22 minute read
Product Roundup
By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards
BACK TO SCHOOL
A Smart Girl’s Guide: Tough Stuff
A book that shows girls how to get through tricky times—from bullying to body image issues, friendship stress to family struggles, and panic attacks to pandemic. $12.99, ages 10+, americangirl.com
The Highlights Book of How
An essential book of curiosity and wonder, integrating STEM content, experiments and activities. Provides dozens of ways for kids to explore and create while deepening their understanding of science. $29.99, ages 7+, shop.highlights.com
Sketch Pals
Ocean Friends
Clippable doodle board characters perfect for backpacks and lunchboxes. Kids can doodle with anything, including the attached stylus. With a push of a button, the board instantly clears itself. $19.99-34.99, ages 4+, myboogieboard.com Food-safe, leakproof, BPA-free, freezer safe and ideal for packing snacks and lunches for school. Perfectly sandwich-sized and the double-lock closure provides an airtight seal, preventing spills while assuring food and snacks stay fresh all day. $19.99, rezip. com
Readyland
An immersive, magical reading experience that encourages kids’ love of reading. Printed books come alive with innovative voice technology, allowing readers to talk to characters, respond to questions, choose songs, play games and much more. $14.99, ages 4+, readyland.com
(re)zip Lay-Flat Lunch Bag
Mini Clothing Stamp
Great for labeling tagless tees, sweaters, jackets and uniforms. Small enough for on-the-go labelling and preloaded with ink that is washable for approx. 40 washes. $31, mabelslabels.com
Kahoot
A platform that makes it easy for educators, parents and learners of all ages to create, share and host interactive learning sessions. Children create their own learning session in minutes and discover millions of ready-to-use learning experiences from educators and trusted publishers such as Disney, Star Wars™, Minecraft Education, Marvel and more. Free, kahoot.com
Fashion Fidgets
Kids can add some fun to their backpack with these cute collectibles with a fashionable twist that double as fidget toys. Collection from WowWee features 18 dolls that pop, twist, pull or spin. $9.99, ages 5+, Walmart.com
Tot Cot Daycare Preschool Nap Mat
100% machine-washable pillow, a slim-quilted lining, child’s name tag, straps to secure on the cot, an attached premium nopill fleece blanket and a handle for easy toting. $43, ages 2-4, urbaninfant.com
KeaBabies Toddler Pillow
Make sure your child gets a good night sleep with this natural and ergonomic pillow that is thoughtfully sized for preschoolers. $29.96, ages 2-5, keababies.com
Homework Help
By Janeen Lewis
15 Ways to Support Your Child
et’s be honest – sometimes parents
Ldread homework as much as their kids do. But homework connects parents to what their children are learning in school, and research shows that children are more likely to be successful in school when their families support them. By following these tips, even the most homework-challenged parents can help their children have a successful homework year.
1. Understand the reason for homework.
Homework reinforces what is being taught in the classroom and teaches students important life skills – responsibility, time management and task completion. Children should be able to complete the work with little help from parents, and they shouldn’t come home with an entirely new concept to learn. Homework should be practice or an extension of what they’ve already learned.
2. Know the teacher’s philosophy.
Teachers have different philosophies about how much homework to assign. Some think piling on a ton of homework helps build character. Others think children have done enough work during the day and don’t assign any. Understand where your child’s teacher falls on the homework spectrum so you are not surprised as the homework does (or doesn’t) come home. If you are unsure what a reasonable amount of homework is, The National Education Association and The National Parent Teacher Association recommend 10-20 minutes of homework per night in the first grade, and an additional 10 minutes per grade after that.
3. Learn what the homework rules are.
At Open House learn the homework policy of the school and your child’s teacher. What are the consequences for lost or forgotten homework? Don’t be quick to bail your child out every time you get a frantic text message about forgotten homework. One of the purposes of homework is to teach responsibility.
