Paul Kropp in the “The Reading Solution” recommends that parents read with their children right through high school. It not only helps keep them interested in reading but gives parents neutral ground for discussion during these difficult years. During the danger times,’ the parent can take up the slack and spend more time reading to the child. Or they could play the video games (Zelda for example) that involve more reading. Another activity is to spend more time grocery shopping together and having the child take on a greater role finding items which would involve reading labels, grocery lists, and signs in the store. What other creative ways can the parent include reading, without the child feeling pushed to read? Some other examples include travelling by bus and having the child map out the route; going to see a foreign film that interests the child and having them read the subtitles or just turn on the subtitles on your regular TV so that they are always there (closed captioning). There are all sorts of neat ideas that parents will benefit from brainstorming and sharing.

How to Talk to your Child’s Teacher

1. Introduce yourself early in the year to the teacher. Do not wait for the parent/teacher interview.
2. Attend parents’ nights and take notes.
3. Before a meeting with the teacher think about what you want to say and accomplish. Write down questions you want to ask.
4. Take an interest in what your child is learning. Ask guided questions…what was your favourite activity today? Why? Ask the teacher questions about what the child is learning and how he/she is doing at school.
5. Ask for samples of work.
6. Look at the books your child is reading at school. Ask the teacher to recommend books.
7. Ask the teacher how you can best support at home what your child is doing at school.
8. Ask the teacher about homework? How much should be done at home?