Dear Parents:
Welcome to the 2008-2009 school year at Woodside. This year we would like to partner with you as you work to help your child benefit from their education. Parenting is hard work and we look forward, with your child's teacher, in helping you make it a successful year.
There are many things we have learned over the years from parents, families, and from educational researchers about healthy practices that help children learn. On the reverse side of this letter are nine basic issues which we feel are most important for learning.
We will be focusing on these things this year in our school newsletter, at parent conferences and at other meetings held at school. We hope that you as parents will actively focus on these healthy practices within your families as well.
We would like to support you in every way we can in this partnership. Please let us know how we can help you this year as we work together to offer your child the best education possible.
Sincerely,
The Administrators, Teachers and Staff of the Woodside School
Healthy Practices that Help Children Learn
Show an interest in school . You will show your child that you value education when you: check the backpack daily and ask your child about the things in it, email back and forth with your child's teacher and help your child with homework by providing a structured routine and environment for homework. Be sure your child attends school every day and limit vacations to scheduled school vacation times. Children love when parents volunteer, attend parent conferences, school performances and functions.
Sleep : Growing children of all ages need 10-11 hours of sleep each night. Between 7:30 and 8 is an appropriate bedtime for a child who will be well rested and ready for learning in the morning.
Morning routine : Children are most ready for school when awakened by adults and helped with their morning routine. Allow time for hygiene, breakfast, organizing school materials and play time.
Food: Children with a balanced, healthy diet are more successful at school because they are more alert, perform better and have the energy for learning. The MSAD Health Policy recommends snacks such as fruits, fresh vegetables and whole grains are preferable to sugary snacks.
Discipline: Children of all ages benefit educationally from appropriate discipline at home and school. Children used to accepting limits are more adaptable to the structure of school and come to school ready to learn.
Staying well : Children learn well when they feel well. Sick children should stay home because they will not be ready for learning and may spread their illness to other children.
Active Play: Elementary school children are developing their muscles and imaginations and need to get fresh air and to play to stay well. They also need to play with other children to develop language, creativity and problem solving skills
Daily reading : Daily reading is a basic activity which helps children in many ways. Read to your child, listen to your child read to you and read a book together, go to the town library and get a free library card and be sure your child sees you reading.
Limiting screen time : Many parents, educators and researchers have learned that reducing screen time helps their focus in school and in their family. Recommended screen time is 1 hour per day, 2 hours maximum, supervised if possible. How many screens are in your home? (Screens are defined as: TV, video games, hand held devices, movies, computers)
Do things with your child that you both enjoy , even just for ten minutes per day. For example: share household task and chores and do them together as a learning opportunity, play checkers, read together, take a walk, play with pets, have dinner together This builds trust and strengthens families.