4. Get organized.
Your child should have a backpack and homework folder to carry assignments between home and school. Teachers of primary students usually send homework correspondence each night. If your older child’s teacher doesn’t require students to record school work in an assignment book, provide one yourself and teach your child how to fill it out.
5. Schedule a consistent time.
With sports, service projects, religious and community activities, it can be hard to schedule one set time every day to do homework. Aim for as much consistency as possible when scheduling homework around afterschool activities.
6. Designate a study space.
Pick a homework space free from distractions. However, consider your child’s personality and ability to focus when selecting a homework station. Some children concentrate best in complete quiet at the kitchen table or a desk. Others study well on their bed with background music. And reading areas can be creative like a reading tent or comfy bean bag. Make study areas free from video games, television and the games of other siblings who finish homework early
7. Create a supply caddy.
Fill a plastic caddy or bin organizer with items your child might need for homework. Some good supplies are pencils, markers, crayons, glue, tape, stapler, threehole punch, paper clips, notebook paper, small wipe-off board with dry erase markers, art paper, graph paper, calculator, protractor, compass, ruler and a dictionary/ thesaurus combo. Also provide a wipe-off calendar for important due dates.
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8. Be available, but don’t do the work.
Helping your child with homework is a great way to connect with them, but don’t spoon feed answers. The whole point of homework is for children to practice skills independently.
9. Use a timer if necessary.
Sometimes children like to procrastinate. Some children like the challenge of beating the clock. Either way, a timer keeps a child focused on the finish line.
10. Keep a resource bookshelf.
Can’t remember what a gerund is? Are you a little rusty on what the terms perpendicular and parallel mean? Keep an assortment of reference books or save online references to your Favorites list on your computer. A good math dictionary for parents of elementary students is Math Dictionary: Homework Help for Families by Judith de Klerk. Another great resource is the Everything You Need to Know About Homework Series Set by Anne Zeman and Kate Kelly.
11. Create a phone chain.
How many times has your child left their spelling words at school or forgotten a lesson? Help your child make a list of friends they can call or get to know other parents in your child’s class so you can have a phone chain to get answers about assignments.
12. Model learning as a priority.
Let your child see you reading the newspaper or books. Discuss current events, politics or the new art or history museum you want to visit. Find exciting tidbits in their homework lessons and research them. Show by example that learning is fun.
13. Encourage.
No matter how tired you are, have a positive attitude about the work your child is doing. Encourage their efforts and let them know you are proud of them.
14. Reward.
Homework rewards don’t have to be elaborate, although you may want to up the ante for a struggling child or one who is hard to motivate. A reward can be something as simple as a fun activity when they finish. But you can also keep a homework incentive chart and let your child earn a special activity with mom or dad, some extra screen time or a dinner out.
15. Don’t be afraid to speak up.
If you think too much homework is coming home, that your child isn’t familiar with the material or that they are struggling, don’t be too intimidated to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher. Most teachers welcome feedback and want to help your child succeed.
Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist and teacher with a Master’s Degree in education. Because she loves to see her students get lost in books, reading is her favorite homework to assign.
WEBSITES THAT HELP WITH HOMEWORK
Dictonary.com and Thesaurus.Com: This website is a dual tool to help students define words and find synonyms. Quizlet.com: Provides study tools like flashcards, games and study sets. Make your own or choose from their library of topics. Factmonster.com: Find facts on a variety of school subjects and play educational games. Also has a dictionary, encyclopedia, thesaurus, atlas, almanac, and timelines. Khanacademy.com: Includes online courses, lessons and practice in a variety of subjects for students in kindergarten through high school. Also includes test prep and information about college and careers.
Be available, but don’t do the work. The whole point of homework is for children to practice skills independently.
