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STEPPING UP How to make the transition to high school go smoothly

PUBLICATION • JULY, 2019

Creating a HomeworkFriendly Home

3 tips to establishing a successful homework area

Academics Outside the Classroom

Unique extracurricular activities that can help students stand out

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3 tips to establishing a successful homework area Successful tips for finding a tutor How parents can get involved with kids’ extracurricular activities Manage hectic school mornings How to make the transition to high school go smoothly Did you know? - Extracurricular activities Did you know? - IEP

MEET THE DENTISTS:

10 Popular classroom learning apps 11 Internet safety tips for students 12 How to prevent busy kids from overextending

themselves 13 How to help kids make friends at school 14 Extracurricular activities for non-athletes 15 Unique extracurricular activities that can help students

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3 tips to establishing a successful homework area

High school students may be expected to complete as much as 17.5 hours of homework per week.

H

igh school students have a lot on their plates.

Today’s parents often lament that kids’ schedules are far more hectic than their own schedules were when they were teenagers. But for many high school students, a familiar foe their parents have no doubt encountered is proving a considerable source of stress.

1. Create a communal homework table.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education notes that youngsters who seem reluctant to do their homework may benefit from doing their afterschool work at a communal table.

With parents nearby, such students may feel less lonely and may be less likely to procrastinate if they know mom or dad are nearby. Students who are not reluctant to do their homework may benefit from working quietly in their bedrooms.

2. Clear the area of distractions.

Distractions like televisions, devices that are not necessary to complete assignments and even younger siblings can make it hard for teenagers to concentrate on their work.

Designate a time each day for homework, ensuring that the television is off and that devices have been

placed on “Do Not Disturb.”

In addition, high school students with younger siblings can expect their brothers and sisters to be finished with their homework first. Make sure youngsters recognize the importance of staying quiet until everyone has finished their homework.

Encourage younger siblings to leave the homework area and play quietly or read elsewhere in the home.

3. Include a break between school and homework time.

Much like parents may like a few minutes to unwind when getting home from work at night, kids likely won’t want to dive right into their homework after getting home from school.

A break between the school day and homework time can help kids clear their heads so they’re more capable of concentrating when they sit down to do their work.

A good work environment at home can help kids live up to their academic potential.

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Homework has long been the bane of high schoolers’ existence. Studies regarding just how much homework is being assigned to teenagers are somewhat outdated, which makes it difficult to determine just how much work kids are being asked to do after school lets out. A 2014 survey from the University of Phoenix found that high school teachers assign, on average, 3.5 hours of homework per week. Multiply that figure by five, which is the number of different teachers many high school students have in a typical school day, and the survey concluded that high school students may be expected to complete as much as 17.5 hours of homework per week.

Though the study, which is the only one of its kind to be conducted in recent years, is older, there’s little reason to suspect today’s high school students are being asked to do any less than their predecessors were in 2014.

While parents might not be able to do much to lessen their children’s homework workload, they can take steps to ensure their homes are as homework-friendly as possible.

The following are three ways to do just that.

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Successful tips for finding a tutor

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any children are natural-born students who take to their academics like ducks to water. Others may not catch on as quickly as their parents desire. Every student has unique learning requirements, and sometimes all it takes is some one-on-one intervention with an experienced tutor to turn the academic tide.

The National Tutoring Association reports that the number of individuals offering private tutoring has increased dramatically in recent years, which can make finding a tutor challenging. It also means parents may face stiff competition in regard to procuring the services of qualified tutors. But parents can employ various strategies to improve their chances of finding skilled tutors to work with their children.

Specify what you need done. The more clearly you define what you and your child hope to gain from individualized instruction, the more capably you can zero in on a tutor who will meet those needs effectively. Some students need reinforcement for testing, while others may struggle with a particular skill set. The more specific you are when illustrating your needs, the more likely you are to find someone who can help address those areas that need improving.

Seek recommendations. Ask around for recommendations from other parents or educators. Speak with school personnel to find out if someone on staff may tutor in his or her off hours.

Try a favorite teacher. Many students may have a favorite teacher, past or present, with whom they developed a rapport. If your child fits that mold, contact this teacher to see if he or she tutors students on the side.

