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). #19 Creating a Life Long Learner   The important thing is not so much that every child be taught , as that every child should be given the wish to learn . ~John Lubbock   As your family takes the journey toward academic success together, there is something very important to keep in mind. Try to remember that your goal is not to fill your child up with information. You want to awaken his sense of curiosity, ambition, and desire to learn on his own. It's not so important what you teach him but that you teach him to think. If you can instill in your child a sense of wonder and a love of learning, your efforts will surely be rewarded. You will create a child who is not afraid to question, to try, to take a risk, and to think for himself. These are qualities that will ...

  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). #18 Creating a Study Area   If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them. ~Henry David Thoreau   Giving your child a special, well-equipped study space is a good foundation for quality accomplishments. When your child has a designated spot in which to complete homework, it will not only help her to be better organized, but also will offer her a welcome and ready place that is just right for producing her best work. It should be an area with enough space for her to spread out the things she will need to be working on. It should be a well-lit, relatively quiet area with no distractions (such as the TV, phone, or little siblings) so that she can concentrate. Some things that would be helpful to have i...

  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). #16 Break it up!   Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it up into small jobs. ~Henry Ford   Many tasks, from homework assignments to chores, can seem overwhelming to children. No matter what the job is, if your child needs help, perhaps you could help her before she even starts. See if you and your child can work together to break the entire task into smaller, more manageable parts. For a younger child, it may be helpful to write the steps down for her to check off as she accomplishes them. For older children, a verbal discussion may be all that is necessary to get them off to a good start. Your child may be more willing and able to take the whole project on herself once she sees a clear way to get there.        Cindy McKinley Alde...