APPS THAT HELP WITH HOMEWORK
Dictionary.com: This app works just like a print dictionary without taking up desk space. myHomework: This student planner syncs across devices and allows students to access classes and assignments and sends due date reminders. My GradeBook: Students or parents can keep track of grades with this app. StudyBlue: Provides tools including flashcards, notes and study guides. Tinycards: This flashcard app helps with memorization. Meta Calculator: A graphing, scientific, matrix and statistics calculator app, this will help in those challenging upper level math classes.
Help!
Troubleshooting Tips: Support for Common School Work Struggles
What if my child breezes through homework or is under challenged in school?
Talk to your child’s teacher about giving your child more challenging work. If your child still seems to be on Easy Street, you might consider having him or her tested for gifted services. Finally, if the problem persists over time, ask to have your child promoted or see if he or she can take classes in areas of strength in a higher grade.
What if my child is getting too much homework?
Too much homework can be a drain on family time. And if your child is spending hours completing homework every night, they may get burnt out. Talk to other parents in your child’s class to see if they are encountering the same problem. Then approach your child’s teacher diplomatically with the problem. If the problem doesn’t get any better you might consider discussing it with the administration or the school’s Parent Teacher Association to see if a more reasonable and uniform policy can be decided for the school.
What if my child is taking too long to complete homework?
If you have a good homework routine in place, and your child is working hard but struggling, don’t panic. Sometimes kids take longer to learn some skills than others. But if the problem becomes pervasive, this could be a sign your child needs some extra help. Consider hiring a tutor or see if your school offers homework help at its after-school program. If your child begins to fall behind, testing him or her might be a good course of action to rule out any learning challenges. Remember, keep an upbeat attitude. Don’t lose heart, and chances are your child won’t either. ✷
Taking the Stress Out
of Back-to-School Mornings
By Sarah Lyons
School mornings can be stressful for both parents and kids. The morning can be very hectic with limited time to eat breakfast, get dressed, gather belongings, and get to school on time. Here are some ideas for families to lower the stress and create a smoother school morning.
LUNCH SOLUTION
Packing a healthy school lunch (or multiple lunches can take up a lot of time in the morning. Get a head start on lunch preparations by starting the evening before. “If my kitchen is clean, I feel like I am ahead of the game. Every night before going to bed I prepare lunches for the next day, put away clean dishes, and reload the dishwasher.” says Kim Burnette, mother of two. By getting a head start the night before, you eliminate a big step, leaving you time for other things in the morning.
BACKPACK SOLUTION
After the kids have completed their homework, have them pack their backpacks up. Parents can sign permission slips, go through school papers, and gather any supplies needed for school the next day and pack them up. Does your child have their gym uniform and band instrument? When everything is ready the night before, there is less to do on school mornings.
WARDROBE SOLUTION
Check the weather the evening before school so that kids can lay out their clothing and outerwear for the next
day. With coats, hats, gloves, and boots laid out there is less scramble to find everything the next morning. Also try laying out the entire week’s clothing on Sunday. “We have a small plastic set of drawers with 5 drawers that can be purchased in the storage section at Target. We put an outfit for both of the kids in each on Sunday.” says Alicia Dafferner, mother of two.
PREP YOURSELF
Many parents find that if they can wake up before the kids, they feel more refreshed and prepared for a productive morning. This gives them the time to take a few minutes to wake up, enjoy a cup of coffee, or grab a quick shower. Mother of three, Jessi Cole, says “I find that it helps if I get up early and get myself ready before my kids get up. That way, I only have to worry about them.”
BREAKFAST SOLUTION
Help make breakfast healthier and quicker by planning ahead. Sherry Hoffman, mom of two boys, says “I make several breakfast options that are freezer and toaster oven friendly on the weekends that we can choose throughout the week.” Ideas for freezer-friendly breakfast items include breakfast burritos, waffles, french toast, or muffins. There are also easy to make options like whole grain cereal, yogurt with fruit and granola, or a breakfast smoothie. Many of these items can be prepared the night before to help the morning go smoother.
