College Bound - Follow your Dreams

Middle school is not to early to start thinking about college. And, as far as I'm concerned your never too young to start thinking about college. I have had elementary school students express to me what university they want to attend. That's a wonderful thing. Enhance their dream and do all you can to make it come to fruition. Before you know it your child will be a junior in high school...then it's graduation time.

Ask your child what they would like to do once they become an adult. Every child has a dream...didn't you. Even as adults we are still reaching for our dreams. Here are some things that we can do to help cultivate that dream.

• Find a mentor - someone who works in the field that the student is interested in. This can be people whose services you already use: your doctor, pediatrician, attorney, dentist, minister, accountant, businesss owner, etc. Your chlid may be able to shadow that person and see the daily routine. There's nothing better than being involved first hand.

• Talk with someone who is new to that occupation - 2 years or less. Their outlook will be different from someone who is a veteran in that field.

• Use your inner network and see if any friends or family are in that line of work...your child can talk to them about their current experience. Most people are very open to talking about themselves and their career. You may never get them to be quiet.

• During the summer or even on the weekends see if your child can provide some volunteer work or possibly get an internship. They may not obtain direct experience in the field, but you will be able to network with current employees, have a realistic picture of what occurs on a daily basis, and open the door for other opportunities. This is priceless. Some companies do allow children over the age of 16 to participate in internship, volunteer, or mentoring programs. It doesn't hurt to ask.

• Go on the internet, see what length of schooling is required, what types of courses you will have to take, if there are any licensing/certificaion requirements after obtaining the degree, and research the salary. All of this data is very essential in determining if the occupation you choose is the right one for you. For instance, if you are required to be in school for 8 years and your not to keen on being in school for long periods of time then you may have to reassess your goals. If your interested occupation/major requires classes in chemistry, biology, and labs, but you hate science then you may want to do some rethinking . So, take a look at the full picture (the good and the not so good). Because, ultimately, you want to enjoy your career of choice.

• And, most importantly, see what the future holds for that field. What's hot today may not necessarily be in demand in a few years.

Once your in the mindset of attending college then you just need to start taking action. If you attended college tell your child about your experiences both good and bad. Children love to hear stories involving their parents. Sure, they may change their mind a few times but at least they will be better equiptted to make a knowledgable decision. Check out this website which steers middle and high schoolers in the direction of being college bound.

101 Ways to boost your child's ego

Children, no matter what the age, thrive on recognition. Even adults like to have their ego stroked every now and then. A little praise can go a long way. It can be the difference between wanting to do the work and doing the work just to get by. Children ultimately want approval and praise from their parents. This will not only help improve their performance, but improve their self-esteem. So, here are 101 ways to give praise, show interest and offer encouragment to your child. And, remember that praise should be given to those who are worthy of it. If used losely then the purpose for encouragement will be lost.

Questions for kids that spark conversation

Are you tired of receiving those infamous one word answers: "yes", "no", or "nothing" when you ask your child about his or her day? To often children do not want to engage in conversation about their school activities. So, as parents we have to find creative ways of learning about their day.

You don't want to ask them 21 questions, but just enough to understand how they are doing both emotionally and academically. Try to avoid closed end questions that have one word answers. The key is to ask questions that will spark their interest to expand on their answer. Or their answer may prompt you to have a follow-up question. Who knows...you may even get more than you ask for once your child sees you are expressing genuine interest in his or her well being.

Alway praise your child and let them know how proud you are of them and that you support them unconditonally. I would even recommend that you share your day with them, so that they understand parents can have good and bad days, too. Here are some suggestions:

1. Tell me about or show me something you learned today? Follow-up: Did you like learning about that?



2. What did you have for lunch? Follow-up: Why did you like or not like it? Who did you eat lunch with today or who did you sit beside during lunch?



3. What was the most fun thing you did today? Follow-up: Why was is so fun?



4. What did you not enjoy doing today? Follow-up: Why did you not enjoy it?



5. What did you do today in Math (or use another subject)?



6. Who did you play with today? What did you play?



7. What question did you answer today in class? Follow-up: Did you know the answer or did you just take a guess at it?



8. What did you like (or not like) about your bus drive today? Follow-up: If it was something they didn't like. How did you handle that problem?



9. What was the funniest thing that made you laugh today? Follow-up: What did the teacher do?



10. What do you like about being in your current grade compared to your previous grade? Follow-up: What do you think will happen next year?

Please share questions that you ask to initiate conversation. Happy talking!

A deck of math cards

Do you ever remember playing the game "War". It's when players split up a deck of cards and turn over the card on the top of the deck. The person with the highest card value wins the set of cards for each round. I loved that game. This game is fun and also teaches number recognition, counting, and number comparison.

If you are looking for an inexpensive way to have fun with your child while learning math then look no further. A deck of cards is all you need. I'll share some teaching techniques that I use with cards. It's fun, easy and the kids really enjoy it. Also, this website gives additonal games you can play.

