Things You Never Thought You'd Have to Teach Your Child

Things You Never Thought You'd

Have to Teach Your Child

By:

L.A. Lewis

Things You Never Thought You'd Have to Teach Your Child

L.A. Lewis.

Copyright 2010 by Lorna Lewis.

Smashwords Edition

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This book is dedicated to all the wonderful

parents who are trying hard to make a difference

in the lives of their children.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter One------------------------ How to Concentrate

Chapter Two------------------------------------How to Think

Chapter Three----------------------------------How to Study

Chapter Four-----------------------------How to Socialize

Chapter Five---------------------------------How to Respect

Chapter Six---------------------------How to Manage Time

Chapter Seven------------------------How to Have a Positive Attitude

Chapter Eight--------------------------How to Be Persistent

Quotes

Suggested Readings

References

Introduction

As a parent and an educator, I've had the distinct pleasure of working with kids for many years. Over those years, one thing I've learned is that we, as adults, expect a lot from our kids. We expect them to automatically place a value on their education without first being taught the fundamentals of learning.

Surprisingly enough, children may pick up on these skills even without their parents’ assistance. Unfortunately, these students may have a flawed perception of these skills which will lead only to their miseducation.

If you’ve found yourself, relying on your child’s teachers to contribute to the nurturing and development of their young mind...does this mean that you're a bad parent? Absolutely not; however, it should bring into your awareness that it's your responsibility to ensure that you educate your children to the best of your ability. Use this book as a guide to educating the whole child, not just in academics but also in every aspect of their life.

As it relates to learning, many people feel that teachers play the most important role in a child's life which is somewhat true. Naturally, teachers play a vital role because they're the ones who to impart knowledge to our children while they are in the classroom. However, I would say that parents are the ones who play the most important role. Children learn about the importance of education from their parents. Most students enter school with a strong desire to learn. This desire is there before they even meet their teachers which should tell us that a child’s yearning for knowledge starts at home, while they're with their parents.

For many years researchers have been studying the affect parental involvement has on students. Here are a few findings based on a study by A New Wave of Evidence, a report from Southwestern Educational Development Laboratory (2002). When parents are involved and express to their children the importance of their schooling students:

Have better grades, test scores, and are more likely to graduate from high school

Their attendance rate is higher

They are more confident and have higher self-esteem

They are less likely be suspended and expelled from school

They are less likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol

Their behavior is less violent toward their peers, friends, and family members.

Although one might think a child spends most of their time at school. Amazingly enough, only 30% of a child’s time is spent at school; meanwhile, the other 70% is spent outside of school. This means that parents have more time and more influence than teachers and administrators on not only developing but also continuing their child’s interest in learning.

One reason some parents may not be involved as much is because they may not feel welcomed at their child's school. As a parent, it's your right as well as your responsibility to ensure that your child is getting the very best education possible. Young children don't understand how important a good education is, but their parents should. Parents have to be the voice for their child. You have to make your presence known in order for everyone who is involved in the overall academic success of your child to truly understand that you expect nothing but the best for your child (ren).

This book is designed to show parents what they can do in order to help their child at home. Remember that parental involvement doesn't just take place at school. Being involved means playing an active role in the betterment of your child both at home and in the classroom. Your child is depending on you to do everything you can to ensure that learning is indeed taking place. Start by trying the activities in this book and watch your child both improve at home and at school.

I began doing these activities with my own son, who the teachers often said lacked focus. Once we started, there was no turning back. He understood why we were doing the activities and he loved participating in them. I believe it was because the games were fun for him. More importantly, he enjoyed that we were doing something together.

Parenthood, it's not a job. It's an adventure—Author Unknown

Chapter One: How to Concentrate

Each day of our lives, we make deposits in the memory banks of our children—Charles R. Swindoll

Before we begin, I'd like to invite you to become a fly on the wall in Mrs. Clark's second grade class. I want to give you, the parent, a sneak peek in the day and the life of a typical classroom. Now, a classroom wouldn't be complete without the infamous Johnny. If you haven't heard of Johnny, then allow me to introduce him to you. By all accounts, Johnny is your typical child. He comes from a home where he lives with his mother, father, and two siblings. Johnny's mother is a successful author and his father is a truck driver. Johnny is the middle child, so sometimes he tends to get overlooked. He's not the cute little baby or Mama's first born, he's just Johnny. Often times, Johnny feels left out. Do his parents realize this—of course not! To his parents, they acknowledge Johnny. They feed Johnny and talk to him on occasions. According to his parents, Johnny has no reason to feel the way he does.

Johnny is in second grade and he hasn't learned yet how to express himself to his parents, so what does Johnny do? You guessed it right, he acts out in class. Johnny has been labeled a behavior problem; consequently, he's been diagnosed as having ADHD. His behavior is so out of control that every teacher dreads to see his name on their roll for the upcoming year. Apparently, Johnny is your typical child except when it comes to the classroom. So, our journey will begin in Mrs. Clark's class early one Friday morning.

Good morning class, Mrs. Clark says while the students are taking their seats.

Good morning, Mrs. Clark, the students say in unison.

Good morning, Mrs. Clark, a late voice says. Mrs. Clark doesn't have to turn around to know who the late greeter is. It's her problem student…Johnny.

Good morning, Johnny. Are we going to have good day today? She asks already knowing the real answer.

Yes ma'am, Johnny says.

Great! Mrs.