EARLY TO BED, EARLY TO RISE
“I have noticed that it makes our mornings much smoother if my kids get enough sleep, so early bedtimes are a must.” says Hoffman. Kids who have a consistent early bedtime are more rested for an early wake up. Rested kids are in better moods and stay on task on school mornings, causing less stress and conflict in the morning.
ELIMINATE ELECTRONICS
With limited time to be prepared for school, it is best to eliminate electronic distractions. Parents and kids need to focus on the goal, which is getting to school on time. Distractions like television, handheld devices, and video games only slow down the process. Remind kids that there will be time for electronics after school, when their chores and homework are complete.
Adjusting to a new school schedule can take a while, but if parents do their best to prepare the night before and teach kids to do the same, the mornings will run much smoother. ✷
Sarah Lyons has the task of getting her six children to school in the morning. Planning and preparation help her household run smoothly.
Think Outside the Lunch Box
Some kids are more likely to eat their lunch if they are given a variety of foods rather than the same old thing every day. Here are some ideas to get you thinking outside the lunch box. • Wrap it up – fill a tortilla with meat, cheese, and veggies, add your favorite dressing. • Fill a Thermos with soup or pasta • Send pasta or lettuce salad • Dip it – hummus with veggies or crackers, guacamole with chips, or ranch with veggies • Leftovers – send last night’s dinner, chicken and pizza make a great lunch • Different sandwich – put meat and cheese on a sub sandwich instead of bread or send something unusual like peanut butter and banana (use sunbutter for a nut-free option) • Homemade lunchables – cheese, meat, and crackers • Kabobs – fill skewers with grapes, tomatoes, cheese cubes, or meat • Quesadillas – they are taste great cold too • Breakfast for lunch
By Sarah Lyons
s kids pack up their new backpacks, sharpen their pencils, and try on their new fall clothes, most start to get excited about the first day of school. While the beginning of the school year is an exciting time and represents a new start, some kids may feel anxious about the unknown. A new teacher, new classmates, or a new school can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Using some simple strategies, parents can help prepare their children for the first day and ease their concerns.
START WITH THE BASICS
When children are well rested and have full tummies, they are better prepared for a busy day. Start adjusting bedtime and wake up times a week or more in advance so the child has time to adjust to the new school routine. A healthy and filling breakfast starts children off on the right foot. When these needs are met, parents and kids can work together to tackle school anxiety.
TALK IT THROUGH
Allow your child to talk about his feelings. Help him list the specific things that he is worrying about. Instead of brushing aside worry, let him know it is natural to be nervous and you will help him adjust to a new school. Try reading some age appropriate children’s books about the first day of school jitters.
DISCUSS THE PLAN
Walk your child through what she can expect on the first day. Discuss her transportation and daily schedule at school. If the child has specific worries, try to address when that will happen during day. For some, role playing can help them feel more comfortable. Begin
the day as you would a typical school morning. Prepare breakfast, get dressed, and pack bags as if you are going to school. Act out the child’s day and “play school”. Take turns being the teacher. Making it a game can make the child more comfortable when the real day approaches.
FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE
Often parents are just as anxious about their child going off to school as the student. Focus on the positive when you talk to your child about school. Make it exciting by having your child pick out a new backpack, school supplies, and an outfit for the first day. Encourage older siblings to help by talking about the fun things they will experience at school. Ask your child what they are excited about. Watch your own anxiety on the first day and try to behave in a calm and positive way.
TAKE A TOUR
If the school has a “Meet the Teacher” night, take advantage of this time to show the child the classroom, become familiar with the surroundings, and introduce them to the teacher. This will allow the child to feel more comfortable in their surroundings on the first day.
ENCOURAGE FRIENDSHIPS
When a child recognizes a friendly face in the classroom, it can make them feel much more at ease. Encourage your child to meet other children in the neighborhood that will be in the same class. Host a playdate or a class picnic for the kids.