Learning Multiplication (Grade 3 - 8) - Remove all the face cards. Use cards 1 - 10 in the same family such as all hearts. Select an eleventh card to be used as your multipier. E.g. if you wanted to learn your five times table, the eleventh card (mulitplier) will be a five. Lay the mulitiplier face up on the table and place one card at a time beside it to multiply. Have the child say the answer. You can repeat cards 1 -10 with the same multiplier as often as necessary.

Place Value (Grade 2 - 5) - Remove all face cards and the ten card. Put the remainder cards in a stack, flip over and place in a row face up. You can simulate place value showing ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, and more. e.g. 3 cards from left to right 5, 3, 2 would show hundreds, tens and ones. Ask the child, 3 is in what place value: answer ten. Or what is the value of 3: answer 30. Or what digit is in the tens place: answer 3.

Addition (K - 5) - Remove all face cards. Flip over two number cards and have the child add them together. You could also add 2-digit numbers by using four cards and placing two cards on top and two cards below.

So, the next time your child says "I'm bored" have them go and grab a deck of cards. Hope you have fun. Tell me how it goes.

Study Now or Pay Later

So, what's the difference between an 'A' student and a 'B' student? The 'A' student's study habits. Most children aren't born with the ability to retain information in the absence of studying. The truth is... if you don't have good study habits, then you limit your ability to achieve excellence. Don't just settle for B's. Always strive for A's.

Here are some items can improve ones study habits:

1. Review notes, definitions & new concepts daily to refresh your memory.


2. Do lots of sample problems to reinforce learning.


3. Use previous hw problems and quizzes as study guides.


4. Plan to start studying at least 1 week in advance. Prepare in advance for the test by creating study times for multiple days.


5. TV, cell phone, etc. should be turned off...limit distractions


6. If there is a study guide, use it. Typically the majority of problems will come from the study guide.

Studying builds confidence. Try not to fall behind as new topics are being introduced to the class. Do not be afraid to ask for help as soon as you recognize your lack of understanding for a concept or problem. I can guarantee that you will see a similar problem on the test. So, work problems out with your teacher and have all of your questions answered. Studying or should I say cramming the night before the test is not a good habit to form. With the proper guidance any child can develop good study habits. Continued encouragement and enthusiasm will boost a childs spirit to want to do better.

Math Tips

Contrary to popular belief, math is not a difficult subject. It just requires more mental power than other subjects...unfortunately, something a lot of children do not like to use. Critical thinking skills, attention to detail, speed and accuracy are components which contribute to obtaining the best grades. Here are some tips to becoming a well-rounded math student.

• Underline key words in the directions and problems - this will help you figure out what operation, formula, etc. to use and prevent you from selecting the obvious wrong answer


• Show your work - work the problem out on paper


• Check your work - This means redo the problem, not just look at it


• Re-do all problems missed on homework and find your mistakes - now you will be ready for the test


• Memorize the formulas and during the test write them on your scrap sheet of paper if the teacher permits - you will have to use these formulas to answer the problem, so why not write them down as soon as the test begins.

I hope these tips are helpful. Please feel free to share your thoughts.

Budget Cuts affect our children

So, Gwinnett County could not raise taxes because of the uproar we the citizens gave the commissioners, but they are taking the money from elsewhere. I just found out that the Libraries will have reduced hours starting in August. Here's the link: http://www.gwinnettpl.org/News/Changes.html What a shame is this? Two days out of the week it will be closed. And, the two days the commissioners chose was Sunday and Monday (brilliant, no not really). These are the prime days students look to study and utiilize the computers. Friday and Saturday would have been better days, but of course this makes too much sense. Reduced staffing, childrens programming, and materials. So, I wonder what will get cut next? I suppose we have to adjust in times like these. It's not easy balancing the budget, but I'm sure there are other areas that can be reduced or even eliminated to minimize expenses.

The Nosy Parent

Life is too short to give up on your dreams. We all have our slumps and the kids do too. But, faith, perseverence, and a strong support system can make you climb mountains. Recently, there have been several child suicides that have truly made me think "What pain are these children going through in order for them to take their life?" I have never been in this situation, but my heart goes out to the parents and family members.

So, what can we do? Of course, be a nosy parent. Some parents choose to be hands off as their children get older. I am just the opposite. I try to involve myself with everything that affects my children. I do lots of listening and less talking. After all children like to talk to each other. Let them talk...you'll find out everything you want to know.

When the children want to hang out they all come to Mrs. Donna's house. Sure, I am open to that. Then, I can see and hear what they are doing and who/what they are talking about? As the kids say "I want to be in the know". I don't mind having a bunch of kids at or around my house as long as they are respectful and well-behaved. You have to earn a childs trust they don't just give it to you. Here are some tips from the nosy parent:

• Talk to your child about their day at school...ask open ended questions


• Talk to your child's friends about school


• Communicate with the teacher...after all he/she is with your children during their most productive hours of the day (email, a note in the bag, conference).