Call the library. Many times high school or college students offer free or reduced-rate tutoring at local libraries. These sessions can be just as beneficial to young students as sessions with professional tutors.

Consider a tutoring center. Nationally recognized tutoring organizations can be invaluable to students struggling with their studies. Explore the cost options of oneon-one sessions versus small group instruction.

Look for specialized tutors. Certain tutors specialize in certain subjects or skills. Lean toward those tutors for advanced lessons in tricky subjects like maths and sciences.

Upon hiring a tutor, give it a few lessons to see if the tutor clicks with your child. Set benchmarks for success that the tutor can work toward. If the relationship is not working, start the process over.

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How parents can get involved with kids’ extracurricular activities

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ducators often note the importance of family engagement in regard to academic achievement. A strong and engaged support system at home can propel students to reach their full academic potential, laying the foundation for success into adulthood.

According to the National Education Association, research continues to show that family engagement benefits students in a variety of ways. Such engagement has been linked to reduced absenteeism and improved performance in the classroom. In fact, the NEA notes that students with involved parents or other caregivers earn higher grades and test scores and also have better social skills than those students whose parents aren’t as involved.

Family engagement also can be beneficial in regard to extracurricular activities. Kids may be more excited about extracurricular activities if their parents are involved. In addition, such activities provide opportunities for parents and their children to strengthen their bonds through shared experiences. Busy parents also may find that participating in their children’s extracurricular activities gives them more time with their kids. Without such participation, parents may be more inclined to work long hours.

Extracurricular activities run the gamut from team sports to music lessons to academic clubs. Kids’ interests may not always align with their parents’, but even in such instances parents can explore various roles to get involved in the activities their children participate in after school lets out.

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Coach: Volunteers are the backbones of many youth sports leagues, and parents can volunteer to serve as coach or assistant coach of their youngsters’ teams.

Driver: While it might not be a glamorous role, serving as chauffeur for busy kids gives parents one-on-one time with their children. Parents can use this time to discuss kids’ days at school or simply to joke around and let kids be kids while they relax during the downtime between school and extracurricular activities.

Teacher: Parents can contact their children’s school to offer their services when the school day ends. Parents’ professional experience can be put to use to provide unique extracurricular activities that might otherwise not be offered. For example, parents who work in the field of finance can offer an “Investing Club” where kids learn the ins and outs of investing. Regardless of their professions, parents’ professional experience can no doubt benefit local youth, including their own children.

Volunteer: A 2018 analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau conducted by the University of Maryland’s Do Good Institute found that roughly 25 percent of teenagers volunteered in 2015.

Parents of young volunteers can join their children to help a good cause and get more quality time with their kids.

Extracurricular activities benefit students in numerous ways. Such activities may prove more enjoyable for kids if their parents get involved.

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Manage hectic school mornings

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f a typical school morning sees your family rushing around and out the door with nary a moment to spare, only to be left feeling like you ran a marathon by 9 am, a new approach to your routine might be necessary.

Mornings, especially in households in which parents who work outside of the home and have one or two kids requiring drop-off at their respective schools, can often be hectic. Starting off the morning feeling harried and stressed can carry over into the mood of the day, affecting productivity as a result.

According to Dr. David Anderson, PhD, senior director of the ADHD and Disruptive Behavior Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute, busy mornings can be the most stressful moments of the day.

Homework hour and getting prepared for bed are other typically stressful times of the day for families.

If less stressful mornings are a goal for your family, try these strategies.

Start the night before Doing as much preparatory work the evening before can make quite a difference in taming hectic mornings.

Things that can be done in advance include checking and stocking backpacks, signing paperwork, making lunches,

setting out clothing, showering, and having breakfast foods ready to go.

Establish a ‘launch pad’ Ann Dolin, a Virginia-based education specialist, suggests having a launch pad, or a place where all school-related items are prepped and stored.

It can be a basket, box or another container big enough to contain school items.

Children can drop and pick up the items as needed.

Make the routine the boss Positive Parenting Solutions founder Amy McCready says families can implement a “when-then” routine that sets the tone for the morning.

“When everyone is dressed, hair combed, breakfast eaten, and school supplies packed, then you can watch 10 minutes of an educational cartoon.” This puts the routine in control rather than making the parents the bad guys.

