Middle School Parent Success 101

1. Middle School Parent Success 101 Presenters: Robin Hater Erica Leppert Chele McKissick

2. Please use the Chrome book to take a quick pre-survey!

3. Organization 7 Strategies to consider

4. Strategy #1: Use Checklists • Get into the habit of keeping a “to-do” list • Post assignments • Post household chores • Post needed materials for class • Keep a dedicated list for homework assignments • Cross off completed items to give a sense of accomplishment

8. Strategy #2: Organize Homework Assignments • Prioritize assignments • What should be done 1st? • Start with one that is not too long and not too difficult • Don’t save the longest/hardest for last • Use the school planner to help • Access online communication for clarification as needed

9. Strategy #3: Keep Organized Notebooks • Use binders, notebooks, or folders to keep track of papers • Use dividers or color-coded notebooks to separate class notes • Separate “to do” and “done” folders can help organize worksheets, signed forms, etc. • Remember different strategies work for different people!

10. Strategy #4: Conduct a Weekly Clean-Up • Sort through book bags and notebooks or binders on a weekly basis • Old tests and papers can be organized and kept at home • Will help to “lighten the load” while also decluttering organization storage • Encourage a similar practice with their locker at school

11. Strategy #5: Keep a Master Calendar • Structure and consistency are key • Use a large, wall-sized calendar to track family commitments • Extra curricular activities • Days off from school • Major events at home and at school • Note exam and project due dates • Will help avoid scheduling conflicts

12. Strategy #6: Prepare for the Day Ahead • Cut down on morning confusion • Pack needed supplies (schoolwork, books, etc.) in book bag the night before • Lay out clothes, shoes, accessories the night before

13. Strategy #7: Provide Support While Your Child is Figuring out Their Organizational Style • Not all strategies work for everyone • Encourage student to “try out” different styles of organization • Remind them to use the strategies • Make copies of checklists and schedules if needed

14. Homework 7 Strategies for Helping with Your Child

15. Strategy #1: Environment • A homework space should: • Be well lit • Be quiet • Be public (i.e.: living room, kitchen, etc.) • Have easy access to required materials (pencils, paper, etc.)

16. Strategy #2: Getting Through It • Establish a set time for doing homework each night. • Chunking • Set manageable goals for completing work. • Make a plan that includes periodic breaks. • Homework does not need to all be completed at one time. • Use a homework contract to set expectations and consequences

17. Sample Homework Plan 2:30-3:00 TV show/video game 3:00-3:30 Language Arts Homework 3:30-4:00 Computer 4:00-4:30 Science Homework 4:30-5:00 TV show 5:00-5:30 Math Homework 5:30-6:30 Dinner 6:30-7:00 Social Studies Homework

18. Sample Homework Contract • Homework Contract

19. Strategy #3: Giving Support • Give help not answers • Help your child research/find the answer

20. Strategy #4: Keep It Positive • Have a positive attitude about homework. • The attitude you have will be the attitude your child adopts. • Give praise for effort. • Create a reward system.

21. Strategy #5: Get Help • If homework is taking your child too long (based on team info), contact their teacher.

22. Strategy #6: Plan Ahead • Keep your family’s “master calendar” in mind when completing assignments. • Your child may do more work one night and less another due to practices, appointments, etc. • Create a detailed plan for completing long-term assignments. • Studying should take place each night in addition to homework to avoid “cramming” the night before a test.

23. Strategy #7: Be Informed • Know your child’s teachers’ expectations.

24. 6th Grade

25. 7th Grade

26. 8th Grade

27. Common Homework Problems and Solutions

28. Problem #1: Child does not do his or her best work. • State expectations • Set a mandatory homework time • Praise hard work

29. Problem #2: Child refuses to do homework • State expectations • Set mandatory homework time • Assess knowledge of material • If it is too hard, contact teacher • Establish consequences (contract) • Work with teachers

30. Problem #3: Child forgets to bring homework home. • State expectations • Set responsibilities for bringing things home • Set a mandatory homework time • Work with teachers • Use planner

31. Problem #4:Child takes all night to do homework • State expectations • Check learning environment for distractions • Use a timer and set time limits for work

32. Problem #5: Child won’t do homework on his or her own • State expectations • Chunking (split difficult tasks into smaller more manageable steps) • Be consistent • Foster independence; give help without giving the answer

33. Problem #6: Child waits until last minute to do homework • State expectations • Set time for homework • Use a calendar to organize project timelines and establish goals

34. Problem #7: Child won’t do homework if you’re not home • State expectations • Mandatory homework time • Find a way to monitor-by phone, check work when you get home • Praise

35. 15 Minute Break Feel free to visit local student support agencies in the front lobby!

36. Progressbook and Schoology Navigating the Technology

37. Progressbook • To log into your account you will need the parent login and password that was given to you at the beginning of the school year. • To log into Progressbook you will go to http://grades.westcler.org. You can also access the site through the Glen Este Middle School webpage.

38. Schoology • Schoology.com is used for communication, homework, online discussion and posts. • Students and parents will need to create an account and join the courses. • To join courses you must enter the code for each class. • Parent codes allow you to view the content but not submit answers or post. • Let’s take a look – http://www.schoology.com

39. Please use the Chrome book to take a quick post-survey!