As we begin the new school year, we’re offering you some expert advice — from our outstanding teachers — to make it the best year ever for your children.
Every Monday, on our Cherokee County School District social media pages, we post a Q&A with top CCSD teachers, asking questions including, “What can parents do to prepare their child for learning?” Here are a few of their responses.
– Barbara P. Jacoby serves as chief communications officer for the Cherokee County School District, and is a CCSD parent with four children.
“Parents actively participating in their child’s education is a key element in a child’s success. When students see their parents investing time into their schoolwork and activities, students internalize the importance of making the most of their learning opportunities. Frequently reading with their child and practicing basic math facts to build fluency are both solid foundational steps that help prepare all children for learning.”
— Amanda Powell, Sixes Elementary School
“To prepare children for learning at school, parents must expose their children to the world. This can be through reading, music, foods, travel, museums and nature, to name just a few. Respect for others, problem solving, coping mechanisms and responsibility should be modeled at home, to help students have basic tools for learning new things and meeting new people. Curiosity, hard work and empathy cannot be beat when it comes to being a great student.”
— Shari Tolan, Teasley Middle School
“Parents can prepare their children for learning by reading to them every day, especially when they are young. Reading with your child sets a strong foundation for better communication skills and exposure to a variety of experiences. Most importantly, it instills positive relationships.”
— Allison Hawkins, Hasty Elementary Fine Arts Academy
“In order to ensure successful learning experiences for their children, the single most important thing parents can do is to demonstrate the value that they place on education. Being involved, then, is the most effective way to demonstrate that value. That doesn’t necessarily mean focusing simply on grades and achievement, though. Showing genuine interest in what their children are doing at school through a daily conversation about the specifics of their day is a great way for parents to be involved.”
— Justin Brown, Woodstock Middle School
“Learn how to study. In order to learn, people need to be exposed to the same material, repeatedly, over time. I didn’t really learn biology until I taught it. Students sometimes tell me I know a lot, but the reality is, I was just like them, and the only difference between us is experience. Parents should reduce the focus on test scores as a measure of learning, and instead have conversations with their children about what they are learning. Having the student be the teacher is one of the best ways to learn something.”
— John Murnan, Etowah High School
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