Make kids responsible Too often parents add more stress to their plates by showing up at school with forgotten lunch boxes or band instruments. Instead, parents can stop rescuing their children and help train them to be more responsible — an essential trait.

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STEPPING UP How to make the transition to high school go smoothly

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ver the course of an academic career, the average student switches schools three to four times. Elementary school gives way to middle school or junior high. From there, students will transition to high school. If a student chooses to keep their academic journey going after high school, college or trade school awaits.

Adolescence is a transitional period when many students may be learning how to make decisions and taking their first significant steps toward becoming independent adults. That can make the transition from middle school to high school more complicated than previous transitional periods young people experienced.

To help make high school a positive experience and less likely to induce

Several changes take place in high school that can impact students’ anxiety levels.

• Students go from being the oldest in middle school to the youngest in high school.

• The student body population typically increases dramatically.

A 2016 survey from the Pew Research Center found that

70%

of teens say anxiety and depression are a “major problem” among their peers.

• Curriculum becomes more demanding than it was in middle school.

anxiety, students and their parents can employ these tips.

• School hours change, often requiring students to wake up earlier.

•E stablish a consistent routine. The education resource CollegeVine advises students to build good study habits, create a calm and organized homework environment and focus on studies while keeping distractions at bay.

• A new school may mean students are funneling in from different feeder schools. Long-time friends may be separated depending on where they ultimately choose to go to high school.

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•E ncourage extracurricular activities.

Activities outside of the classroom are a great way for students to make

friends and involve themselves socially with their peers. Such extracurriculars can lead to strong friendships that flourish throughout high school and beyond.

• Buddy up. Just as they might have done upon entering kindergarten, students on the cusp of starting high school can find someone who will be attending the same school and go over schedules and potential meet-up times. They can make plans to sit together at lunch as they both get acclimated to their new environments.

• Attend open houses. Families can tour the campus to get a feel for the layout of their children’s school. Ask for a map of the school grounds so students can get an idea of where their schedules will require them to be throughout the course of the day.

The transition to high school is a significant one in the life of a teenager.

Families can employ various strategies to make that transition go smoothly.

Did you know?

E

xtracurricular activities have long been touted as a great way for prospective college students to bolster their college applications.

Students may be surprised to learn just what participation in such activities may suggest to college admissions officers. According to The Princeton Review®, scattered involvement in an extracurricular activity, regardless of what that activity is, may give college admissions officers a poor impression of applicants, suggesting a student lacks the commitment and passion of applicants who were more deeply involved in their extracurricular activities. While students should not continue to participate in an activity they don’t enjoy, they may benefit from spending more time researching certain activities to ensure they choose one they’re willing to commit to long-term. Such a commitment suggests to admissions officers that a student is willing to go through the ups and downs that typically come with engaging oneself in an activity. An ability to handle those ups and downs without giving up suggests students will be able to handle the ups and downs of college life as well. The Princeton Review® also notes that students who choose to work instead of participating in an extracurricular activity should not downplay such decisions on their applications, particularly if they were helping to support their families.

The decision to help support a family demonstrates character and can indicate maturity to college admissions officers. Each of those traits can bolster an applicant’s candidacy.

Did you know?

An IEP, or an individualized education program, is a document that is developed for a public school student who requires special education services as determined after an assessment. In addition to being a legal document, the IEP will lay out the program of school instruction and serve as a map for support and services that the student needs for success, according to Understood.org, an organization for parents of students with learning and attention issues. The IEP is covered by law by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the United States. IEPs may provide for longer testing times, assistive technology, specialized seating or classroom placement, dictated tests, or whatever the parents and school team agree on. Goals are typically set, and parents will meet with the team in regular IEP meetings to gauge students’ progress. Similar to an IEP, a 504 plan is a plan that also offers accommodations so students with disabilities have equal access to the general education curriculum. However, 504s are not part of the realm of special education. Parents can work with the administrators of their child’s school to determine which education plan or program is most fitting for their youngsters. Both are free of cost and can last through high school.

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Popular classroom learning apps

71% of parents embrace mobile devices

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t is impossible to ignore the immense popularity of digital learning tools in today’s schools. Teachers routinely turn to online tools and available applications to offer students all the resources they need to become well-rounded individuals.

