Even though it is the end of the school year, the next school year will be here before you know it. Learning does not stop when school is out for the summer. In fact, research continues to support the idea that what children learn at home greatly influences their success in school. So summer vacation is a great time to initiate new routines and develop strategies that will support your child’s education.

There is no question about it; all parents want their children to experience success in school. But the question is - What’s the best way for parents to help? Many parents buy workbooks, flash cards, and educational toys, or they invest in computer games, phonics, videos, or a math tutor. They may think filling after-school hours with classes that promise academic enrichment will help. While parents may turn to these tools first, they aren’t the real keys that help children succeed.

It is often the simplest, everyday things such as baking cookies with your child or encouraging him or her to write thank-you notes, setting the table, helping with grocery shopping, playing board games, playing with neighborhood kids, or managing a limited allowance, that will help strengthen academic skills the most. Here are seven strategies that may help you contribute to your child’s success in school:

Keep Your Children Healthy

Most children must have a physical exam before starting kindergarten. Make sure that your child’s immunizations are up-to-date and that vision, hearing, language, motor development, and social skills are within the normal range. After your child gets thumbs up from the pediatrician, focus on building healthy habits that will keep them alert and energetic in school. These habits include:

• healthy eating habits
• plenty of sleep
• regular exercise

Encourage Reading

Reading and writing are the building blocks of school success. They are the primary tools for sharing and acquiring new information. Children learn to read and write in different ways and at different rates. So, focus on making both activities feel like fun. For example:

• read aloud to your children everyday
• have your children read aloud to you when they are learning to read
• find lots of reason to write (thank you notes, grocery lists, etc.)
• set a good example (let them see you read)

Connect Math with Real Life

It’s one thing to do well on a math test - and another thing entirely to internalize and understand math concepts. The most important thing parents can do is to use practical, everyday activities to reinforce math lessons taught in school. Point out how you use math when you balance your checkbook, follow recipes, change bills for coins, save money in the bank, etc. It will help your child see the purpose of math lessons in school. Present math in a positive, can-do attitude to your children. If they see the relationship between math and how we apply it everyday, it will be more interesting to them.

Teach Social Skills

School isn’t only about getting good grades. It’s also about learning how to make friends, communicate with different types of people, negotiate, solve problems, and compromise. These are skills all children need to develop in order to do well in school and grow into competent, productive adults.

• Encourageone-on-one time with friends to develop close friendships.
• Participation in sports, after-school classes, and clubs gives children invaluable practice in communicating their needs and opinions and negotiating and compromising with peers.
• Instead of jumping in to rescue your child when a sticky situation occurs, stand back and encourage him to settle the dispute on his own. Be supportive by asking What, Where, When, and How questions.

Create Dependable Routines

Routines help children make sense of the world, adapt to everyday demands, and feel more secure. As much as possible, try to make sure that the major events of the day - such as breakfast, bath time, and bedtime - occur at the same hour, in the same place, and in the same way.

Children will worry all day long if they don’t know what to expect when the final school bell rings. So establish a consistent routine involving who will pick your child up, where, and when. Remind your child as she leaves the house what the routine is: “I’ll see you at the corner when the bus drops you off at 3 p.m.” or “Mrs. Smith will pick you up at school, and I’ll see you at 6 p.m. when I get home from work.” If you anticipate a change, make sure your child has plenty of notice.

Develop a Sense of Responsibility

“Being responsible is all about knowing what you have to do and gaining self-respect doing it,” says Dorothy Rich, Ph.D.., president of the Home and School Institute, in Washington, D. C. “It’s a crucial skill for children to develop at home, because it paves the way for independent learning at school.” “Talk openly about your attitudes and values toward different types of behavior, such as lying, cheating, and stealing, says Rich. “And look for ways to help your child know what’s right - and do what’s right.” For example:

• Little by little, encourage your child to choose her own school clothes, (preferably the night before), get up on time, (using an alarm clock if necessary), prepare her own breakfast; make her own bed, do her own homework, and pack and unpack her own backpack.
• Taking charge of a job that helps the whole family - such as setting the table, cleaning up, or taking out the trash - teaches a child how to be part of a larger team. That, in turn, helps with getting along as part of a class in school.
• All children are capable of misbehaving - and learning from their mistakes. So when the teacher calls because your child was cheating or not passing in homework, don’t make excuses or blame the teacher. Instead schedule a meeting with the teacher and your child to find out why she’s slacking off or misbehaving and agree on a mutually acceptable solution.

Strong Home/School Connection

The boundaries between what children learn at home and at school are much less rigid than in the past. It’s more important than ever for parents and school personnel to work together in helping children develop and grow. Don’t limit yourself to talking to your child’s teacher only when there’s a problem. Instead look for opportunities to build a strong bond between home and school.

• Children carry their experiences at home into the classroom, and changes of any kind - either positive or negative - can affect their performance at school. If the teacher knows there’s a problem, she’ll maintain a realistic perspective on your child’s behavior. A simple note is all that’s required.
• Before you blow up, call the teacher and find out her side of the story. Your child may not be telling you everything, or there may be a misunderstanding. Even if you feel the teacher is wrong, try to be civil as you work out the problem.
• Most children love to see their parents at school. It shows how much you care about them - and their education. Attend any parent-teacher conferences or special events and performances to which parents are invited. Get involved with the PTA or PTO.
• It isn’t always easy to get kids to open up about school, but it’s worth the effort. Ask specific questions. What was your favorite activity today? [They may answer recess, or lunch, but continue to ask questions] - “What did you like about it?” “Who did you play with?” “What did you play?”It’s all important to them and by showing your interest they will eventually open up to academic discussion.
• The primary goal of a parent teacher conference is to work together with your child’s teacher to help your child succeed. Whenever it is possible, your child should be included in the conference. He needs to know:

1. what is going well?
2. what needs improvement?
3. what he can do that will work. (Brainstorm a plan that will work for all involved.)

Honor the teacher’s time commitments. Make an appointment, be on time, and keep to the issue at hand. Be sure to thank the teacher for taking an interest in your child.

• Last but not least, be sure to read everything that comes home in your child’s backpack - including homework, graded papers, special projects, school newsletters, and notes from the teacher.