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). #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...

  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). #15 Just do it!   I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand. ~Confucius Did you ever say to someone, "Could you just write it down for me?" Have you ever been somewhere ten times and yet cannot get there again on your own because you hadn't actually driven the car there yourself? Did you tell your child the fire was hot several times, but it took his burning himself never to touch it again?   As the saying above goes, telling or showing someone something may not be enough. When children (and adults, too, for that matter) are told something, they may or may not remember it. If they can see it written down, they may retain more. When they do it, when they are part of the discovery of learning about it, chances are they'll never forget it.   You can take...

  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). #7 Be a Role Model   The country clubs, the cars, the boats, Your assets may be ample, But the best inheritance you can leave your kids Is to be a good example. ~Barry Spilchuk   Teachers know the importance of making sure they are also reading during the class silent reading time. The children are always amazed at this at the beginning of the school year. " You like to read, too?" That is one opportunity teachers have to do exactly as the children are doing. You have so many others. Your child can see you using a calculator to balance your checkbook, preparing healthy meals from all of the different food groups, reading maps to prepare for a road trip. Do you take any kind of classes for your job or outside of it? Consider doing some of your homework side-by-side when your chi...

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). D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read)   Take time to read; it is the foundation of wisdom. ~Old English Prayer   Today make it a point to cuddle and read with your child every day. Research shows that even as little as 15 minutes a day not only enhances your child's love of reading but also contributes to his overall academic success. It doesn't matter if you have a kindergartner or a fifth-grader, children love to be read to. It is intimate, free, and fun. It is perhaps the easiest way to increase your child’s academic skills. Experiment and find an uninterrupted time that works well with your family. Try:   ●       first thing in the morning; ●       right after school; ●       after dinner; or ● ...