According to research from Grunwald Associates, LLC, 71 percent of parents embrace mobile devices and feel they open up learning opportunities for kids that didn’t previously exist. The research also suggests that a similar percentage of parents would like teachers to recommend apps for students.

Navigating learning apps can be daunting due to the sheer volume of apps available. According to Apps for Education, there are more than 500,000 educational apps currently available for download. Apps can be stimulating and fun, but finding quality resources may involve sorting through those that aren’t necessarily valuable. The following are some apps parents way want to consider.

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Memrise: Learning a second or third language can be a boon to students of any age.

Some schools may be limited in the number of languages they offer. Therefore, an app may be a great resource for students looking to learn a new language. Memrise drills students on vocabulary, phrases, aural recognition, and more.

Kahoot: Kahoot is a platform to create games and review content. Players answer questions on their individual devices, while games are displayed on a shared screen.

Kahoot can be an ideal way for several students to prepare for a test in a digital study session.

Reading Eggs: This comprehensive learning system covers essential components of reading: awareness, vocabulary, phonics, fluency, and comprehension. Parents can see progress reports and know if and where extra attention may be necessary.

Edmodo: This app is designed to streamline workloads for teachers and help make it easier for them Y e a r

to stay connected with the classroom and their students.

Parents can set up accounts and stay abreast of their children’s activities, grades, messages, and progress.

Though it’s not a learning app, Edmodo can be a valuable tool for classroom management.

Epic: This online children’s subscription book service offers immediate, ondemand access to highquality reading materials for children ages 12 and under.

Voracious readers will always have content they can access, in addition to audio books, educational videos, and

educational quizzes.

Photomath: This app enables students to snap pictures of complicated math problems and get step-by-step directions on how to answer them. Instead of simply giving the answer, Photomath provides students with the tools to answer the problems on their own.

StudyBlue: Students can create and share mobile flash cards, study guides, quizzes, and choose from other study materials to help reinforce lessons.

Educational apps play a vital role in educating today’s students.

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Internet safety tips for students

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he classrooms of yesteryear are distant memories. Gone are chalkboards, which have made way for smartboards. Even textbooks are slowly being phased out in deference to online curriculums. Modern classrooms are outfitted with digital devices that connect students to the internet. Each of these changes might surprise parents who haven’t stepped foot inside a classroom in decades.

A 2017 report from Common Sense Media said that children up to age eight spend an average of two hours and 19 minutes every day on screen media. Children between the ages of eight and 12 spend an average of four hours and 36 minutes on screens. Much of that time is spent online.

The internet can be a useful tool for students, who can go

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online when working on school reports. Some students even communicate online with their teachers, while others play interactive learning games that can supplement lessons taught in the classroom.

But the internet also puts students at risk of falling victim to online predators. The internet also keeps students in constant contact with their peers, which can be troublesome for students who want to get away when they get home at night. These reasons and more are motivation enough to encourage students to practice good digital citizenship and follow these safety tips when online.

Exercise caution with photos and videos posted online. These images, even when posted harmlessly, can weigh on a student’s reputation. They may even impact acceptance to schools or career opportunities in the future. Always think before posting, as content remains in cyberspace indefinitely. And remember, many schools screen for inappropriate content. Sending harassing or inappropriate material to others may result in disciplinary action.

Recognize the threat posed by online predators. The Crimes Against Children Research Center says one in five teenagers in the United States who regularly uses the internet has received unwanted sexual solicitations through the web. In addition, 25 percent have been exposed to unwanted pornographic material online. Students need to be aware that not everyone on the internet is an upstanding citizen.

Keep personal information private at all times. The service eMarketer says that 75 percent of children are willing to share personal information online about themselves and their families in exchange for goods and services. Students need to be better educated about protecting their passwords, ages, addresses, and other personal information.

Stop cyberbullying before it starts. Students can be educated about the correct way to use the internet and how to report cyberbullying. Students also can take pledges to never make others feel uncomfortable online.

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How to prevent busy kids from overextending themselves

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Parents can employ various strategies to help busy teenagers avoid overextending themselves.