• Get involved with your child's school...serve on a committee, the PTA, attend social functions


• Read what your child writes at school in their journal or at home through pictures. Words/pictures are a powerful thing.


• Talk with the siblings. Someone is bound to release information.


• Have a relationship with the parents...you never know when you will need to call on them.


• Show up to the school unexpectedly. Go to the class room, playground, lunch room, etc.


• Have lunch with your child (this will not go over well after 5th grade)


• Take immediate action when you see there is a problem.


• Follow-up with the administration to find out what steps were taken.


• If the administration doesn't resolve the problem then go to the next level (teacher, principal, school board, congressman.


• Do not let the problem fester. You may need to remove your child from that situation.


• Do whatever it takes to protect your child...make your presence known.

and by all means NEVER GIVE UP!

Let your child know they are destined for great things. Be proud of who you are and always strive for success.

I'd love to hear what you do to be a nosy parent. We parents have to stick together!

Let's Get Organized

Organization is a learned trait that parents have to instill in their children. It crosses all aspects of the childs life: school, social, sports, etc. For the younger kids that may mean cleaning their room, decluttering the toy box or bookcase, or writing their name and date at the of each school assignment.

By the time they are in 4th grade utilization of a planner is essential. This will help them manage their time and prepare for upcoming tests. You can find inexpensive calendars at Walmart, Target or the dollar store. You can even print them out for free on http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/ We know that children will not flip through pages to see what is happening in the weeks ahead. So, I recommend monthly calendars because you are able to see all activities with one glimpse. Some schools even have monthly calendars in the agendas. Make it fun. They can have friends birthdays and special occasions. But, don't forget to include these key items: school closings, test days, sports games/practices, and other extracurricular activities. They will be amazed to see how busy each week has become.

Ok, so we are not getting older. As parents we don't always remember things like we should. There are too many activities occurring. So, if you do not have a monthly erasable whiteboard, it would be a good idea to purchase one. The whiteboard will have a master picture of your childs academic and social activities. Place it in an area of the home that is most commonly used. This way it can be seen by the entire family and reinforce the information your child should already have in their calendar. When the next month arrives have your child to help out by erasing the calendar and putting the new days/month on the calendar.

Parents, you will have to check their calendars just like you check their agendas. They may stop updating their calendar, but get them back on track. You can remind them to open up the planner and use it for it's purpose. I know, it does get a bit tiring. But, the day will come when your child will no longer need reminders. And, that is the day we all look forward to as parents.

Hurry up and wait

Children seem to be in a rush to finish a test..like they really have somewhere to go. Don't they have to wait for everyone to complete the test anyway. So, while they are waiting, why not go back over and check the work they have completed.

Unlike other subjects, in Math, one incorrect calculation on a problem will cause you to miss the entire problem. Sorry, there is no partial credit. So, attention to detail is an important trait that must be aquired and used in the subject of Math. If this is achieved in the early academic years, then it will not be so difficult when the child enters high school.

Yes, the goal that is to be achieved in math is speed and accuracy. If you can get ALL the answers correct and are swift about doing it, then sure why not be a speed demon. But, if the child is missing problems that he/she obviously should have gotten correct then you first should investigate why the problems were missed.

There are four main reasons to answer a problem incorrectly: don't know the meaning of a term used in the question, don't understand the diagrams used in the illustration, don't know how to solve the problem, or made a trivial mistake. If it is due to the latter then it's time to put into affect Operation Sloooooooooowdown. This is where you implement tactics that will cause the child not to want to rush anymore.

For the most part telling a child that they need to go back and check their work does not change the situation. Don't they still rush through the test? They hear you, but don't quite get it. So, I have found that showing them the error of their ways and telling them is much more successful. Once they see their mistakes over and over again, they can't deny that there is a problem. Kids do not like to be proven wrong.

Here are just a few suggestions. I'd be happy to hear what tactics you use.

1. Correct all missed problems on the test, hw, and class assignments. This means redoing problems and identifying where the mistake was made. Have them tell you where they went wrong. This type of troubleshooting is beneficial in that when the same type of question arises (and believe me...they will see it again) they will recognize how to obtain the answer.


2. For every answer they miss due to trivial mistakes take away 5 minutes (or whatever you see fit) rom the tv, computer, cell phone, etc. Stick to arrangement until you see improvement. Children need to know that you are serious and consistent.


3. Be firm and not their friend. That may mean temporarily taking away football, dance, computer, sleepovers, etc. to help them understand that their education is the number one priority.
4. Lastly, be encouraging and show enthusiam when your child exhibits improvement. Acknowledging their efforts and boosting their ego goes a long way. They need to hear positive reinforcement to know that you are happy with their improvement.

Raise the bar and set high expectations. You know your child can do the work...they have told you this and the teachers have told you this. But, their actions prove differently because of carelessness. Don't give up if you don't see positive results immediately. Each child will respond differently. Your child is depending on you to "punk out". Well, prove them wrong. The most important thing is to be consistent and reinforce the good that they are doing.