Local Teacher Wisdom BY HANNAH SCHMITT
Back-to-school season can be as challenging as it is exciting. Kids and parents alike can have a difficult time getting into the swing of school. We asked some local teachers from a variety of grade levels to give us their best advice for our readers. The most important thing families can do to be ready not just for this school year, but for lifelong learning, is to create a culture of learning in their homes. To do this, parents can promote curiosity and questioning by talking about shared interests and what their kids wonder. They can create a culture of reading by devoting family time to reading and discussing what they have read. Parents can encourage their kids to be problem solvers and to understand that all people face challenges, but it is what we do when challenged that defines us. This powerful message can be shared in simple ways, like while building with blocks, learning a craft or baking together. When families create a culture of learning in their homes, kids will be eager to go to school and come home not just to tell parents how their day went, but what they loved about their day, and what they can do to extend that learning together. Teresa Lansford MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) has been a teacher for 14 years. She’s the Norman Public Schools 2018 Teacher of the Year and currently the teacher librarian at Lincoln Elementary School. –––––––––––––––––– The number one thing that parents can do to support their kids and their teachers is to simply talk to their students about school. Ask them what they’re learning about, what they did in their classes and if there is anything they would like to learn about more at home. Don’t ask yes or no
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questions because your conversation will be over before it starts! If your student does open up about something they want to learn more about, get excited and get started! We are lucky enough to have wonderful resources through our school districts, public library systems and local colleges that can help any kid pursue their interests outside of the school day. Foster their love of learning at home and they will come to school ready to do work, ask questions and make new things! Also, encourage your kids to read at least 30 minutes every night. This would be a great family activity and data shows that reading for pleasure can increase comprehension skills. Reach out to teachers or librarians for good book recommendations for your kids! Jessica Eschbach is Norman’s Alcott Middle School 2017/2018 Teacher of the Year. She’s been a teacher for five years and will be the teacher librarian at Kennedy Elementary in Norman this year. –––––––––––––––––– Leading up to the first day of school, talk often about what to expect. Kids going to school for the first time benefit from frequent conversations and pretend play around school. Create a goodbye ritual that will make drop-off easier and will reinforce with your child what to expect next. Give children some say in what happens by letting them pick out their clothes or the food they will pack in their lunch. Another handy thing to do for teachers is to provide them directly with your contact
information. Of course the office has it, but giving it to the teacher at the beginning of the year ensures they have immediate access to it if they need it. Remember, your child picks up on your vibes. So stay calm and confident at drop-off and they will feel calm and confident, too. Cherry Mays has been teaching PreK for 17 years. She currently teaches at Cesar Chavez Elementary. –––––––––––––––––– My advice to parents would be to read with their child. I can’t overemphasize the benefits of this simple act. Every night would be great but I realize life is busy so strive for four to five nights a week, 15-20 minutes each night. A consistent reading habit will reap huge rewards for kids. Pick a book that you can take turns reading. The goal is for the student to hear the parent reading aloud using it as a model... students will learn how to read from their parents’ example. Do not use this time as a reading lesson.... if your child doesn’t know a word, just pronounce it for them. This time should be enjoyable reinforcing that learning and reading can be fun! If you are looking for a book to start with, I highly recommend “Land of Stories” by Chris Colfer. DeAnni Tate is a 15-year teaching veteran. She currently teaches fourth grade at Deer Creek Elementary ––––––––––––––––––
