"Ask the Teacher" Airs on Star94!

Standing in front of hundreds of children and speaking - no problem. Parent Teacher Conferences and Back to School Night - a breeze. So why was walking into a studio at the radio station for the first time so nerve racking? I guess it was primarily because this was the beginning of a new direction in my career. I have always loved working with and educating children. Now it is the parents' turn!

If you missed today's segment on Star94 called "Ask the Teacher," you can click on the following link to listen.
http://www.star94.com/podcasts/index.aspx 
(Once the page opens, scroll down to the second cluster of blue links. Click on the one that says "Have no fear parents, Lisa the Learning Lady is here to help!")

After each show I will post a recap and go into a bit more detail in answering the questions. 

"Ask The Teacher" 9/27/10

Question #1
How much help do I offer my child when they have to do projects and homework?

• Most teachers use homework and projects as review or extensions of what is being learned in the class and are aware that parents are around to offer help.
• Helping your child is a great way to spend quality time with them and get a glimpse of what is being taught in the classroom.
• If you find yourself "doing" the work because your child is struggling and having great difficulty, send the teacher an email and let them know that you had to offer a lot of help and that your child really struggled.

Question #2
You see that your child can be distracted while doing homework (texting, music, etc.) How can they get their work done in a more timely manner?

• At the beginning of the school year, talk to your child about how they want to approach homework each day. Do they feel that they need to come home and unwind for a few minutes first (eat a snack, call a friend, watch tv, run around outside, etc.)? Are they the type that wants to sit down, do it and get it over with? Where is a good place to do your homework? Particularly with younger children, establishing a routine can be helpful for them (and for you).
• Set up expectations. We (and our kids) are the generation of multi-taskers. There are many children, especially older ones, that feel that they can complete their work with the radio on or answering intermittent texts/calls here and there. Talk to your children and tell them that you trust they will get their work done and that it will be done well. They need to agree though that if they are not producing quality work or getting their work done in a timely manner, then until the work is done you will remove the distractions! (Hello quiet room with no cell, tv, ipod, etc....)
• Good rule of thumb - Involve your children in the process and give them a voice!

Question #3
My child has tried to test into the advanced placement/challenge classes and has not been accepted. She is being encouraged to test again, but it is hurting her self confidence because she continually does not make the grade. Should I continue to have her test?

• The first thing you need to do is compliment your daughter for not giving up. The fact that she keeps trying her best should be commended.
• Unfortunately, not everyone tests well. While some schools strictly use the grades from the test, others will take into consideration teacher recommendations. If her teachers feel that she performs well enough in class and that she would do well in the challenge classes, then at this point I think you need to talk to them personally. You may be able to point out that she has been asked to test numerous times and that the only thing standing in the way is her test score.
• If the school will go solely on the test score, talk to the teacher that is recommending it and see if she has any tips/tricks/strategies that she can go over with your child that may better prepare her for the test.