How Can I Help my Fourth Grader?

 

Research shows that children are more likely to succeed in school if parents or caregivers take an active part in their education. A good education is important for finding a good job and having a good future. It makes sense to help your child do well at school. A positive attitude about school is perhaps the most important gift you can give your child

 

Pass on positive attitudes about school

 

 

Talk about your friends from school, your favorite teachers or your best subject. Help your child have a positive attitude about school.

Help your child set education goals, both short term and long term.

 

 

Talk to your child about the future and plans for high school, technical school or college. Tell your child you hope they will be successful in school because he or she is practicing for his or her future right now.

Talk to your child about what he or she is learning at school.

 

 

It’s important to ask students about their school subjects. Ask open-ended questions and avoid questions that can be answered with "yes" or "no." For example, "Tell me about your day," or "What was the best part about today?" or "What are you learning in math now?"

Help your child get organized to do homework.

 

 

Create a space to do homework. Have a table and chair in a quiet place away from the TV, perhaps in the corner of a bedroom. Add a clock to help your child manage his or her time. Never do your child’s homework for him or her. Instead, write us a note to explain your issues.

Create special place to keep the backpack

 

 

We ask students to have their on the go folder with them at home and at school. This system will save the day as your child hurries to school. If everything is in the on the go folder or backpack the night before, you can just grab the backpack and go and you won’t have to think about if your child will have needed materials.

Make rules about homework.

 

 

Decide with your child on a good time to do homework and stick to that schedule. Look the homework over and sign it when it is finished. The goal is for the student to be responsible for getting it done in 40 minutes (or less) each night.

Help your child do projects at your library, museum or nature center.

 

 

Get your child his or her own library card. Take your child to the Bayonne library to look up information. Let your child use his or her own card to check out the materials he or she needs. Access to learning centers other than school introduces children to the world of learning outside of school.