With so much do and lots of encouragement to participate in their communities, teens can easily find themselves overextended. Extracurricular activities are important, and some have even been linked to improved academic performance. But it’s equally important that high school students avoid burnout, which can adversely affect their academic performance and how much they enjoy school and other activities.

Learn the signs of burnout and look for them. Even the most overextended teenager probably enjoys many of the activities he or she engages in. So it’s unlikely that kids will self-report burnout to their parents, teachers, coaches, or other authority figures. Parents can learn to spot the signs of burnout to identify if their child is overextended. According to Understood.org, a website sponsored by 15 nonprofit organizations devoted to helping parents of kids between the ages of three and 20, procrastination, negative attitudes, testiness, difficulty concentrating, and a disinterest in things kids once liked are some potential indicators of burnout.

Parents who notices any of

oday’s teenagers are busy. According to the American Time Use Survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average high school student spends just under an hour and a half each weekday participating in extracurricular activities that include playing sports, working/volunteering and religious activities.

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these signs in their children might want to look at their kids’ schedules to see if their children are simply taking on more than they can chew.

Teach kids time management skills. Time management skills can help kids make effective and efficient use of their time. Encourage kids who are struggling with their schedules to use a calendar to plan their weeks. Knowing what’s expected of them each day can help kids develop a plan to get everything done.

In addition, when kids make a list of their daily activities, parents can go over that list with them to see if they’re taking on too much. Discuss the calendar with kids, and if kids express feelings of exhaustion or burnout, go through the calendar to see where they can free up some time, even if it means cutting some activities out of their

schedules entirely.

Teach kids the art of prioritizing. Parents know that some tasks are more important than others. But kids may not be so savvy.

Teach kids how to prioritize, emphasizing that academics always come first. Give kids some credit if they’re initially resistant to dropping some activities, as that can indicate an admirable willingness to commit. But emphasize that school comes first, and that activities that are low priority might need to be sacrificed during the school year. In addition, point out that certain activities that are not school-related can be revisited in the summer, when kids typically have less hectic schedules.

Burnout can be harmful to high school students.

Parents can work with their children to ensure they aren’t overextending themselves.

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How to help kids make friends at school Practice conversation starters at home. Children can work with their parents to come up with topics that can help foster communication. These can include ice breakers and common interests, such as favorite television shows or video games.

Teach kids approachable body language. Wearing earbuds or exhibiting negative body language, such as crossed arms or avoiding eye contact, can make a person seem less approachable. Smiling, engaging in conversation and being friendly can make it easier to make friends.

T

he average student likely spends more time at school and participating in extracurricular activities with classmates than he or she does at home. In close proximity to so many peers, it may seem like making friends would be a snap. However, some students have trouble connecting and can use a little push to make friends.

The family and parenting resource Parenting Science notes that research indicates that the most popular children are those who exemplify certain traits. These traits include being caring; a willingness to share; a willingness to offer help; and strong verbal skills. Children who embrace these traits may prove better at making friends. Parents may find that youngsters need some encouragement to build their social circles, and the following are some ways parents can offer that encouragement.

Encourage kids to seek out someone on their own. It may be challenging to walk up to a group and introduce yourself.

Encourage students to seek out someone who is alone and then strike up a conversation, which can be less intimidating than approaching a group. Emphasize to kids that other students may also be a little shy and looking to make friends.

Ask teachers to help. The education resource Understood says teachers can give children responsibilities, such as the opportunity to hand out snacks or papers, which can build confidence and provide opportunities for kids to converse with their peers.

Help children be active listeners. An active listener is someone who makes it clear that he or she is paying attention. Making eye contact, orienting the body toward the speaker and making relevant verbal responses are some active listening strategies that can help kids more fully engage with their peers. Feeling valued and listened to may encourage other children to be more friendly and engaging.

Ask open questions. The social networking advisement site Young Scot suggests having students ask open questions, such as: “How was your summer?” or “What sports do you like to play?” These types of questions can kick-start in-depth conversations.

Join a team or club. Students often make friends in social or extracurricular settings, such as on a sports team. With a shared interest, it’s easy to find topics to discuss.

Making friends in school can make time spent in the classroom more enjoyable for youngsters.

