Making an IMPACT
Christyna Skidmore, Pre-K-12th IMPACT Counselor, LPC, NCC
September 2020
ABC's of School Success
Attend every day
More time in class = more learning. Your child can cut down on sick days by eating healthy, washing their hands often, and getting plenty of physical activity. Try to schedule doctors appointments and family vacations outside of school hours.
Be organized
Organizational skills prevent forgotten homework and lost papers while also ensuring your child is prepared for the day. Try brainstorming ways for your child to get and stay organized. For example, try a special folder for bringing home and returning work and using a zipper bag to store pencils and other supplies.
Check in daily
Designate a time each day to sit down and talk with your child about what their favorite activity or subject they did that day. Review papers and homework they brought home. This simple routine shows your child you care about what they are learning. You will notice where your child is doing well and if they are struggling with anything. Don't hesitate to contact the teacher if you have any concerns.
Tired After School?
As your child gets used to the routine of a new school year, they may be more tired than usual. Be sure they are getting 9-11 hours of sleep each night. Keep evenings low key by not planning too many activities. Remind them to drink lots of water throughout the day as hydration will help with optimum brain functioning. Also, turn off all electronics an hour before bedtime. Research has shown having a TV and other electronics such as a phone in the bedroom limits the quality and quantity of restful sleep someone gets each night.
Getting out the door
Add a "cushion". Providing a cushion of extra time will make the morning feel more relaxed. Adjust their routine by pushing back the time they need to be ready to leave by 15 minutes. For example, if your child has to leave by 7:15 in order to be at school on time, practice having your child be ready to leave by 7:00 am. This will give them ample time to prepare to leave.
Simplify breakfast. Prepare healthy, ready-to-eat breakfast items ahead of time with your child. Hard-boiled eggs, cheese cubes with fruit, and favorite sandwiches are all great ideas. Another idea is to let your child eat breakfast at school. Enjoy a hot, healthy meal with friends is a nice way to start the day.
Use a musical countdown. Have your child create a song playlist that fits the amount of time they will need to get ready for school. Then turn on the music when they wake up. Once they are familiar with the order of songs, they will know how much time they have left in order to be ready to go to school, just by the listening to the music!
Persistence Pays Off!
Many children are surprised when something that looks easy turns out to take hard work. Learning to find ways to overcome challenges will help your child stick with activities and develop persistence. By asking your child what specifically is challenging, you can work together to think of solutions. Overtime, your child will get in the habit of looking for solutions instead of giving up.
Christyna Skidmore, LPC, NCC
Email: cskidmore@mckinneyisd.net
Website: www.mckinneyisd.net
Phone: 4693023538