When you're in the middle of a marathon homework session, encourage your child to continue focusing by giving frequent concentration breaks. Say, "You'll need to focus really well for the next 10 minutes, then you'll get a break." (Why does this remind me of Lamaze class?!) Highlight processing signs (plus, minus, divide, etc.) on your child's math homework so he'll remember to do the correct operation. In your quest toward homework independence, your child might just need a jump start. When she begins a subject, do the first problem or two with her, or help write that first sentence, or … [Read more...]
How to Increase Reading Comprehension
April 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment
If your child has trouble reading, there are many, many strategies to give a boost. Trying to find out which strategy works is not easy, so it helps to hear ideas that have worked for other kids. Here are some ways to help your child master the all important skill of reading, and hopefully help him develop a love for a good book! Whisper Phone - It often helps a child to hear what she is reading as she reads it. But reading aloud is not always possible. Some enterprising teacher came up with this 'whisper phone'. It's two PVC elbow joints and one small straight piece. The child whispers … [Read more...]
From the Archives…A Homework Nightmare
April 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Welcome to this week's Ounce of Ketchup! I'll be blunt. I hope your week has been better than ours. Without going into the gory details, well…let's just do Thursday night. After we discovered that two of the boys had projects due Friday involving poster board, my husband volunteered to go buy extra. He came home with three science boards. Thankfully, we had just enough poster board in our supply closet. Somebody remind me to buy more before the next crisis occurs. Ron had two projects due that he hadn't started (she types with clenched teeth). One was a collage. My husband and I were … [Read more...]
A Bubble of Confidence – Standardized Testing Tips
April 18, 2009 By 1 Comment
John is in the fourth grade, and his school has announced the dates for the end of the year standardized testing. Given that John struggles academically, how should his parents approach this event? A. Hope for the best. B. Pressure John to pay attention and study. C. Tell John just to do his best. D. Ensure John is prepared emotionally and academically. Most parents have a lot to say about the validity and necessity of standardized tests. Your viewpoint on the subject will not change the fact that your child will soon face the rigors of the dreaded end of year exam. Like it or … [Read more...]