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Extracurricular activities for non-athletes

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ports are a popular activity for adults and children alike. While adults may not have the time to hit the hardwoods or toss the ball around as much as they used to, sports continue to be as popular as ever among young people. According to the State of Play: 2018 report from The Aspen Institute, 69 percent of children between the ages of six and 12 participated in a team or individual sport at least once in 2017.

As popular as sports are, some students are not inclined to lace up a pair of cleats or compete with their peers on the athletic playing fields. In fact, the State of Play: 2018 report found that just 37 percent of kids between the ages of six and 12 participated in a team sport on a regular basis in 2017. Lack of interest in sports is nothing for parents to worry about, though it is important that parents encourage their kids to participate in extracurricular activities, which can pay a host of dividends.

Extracurricular activities for non-athletes

Why participate in extracurricular activities?

Extracurricular activities do more than just provide something for kids to do once they’re dismissed from school.

Certain activities may help kids perform better academically. In analyzing data on more than 25,000 second school students, the United States Department of Education found that those who reported consistent involvement in instrumental music during middle school and high school performed significantly better in mathematics by grade 12 than kids who did not participate in music programs.

Participation in extracurricular activities as a youngster also may pay dividends well into the future. A 2017 study from researchers at Rutgers University found that people who were involved in extracurricular activities in high school were likely to stay involved in their communities throughout their lives.

Writing: Youngsters with an interest in writing can participate in local creative writing groups.

Such groups can be great places to brainstorm story ideas and learn about the creative writing process.

Participating in extracurricular activities can enrich young peoples’ lives and lay the foundation for a rich, fulfilling life.

The

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Sports might be a popular extracurricular activity, but there are still plenty of additional activities for kids who have no interest in sports.

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Music: School bands or community music programs provide opportunities for kids to learn an instrument and connect with fellow music lovers.

Volunteering: Many organizations welcome teenager volunteers, recognizing that kids who volunteer as teens are more likely to continue doing so as adults, which can help charities and other organizations meet their missions.

Volunteering even allows kids to further indulge an existing

passion. For example, kids who love the beach can volunteer with a local environmental organization that works to clean up local beaches and waterways.

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Unique extracurricular activities that can help students stand out application. Academic performance is important, but extracurricular activities might help set students apart from other applicants with similar academic backgrounds but little or no extracurricular activity on their applications.

Students who want to their extracurricular activities to stand out among the masses of college applicants can speak with officials at their school about these opportunities.

Model United Nations: Often referred to as “Model UN,” this activity asks students to role-play as United Nations delegates. Students who participate in Model UN develop public speaking skills while also learning how to conduct research, frame debates and develop their leadership skills.

Foreign language clubs: Many high schools offer foreign languages clubs to their student bodies.

Such clubs can allow students who study foreign language to develop their language skills further, and they also can be great ways to learn about the culture and history behind the languages they’re learning. Fluency in a foreign language can bolster a student’s college application. Many schools also sponsor additional subject-specific clubs, such as chemistry clubs or English clubs, which can be ideal for students who want to pursue college degrees in such subjects.

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hen thinking of extracurricular activities, many people’s first thoughts might be about team sports or group activities like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

While such activities are popular, attracting tens of millions of kids every year, there are plenty of extracurricular activities rooted in academics as well.

Extracurricular activities can provide a respite from schoolwork and give kids a chance to socialize with their peers. Extracurricular activities also can be great places to learn lessons that might not be taught in the classroom, such as how to work as a team, the value of good sportsmanship and how to handle defeat. Many of those same lessons can be learned through more unique extracurricular activities.

In addition to the things they can learn, students who participate in extracurricular activities can bolster their college applications. According to The Princeton Review®, college admissions officers approach each admissions season hoping to create a class made up of students with diverse interests and backgrounds. To accomplish that goal, officers typically look at each applicant’s extracurricular activities to learn more about the person behind the

National Honor Society: While it’s easy to mistake the National Honor Society as little more than an honor roll, the organization is much more than that.

Students who qualify for membership in the NHS are challenged to develop their skills further through participation in school activities and community service.

Extracurricular activities can help students make the most of their time in school and help them improve their candidacy in the eyes of college admissions officers.

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