Back to School Tips

Let's Get Ready! ¡Alistemonos!

Making the First Day of School Easier

Remind your child that he/she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible. Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. They'll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh their positive memories about previous years, when they may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because they had a good time. Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus. If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk with her) to school and pick them up on the first day.

Healthy After School Snacks

Kids need less frequent snacks as they get older, but it's not together and be sure to include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. surprising that most are hungry after school. Many kids eat lunch early — 11:30 or even before — and then have an afternoon of classes and maybe even an afterschool activity before their next chance to eat.

Depending on a child's age and after-school routine, parents might not always be able to control what their kids eat in the late afternoon. But don't throw in the towel just yet. These steps can guide kids to good afterschool snacks that will be satisfying and still leave room for a nutritious dinner. Figure Out the Timing. Put yourself in your kids' shoes and consider their eating schedules on a normal weekday. Find out: When is lunchtime? What and how much do they eat at lunch? Do they ever skip lunch? Does the after-school program serve snacks? This will help you figure out how hungry your kids will be when they get home.

You'll also want to think about what time you normally serve dinner.

Create a List of Healthy Options.

Next, talk about which snacks your kids would like to have at snack time. Come up with a list of healthy options Pay attention to the amounts of protein, fiber, calcium, and other important nutrients, and don't miss the chance to talk about portion sizes. Together, choose snacks that are low in sugar, fat, and salt. Being involved in the process makes it more likely that kids will learn to make healthy food choices.

Make Healthy Snacks an Easy

Choice. Don't expect kids — even teens — to cut up their own veggie sticks. It's just too much bother, especially when they're hungry. Kids are more likely to eat what's handy. That's where you come in. Make healthy snacks easily available by packing them in their lunchboxes or backpacks or by having them visible and ready-to-eat at home. To read in Spanish go to www. latinolubbock.net/news-1 (Para leer en español ir a www. latinolubbock.net/news-1)

Haciendo el primer día más fácile

Recuerde a su hijo que no es el único estudiante que está un poco inquieto respecto al primer día de clases. Los maestros saben que los estudiantes están ansiosos, y harán un esfuerzo adicional para asegurarse de que todos se sientan tan cómodos como sea posible. Haga notar los aspectos positivos de empezar a ir a clases: Será divertido. Verá a viejos amigos y conocerá otros nuevos. Recuérdele acerca de los años previos, cuando quizá haya regresado animada a casa después del primer día porque pasó un momento agradable. Busque a otro niño en el vecindario con quien su hijo pueda acompañarse mientras va a la escuela a pie o en el autobús. Si considera que es apropiado, lleve a su hija en automóvil (o acompáñela a pie) a la escuela, y pase por ella el primer día.

Walking to School

Make sure your child's walk to a school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection. Be realistic about your child's pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision. If your child is young or is walking to new school, walk with them the first week to make sure they know the route and can do it safely.

Bright colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers. In neighborhoods with higher levels of traffic, consider starting a “walking school bus,” in which an adult accompanies a group of neighborhood children walking to school.

Caminando a la escuela a pie

Asegúrese de que el camino de su hijo hacia una escuela sea una ruta segura, con adultos capacitados que trabajen como guardas para el cruce de calles en cada intersección. Sea realista acerca de las habilidades peatonales de su hijo. Dado que los niños de corta edad son impulsivos y menos cuidadosos respecto al tránsito, considere con sumo cuidado si su hijo está o no listo para ir a la escuela a pie sin la supervisión de un adulto. La ropa de color brillante hará que su hijo sea más visible para los conductores.

All the best on a great school year! ¡Todo lo mejor en un gran año escolar! Latino Lubbock Magazine!

Developing Good Study Habits

Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy. Set aside ample time for homework. Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time. Supervise computer and internet use. Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child's

homework for them. Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive. If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren't able to help her yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child's teacher first.

Crea buenos hábitos de tarea y estudiar

Cree un ambiente propicio para hacer la tarea. Los jóvenes necesitan un espacio permanente para trabajar en su recámara u otra parte del hogar que les ofrezca privacidad. Reserve tiempo suficiente para que se haga la tarea. Establezca una regla en el hogar que dicte que la televisión permanezca apagada mientras los niños hacen la tarea. Esté disponible para responder preguntas y ofrecer ayuda, pero nunca haga la tarea de un niño en lugar de él. Para ayudar a aliviar la fatiga de los ojos, del cuello y del cerebro mientras se estudia, se recomienda que los jóvenes cierren los libros durante 10 minutos cada hora y vayan a hacer alguna otra cosa. Si su hijo está luchando con un tema particular, y usted no lo puedo ayudar, una persona que oriente a su hijo puede ser una buena solución. Hable al respecto con el maestro de su hijo primero.

After School Child Care

During middle childhood, youngsters need supervision. A responsible adult should be available to get them ready and off to school in the morning and watch over them after school until you return home from work. Children approaching adolescence (11- and 12-year-olds) should not come home to an empty house in the afternoon unless they show unusual maturity for their age. If alternate adult supervision is not available, parents should make special efforts to supervise their children from a distance. Children should have a set time when they are expected to arrive at home and should check in with a neighbor or with a parent by telephone. If you choose a commercial afterschool program, inquire about the training of the staff. There should be a high staff-to-child ratio, and the rooms and the playground should be safe.

Cuidado de niños antes y después de clases

Amediados de la niñez, los jóvenes necesitan supervisión. Un adulto responsable debe estar disponible para hacer que se preparen y que vayan a la escuela por la mañana y vigilarlos después de clases mientras usted regresa a casa después de trabajar. Los niños que se están aproximando a la adolescencia (de 11 y 12 años de edad) no deben regresar de la escuela por la tarde a un hogar vacío, a menos que muestren madurez poco común para su edad. Si no hay disponible supervisión alterna por parte de un adulto, los padres deben hacer esfuerzos especiales por supervisar a sus hijos a distancia. Los niños deben tener un horario establecido en el que se espera que lleguen a casa, y deben llamar por teléfono a un vecino, o al papá o mamá para avisar que ya llegaron. Si elige un programa comercial para después de clases, pregunte acerca de la capacitación del personal. El personal no debe tener a su cargo a un número excesivo de niños, y los salones y el patio de recreo deben ser seguros.