The Importance of Regular Attendance When parents are involved in their children’s education, and when education is priority in the home, students will have better attendance, higher grades, and higher test scores.

Why is Regular Attendance Important?  It allows students to feel more at-ease in the learning environment.  Students are less likely to fall behind in the classroom.  Classroom instruction, a valuable part of learning, will be missed.  Classes such as, gym, computer, and music can’t be made up.  Make up work is hard; it teaches less, and takes more time to finish.  Builds responsibility that lasts a lifetime.

The Importance of Regular Attendance At any grade level, frequent absences from school are serious. Frequent school absences can seriously affect your child’s school achievement.

Simple Steps to Promoting At - Home Routines Before School  Make certain children know what needs to be done to prepare for school.  Provide breakfast or make sure your child arrives early enough to partake in the school breakfast program.  Save TV hours for a more relaxed time.  Try an alarm clock in the child’s room. After School  Provide a quiet place for homework.  Pack school bags in the evening.  Have clothes out and ready.

Why is Establishing Routines important?  Helps calm children and parents  Helps children develop:  Self-control  Independence  Responsibility  Decision-making Skills  Problem-solving Skills

Bedtime Routines  Give the child transition time.  Help the child identify the time or set a timer.  Make a picture chart of what your child needs to do before he or she goes to bed.  Provide a sense of security (blankets, stuffed animals, night light)  Allow talk time to allow your child to unwind.  Make rules about the number of stories or songs, so they are not stalling  Stop the popping out of bed, tell them you will be back in 5 minutes to check on them.

Creating a Good Environment for Study  Find a place for your child to study.  Turn off the telephone and television.  Be a good role model.  Talk about what you and child have read.

Homework Basics Homework can have many benefits for young children. It can improve remembering and understanding of schoolwork. Homework can help them develop study skills. It can teach them that learning can take place anywhere, not just in the classroom. Homework can foster positive character traits, such as independence, responsibility and teach them how to manage time.

Tips for Parents  Make sure they have a quiet, well-lit place to do homework.  Materials needed to complete the homework.  Be positive about homework.  When child does homework, you do homework.  Give them guidance not the answers.  If the teacher asks you to play a role in homework, do it.  Let them do the homework alone, if it is required.  Stay informed, talk with the teacher.  Have your child do the hard homework first.  Watch for signs of failure or frustration.  Reward progress in homework.