and signs of independence.

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10 | Parent Source | Back to School 2014

Digital learning continues to transform learning experiences

Technology is an important part of many people’s daily lives.

Devices like computers, tablets, smartphones, and video games are now so widely used that it’s hard to imagine a life without email, the Internet or text messages.

Even children are proving adept at using technology, which can be a valuable tool for educators attempting to reach today’s youngsters. Digital learning is learning facilitated by technology. Not only can digital learning be done in the classroom, but also it can extend to home life as children continue to explore lessons through hands-on interaction with digital devices.

According to data from Project Tomorrow’s “Speak Up” study, an initiative of the nation’s leading education nonprofit organization, students are frustrated with the lack of technology in their schools and by the lack of sophisticated use of that technology. The study indicates that students want more of the following: Social-based learning; Tools that increase untethered learning; Development of and connection to a personal network of expert resources; and A digitally rich learning environment.

Students acclimated to technology at home are not content to merely rely on textbooks or CDs in the classroom. They’re more interested in interactive, Web-based tools that enhance communication and collaboration.

As a result of this shifting landscape, parents should expect to see more lessons and homework involving interactive technology.

To make this transition go more smoothly, teachers and parents can work together to ensure kids are making the most of the exciting developments in education.

The following are just a handful of the changes that figure to come about as a result of the transition to digital learning.

Lesson plans, assignments and tutoring opportunities available online for continued reference; Learning-centered chat rooms for peer-to-peer interaction and sharing of materials; Digital content in the way of high quality academic materials available through interactive apps and not stagnant PDFs or text materials. Software may range from video lectures to learning games.

Increased availability of teachers and professors. Students and parents will be able to reach out to educators beyond school hours if assistance or further clarification of assignments is needed.

Supplemental material that comes at the pace of the student, rather than the pace of an entire classroom. Interactive and adaptive software enables students to spend more or less time on lessons to achieve the best level of learning.

Digital communication with educators, including online conference scheduling.

Smartboards, tablets and laptop use more heavily integrated into classrooms.

Digital learning and technological advancements are changing rapidly and helping to reshape the classroom and how kids are learning.

Back to School 2014 | Parent Source | 11

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12 | Parent Source | Back to School 2014

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