DISCUSS WITH TEACHER
If anxiety persists after the first few days of school, contact the teacher and share your concerns. She may have some suggestions on how to deal with a student’s anxiety and will be aware of the situation. Oftentimes, a teacher who knows a child is dealing with anxiety will give them extra support in the classroom.
REWARD FOR BRAVERY
The first day of school can be a stressful time. Reward your child for their bravery with a small toy, a special dessert, or a trip to their favorite park. It takes a lot of courage to try something new and it should be recognized. ✷
Sarah Lyons, mom to six children, loves all that goes along with a new school year. This year she will send her daughter off to kindergarten and both are experiencing a little anxiety and a lot of excitement.
Teach your kids to look for the new kids, not past them.
Iadjusted my off-the-shoulder sweatshirt covered in splatter paint. Inspired by the movie Flashdance, my sweatshirt did little to distract from the fact that I was a 5’8” tall twelve-year-old standing alone outside a middle school classroom. It was the first day of school and I knew no one. My family had just relocated to the area from several states away.
As I waited for the door to my classroom to open, I saw two girls whispering nearby.
“Smile,” I thought to myself as my lips curled over my teeth, covered in braces. “Make new friends,” I could hear my mother’s voice inside my head coaching me.
They approached, with the kind of confidence reserved for kids who
By Katy M. Clark
grow up in the same place their whole lives.
“Are you the new teacher?” one of them asked.
“No,” I replied. Then I froze. I knew I was taller than the average twelveyear-old, but had I just been mistaken for an adult? “I’m a new student here,” I told them.
And then they walked away.
Being the new kid is a phenomenon that many children will experience in their lives. School districts and government agencies officially refer to it as student mobility, defined as any time a student changes school for reasons other than grade promotion. Student mobility can be voluntary, such as changing schools to participate in a magnet program, or involuntary, as was my case, due to a change in my father’s job.
But on that uncomfortable first day, I was not thinking about what kind of statistic I was. All I knew was that I was alone, nervous, and scared. The experience of being the new kid has encouraged me to teach my own children to look for the new students in their schools and be kind to them. In a culture that is desperate for kindness, reaching out to the new kids is a tangible way to demonstrate it.
Below are 10 concrete ways I’m teaching my kids to help the new kid in school. May you find these helpful to share with your own kids as the school year begins:
1Recognize that there will be new kids at school, kids who do not know anyone. Look for them, don’t look past them.
2Say hi. Ask where the new kid is from. Does she have any pets or siblings?
3Sit with the new kid at lunch. Oh my word, just sit with him at lunch on the first day.
4Invite the new kid to hang out after school.
5Did I mention just talk to the new kid? It’s okay if you’re not best friends. Maybe you won’t have anything in common. But if you never even talk to the new kid, then you won’t find out if you have anything in common or not.
6Tell the new kid about clubs, sports, or other activities at school. When I was invited to join the basketball team, I gained a whole team of friends.
7Help the new kid find things like the gym and the cafeteria.
8Sit with her on the bus or stand with him at the pick-up loop. Even if it’s just for a day or two.
9Compliment the new kid. Maybe she has a cool backpack. Maybe she’s wearing a shirt with a sports team that is also your favorite sports team. On my painful first day, remember those girls that walked away from me? Later that day one of them told me she liked my watch band. It was a small comment, but it meant so much to me. 10Be welcoming and inclusive in group work in class. Remember, the new kid knows no one and things may have run differently at his old school.
Parents, teach your kids to look for the new students and take any of these concrete steps to be kind and helpful. As a result, the new kid won’t feel so alone and will be one step closer to finding her way in a new school.
And if you see any new moms or dads standing alone at the pick-up loop after school? Then it’s your turn to say hello. Ask where they are from. If you never even talk to the new parents, then you won’t find out if you have anything in common or not. ✷
Katy M. Clark is a writer who embraces her imperfections as a mom on her blog, ExperiencedBadMom.com.
