MSI Press Blog

  Today's tip for parents (from two talented teachers) comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly (yes, those are the two talented teachers). #17 Having a Homework Policy   How doth the little busy bee improve each shining hour And gather honey all the day from every opening flower! ~Isaac Watts   If your child is like most, he is probably as busy as a bee. Whether he has homework every day or seldom, truckloads or not much, it is important for your family to have a Homework Policy. This may include rules for when homework is to be completed, where, and how. Many fights stem from kids trying to put homework off until later in the evening or even for another day. If you establish rules that must be obeyed, your child will feel no need to argue. Choose a time when you or another responsible adult will be around to help out if needed. You could try first thing after school, just before or after dinner, bef...

  Today's tip for parents (from two talented teachers) comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly (yes, those are the two talented teachers). #12 Language is More Than Reading and Writing   We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. ~Epictetus   Parents are usually very aware of how well their children are doing in reading and writing. You may set aside time to help them practice and make an effort to show them that they are valued. There are two other components of language that are also very important, and these skills are often overlooked. They are listening and speaking . You do not need to set aside time in the day or week to practice listening and speaking to show your child that these are important life skills. Just make an effort to show your child you are really listening to her when she is speaking. She will know she has your attention by your body language, eye contact, ...

  Today's tip for parents (from two talented teachers) comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly (yes, those are the two talented teachers). #11 Thinking Out Loud   Enthusiasm is contagious. Start an epidemic.  ~Unknown   Did you know that talking to yourself not only helps you organize your thoughts but also helps your child? When you are working through a problem, make it a point to say what you are thinking out loud. Look for opportunities to do this. For example:   "I need to make 100 cupcakes for the bake sale. If each muffin tin makes 12 cupcakes and I have 2 muffin tins I can make 24 at a time. So, let’s see… how many batches will I need to bake? I will divide 100 by 24…."   Your child will realize that adults, like children, must go through a series of steps to conquer a problem. If you're enthusiastic about learning and are willing to take the time to really think something ...

  Today's tip for parents (from two talented teachers) comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly (yes, those are the two talented teachers). #10 Share and Share Alike   I think the one lesson I have learned is that there is no substitute for paying attention. ~Diane Sawyer   Have you ever asked your child, "So, what did you do in school today?" and received the infamous reply, "Nuthin'"? Next time, try opening up the lines of communication by asking her a more specific question such as:   ●       What was the best part about today? (Besides lunch and recess!)            ●       Tell me about one thing that made you happy, sad, frustrated, etc. ●       What was one thing you could have done better today? ●       What are you most proud of today?   ...