Hacker Valley Elementary School

Help your child stop clowning around in class A sense of humor is great. But not if it causes disruptions in class. If your child has been playing the class clown, work with the teacher to identify when the behavior started, what might have triggered it and how to handle it. Talk to your child, too. Explain that there are times when acting clever or silly is disrespectful. Be clear about behaviors that are not allowed, and suggest things your child can do instead. https://tpitip.com/?12dF18889

Memory boosters help your child study smart Does your child study for a long time, but not remember much? These "memory boosters" can help: Encourage your child to state facts out loud by "teaching" them to you. Your student can also reinforce knowledge by drawing a picture of the information, either on paper or in the mind. Connecting the information to something your child already knows, or making up a catchy rhyme about it, can boost recall, too. https://tpitip.com/?12dD18889

For email/Facebook: Show your child how to find answers without asking you It can start with a simple question. But before you know it, you've spent 20 minutes answering all the questions on your child's worksheet. Instead, help your student learn how to find the answers independently. If your child asks how to spell "Illinois," for example, ask, "Where could you find that answer?" Get out a dictionary or a map and have your child find it. Your student will learn the answer and how to find more answers in the future. https://tpitip.com/?12dB18889

Spring into learning on these special April days Add some interesting holidays to your child's April schedule to reawaken interest in learning. On International Children's Book Day (April 2), read a story from another country. Celebrate World Creativity and Innovation Day (April 21) by drawing pictures together of things you would like to invent. And on National Honesty Day (April 30), talk about why it's important to be honest every day! https://tpitip.com/?12dA18889

There will be a 2 hour early dismissal for students tomorrow, April 1, 2022 due to planned Faculty Senate meetings in the schools. There is be no school for students on Monday, April 4, 2022 due to a planned Professional Learning Day for all staff.

Sometimes, let your child learn by doing Teaching your child new skills is important, and it can be a great way to spend time together. But kids often lose interest when everything feels like a lesson. So take a step back sometimes. Let your child decide how to tackle a project. You might ask if there is anything you can do to help. Remember that your child also learns a lesson from trying something that doesn't work. https://tpitip.com/?12ce18889

Help your child move forward after a setback Setbacks can cause self-doubt for even the most positive kids. Help your child overcome setbacks by building skills for success. Demonstrate how to break down large tasks into smaller steps that are easier to master. Teach problem-solving skills, like brainstorming and evaluating solutions. Role-play challenging situations until your child feels comfortable handling them. And never put your child or yourself down. https://tpitip.com/?12cd18889

Teach your children to look for a solution, not a fight Constant arguments are disruptive, at school and at home. To teach your children how to resolve a conflict without arguing, set some rules. When your children have a disagreement over something, they have to work together to find a fair solution. They should each tell their own side, then say what they need most. After that, it's up to them to try to figure out a way they both can get something they need. https://tpitip.com/?12cc18889

Ask questions to strengthen your child’s thinking skills There are many ways you can help your child learn to think things through. One is by asking questions aloud, like "I wonder why that happened?" and then discussing possible reasons. You can also show interest in the questions the teacher is asking, as well as what is being taught. When your child expresses opinions, ask for facts that back them up. And when your student reads, ask "What do you think is the most important thing you read in that passage?" https://tpitip.com/?12cb18889

Ask questions to connect actions and consequences Kids who behave responsibly get along better with teachers and classmates. They are also more likely to try, follow through and succeed in school. To help your child connect actions to consequences, ask questions like "How do you think Avery felt when you said that?" Asking "What happened first?" or "Why do you think that happened?" also helps improve children's understanding of their role in a situation. https://tpitip.com/?12ca18889

Relax and observe nature with your child Outdoor play is a great way to strengthen observation skills and creativity. To help your child learn and benefit from nature, ask questions like, "Can you feel where the wind is coming from?" or "What is that ant doing?" Have your child try to identify sounds with closed eyes. You can also suggest making up a poem or story about the outdoors. Don't rush; giving your child time to draw aimlessly with a stick or touch a flower creates a sense of calm. https://tpitip.com/?12cZ18889

Supervise and discuss your child's online activities Today's kids are growing up in the digital age, and the internet can be a wonderful learning tool for children. But it's important to make sure your child uses it safely. The FBI recommends that you supervise your child's online activity. Know the sites and apps your child uses. Talk about your values with your child, and make it clear which sites, apps and activities are off limits and why. Explain that your child should never give out personal information because people online are not always who they seem. https://tpitip.com/?12cY18889

A positive attitude supports your child’s self-confidence By age seven or eight, many children become self-conscious. A critical inner voice says things like, "That's stupid" or "You read like an idiot." These feelings can affect your child's willingness to tackle challenges in school. To help your child develop confidence, don't criticize the worrying. Instead, praise your student's effort and point out progress. Your calm reassurances will build a positive inner voice for your child. https://tpitip.com/?12cX18889

Problem-solving is a skill kids learn by doing Elementary students are developing their problem-solving skills. When your child comes to you with a problem, listen calmly and don't immediately try to solve it. Encourage your child to describe the issue and brainstorm possible solutions. Restate what you hear, and ask questions to help your child think. When children come up with a solution themselves, they are more willing to act on it. And they learn that they can solve problems! https://tpitip.com/?12cW18889

Let the teacher know about schoolwork struggles If your child is struggling day after day with assigned work at home, contact the teacher. Explain what is happening and ask for suggestions. Your child might need extra help from a tutor, or a schedule to make up missed assignments. More challenging assignments or help with English may be helpful. Work with the teacher on a plan to help your child, then follow up. https://tpitip.com/?12cV18889

Help your child make the most of strengths and talents What helps children succeed in and out of school? Families who help them develop their talents to the fullest. Instead of pushing your child to be the best, look for achievable ways to help your student improve. Encourage practice by making it enjoyable. Show interest in your child's talents by learning the skills yourself and spending time doing them together. And always, let your child know that your love and support is unconditional. https://tpitip.com/?12cO18889

Maps put the world at your child's fingertips Geography is a challenge for many kids. Posting a large world map in your home, where it's easy to see and touch, can help your child begin to master it. Together, locate the places where your child's clothes and toys are made on the map. Help your student find the places that are mentioned in books and on TV. Your child might also enjoy using the map to follow the travels of a favorite band or sports team. https://tpitip.com/?12cU18889

Help your child be a good sport, on and off the field Sports and sportsmanship should go hand in hand. But sometimes, kids feel they can break the rules as long as they win the game. Learning to win without gloating and lose without complaining will help your child on the field and in the classroom. Encourage your child to abide by the rules of the game, follow the coach's directions and play fair. Make it clear that good sports share in the responsibilities of the team. https://tpitip.com/?12cT18889

Nutrition and exercise boost brainpower March is National Nutrition Month. So it's a great time to talk with your child about healthy eating and the foods that nourish bodies and brains. Exercise is another critical part of health. Encourage your child to turn off digital devices and have a push-up contest, walk up and down the stairs 20 times or shoot some hoops. Or go for a walk as a family; kids get more exercise when their parents get involved! https://tpitip.com/?12cS18889

Talk with your child about school safety rules Schools and families all want to ensure that students are safe while learning. To help, make sure you and your child both know the school rules and safety policies. Be clear with your child about exactly what is and isn't allowed. You might say, "Hitting is never allowed, even if another child makes you very angry." Ask your child about behavior that goes on at school, too. And if your child has experienced or witnessed bullying, let the school know. https://tpitip.com/?12cR18889