Help children succeed in new school year

With summer break ending, here are tips for parents to start the new school year:

1. Teach your child to become a lifelong learner: Model the love of learning by talking to your child about the interesting things you learn each day. Show excitement about what your children are learning in school.

2. Read to your children often: A child who has a passion for reading can explore the world through books. Reading also improves writing skills.

3. Be a partner with your child's teacher: Get to know your child's teacher early in the year and learn what is expected of your child at school. Support your child's teachers by checking homework, knowing when assignments are due and asking questions of the teacher to make sure your child is on track and on schedule.

4. Incorporate learning into daily tasks: Beginning with back-to-school shopping, include your child in the tasks of budgeting and using math when making purchases.

5. Make sure your child is well rested: Students who are well rested do better in school. If your children are tired, they can't think clearly. Set a consistent bedtime.

6. Provide healthy meals, especially breakfast: Breakfasts high in sugar cause students to run out of energy halfway through the morning. Protein will give
your children the energy they need to keep them focused until it's time for lunch.

7. Establish a special place and time for homework: A quiet, well-lit area in the home dedicated solely to homework will help your children concentrate on their work. Plan a consistent time for homework every day.

8. Find ways to help your child's school: If possible, spend time at your children's school. Even if you can't provide regular assistance in the classroom, before or after school, ask your child's teacher and school staff about other ways you can help. Donations of supplies, help with fundraisers, and communicating with other parents can be done outside of school and work hours.

9. Teach your children at an early age to embrace California's rich diversity: Learn about other cultures as a family, and teach your children about respect for people of other races and backgrounds. California's classrooms are the most diverse in the nation. Our diversity is our strength in a global economy, and all California students must learn to work cooperatively with people who are different from themselves.

10. Expect your child to achieve: California's public schools need parental support in holding students to high expectations. Expect your children to do their very best each day. Hold them accountable fordoing homework and working hard to achieve inschool. When you expect your children to achieve athigh levels they will rise to the challenge.

Source: California Department of Education.