Four times a year, parents across America get feedback on their child’s academic performance and it’s not always good news. Report cards can produce anxiety and stress for parents who want to help their children but aren’t sure how to do so. Keep in mind that a poor report card also produces anxiety and stress in your child, although these emotions may manifest differently in your child. A child who says he doesn’t care about his grades could be upset about doing poorly or lacking in self confidence. The same goes for children who act out when confronted about poor grades. No one wants to do poorly in school, but many are unsure of how to do well.

It is important to note that a bad report card can mean different things for different children. One child may maintain a certain average, then suddenly dip below that mark. Another child may earn grades that are low across the board. Whether this is your child’s first poor report card or fifth, you can do something about it and help your child take steps toward success.

If your child comes home with a poor report card, follow these three steps to getting him back on track and on his way to a more positive learning experience.

Stay calm
You’re obviously upset but bringing those feelings to the table will undoubtedly produce anxiety in your child. Your child knows his grades are poor so you don’t need to state the obvious. Taking the emotion out of your interaction provides a neutral platform for you and your child to discuss the changes that need to be made in order to improve her grades. Avoid phrases like “I’m disappointed in you,” “You need to try harder,” or accusatory statements like “How many tests did you fail?” These statements are sure to produce anxiety or anger in your child and will inhibit her ability to communicate with you. Say “Tell me about Math class” instead. Approach your child when you have time to sit down and talk. We are all cranky when we are hungry, thirsty, or tired so keep that in mind when choosing a time to talk. Inviting your child to share a cup of tea or a snack is a comfortable arena in which to address the report card. Maintain your cool throughout the conversation, even if your child raises her voice.

Speak to the teacher
Parent-teacher conferences are typically scheduled around the time report cards are handed out. If your child’s school isn’t offering one, ask for one. Send the teacher a list of questions before the meeting so she can have answers for you at the meeting and possibly show you work samples. Approach the teacher calmly and ask for specifics about work your child may be missing, poor test scores, or areas of concern. Look at the breakdown of grades and the percentages your child earned for homework, classwork, participation, and tests. Ask for strategies that are being used in the classroom to support your child as well as strategies you can use at home. Neither the school nor the family can turn around a poor report card alone- it is a team effort. Ask to follow up with the teacher about two weeks after the initial conference to see if your child is showing improvement.

Establish your next step
Parents sometimes take the “wait and see” approach, especially since this is the first report card of the year. This approach never works, since we know that once a habit is established it is hard to break. Your next step may be following through with the teacher’s suggestions. You may also consider hiring a tutor or going to a learning center to seek extra support or new strategies for your child. Another option is to ask a neighbor, friend, or older family member to help with homework. Finding someone to tutor who has a strength where your child experiences a challenge could be a good match. Consider asking a teenage cousin or neighbor to help younger children a few days a week. Younger children often look up to older children so having a positive influence while doing homework may help motivate your child. If you do choose to have someone else work with your child, make sure you communicate specifics about your child’s strengths and challenges and strategies the teacher has already used or suggested.

It is important to remind your child that she is in control of her grades. She was not given poor grades; she earned them. Fortunately, this means she is in control of bringing her grades up again. Most teachers are clear as to what they are looking for in an essay, project, or test. Help your child outline the goals of an assignment when it is first assigned and check in with her frequently to see that she is staying on target. If extra credit is offered, sit down together to tackle the assignment.

Remember to praise your child for following through on school work, not just for earning good grades. Some children put forth good effort and still do not earn A’s. It is important to praise your child’s work ethic since this is truly a skill that will get her through life. Continued praise and positive support will help your child do her best.

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

The key to balancing school and social life seems to be the Holy Grail of parenthood. Parents often cite a conflict between each. Put your child in too many activities, and see a decline in academic performance. Focus solely on academics, and you sacrifice a well-rounded child. With colleges looking at factors beyond a solid grade point average, parents have been working to support a child with a strong academic background as well as other skills and talents. Balancing school and a social life is one key to supporting such a child without having to forgo one for the other.

Sleep!
This is easier said than done. Keep in mind that you and your child can only accomplish so much in one day. Be proud of all that you did in a day and get your family to bed at an early time. You know how much sleep your child needs to operate at his best. Also remember that the more tired your child is, the harder it is for him to concentrate. Assignments will take longer to complete the later he stays up. It may be to his benefit to go to bed at his normal time and get up a few minutes early to complete his assignment. A good night’s sleep should never be sacrificed.

Stick to the routine…then change it
Many families establish routines in the beginning of the school year with the good intentions of maintaining them through June. The key to establishing successful routines is to recognize when your families’ needs have changed and when the routine needs to change. Stop banging your head against the wall if the schedule is not working. For example, Dad may have helped with homework but now is going to run the carpool to soccer because he gets home later from work. Changing your routine doesn’t mean you have failed- it means you are in tune with how best to manage your family. Make sure that you have a family meeting to notify everyone of the changes and to troubleshoot any possible conflicts. Also, be sure not to change routines too often. Your children will get confused with frequent changes, which defeats the purpose of having a routine.

First work, then play
Staying on top of long term projects and upcoming tests will help you and your child structure his time. Getting work done early allows free time at the end of the week. Sometimes doing work at the last minute makes us feel busier than we actually are. Working on a long-term assignment for even 10 minutes a day is better than leaving it until Sunday, when you should be spending quality time with your family. Set a goal for your child in regards to homework and studying. Tell him if he finished a certain percentage or piece of his assignment he can have a playdate or sleepover on the weekend. Help him make the correlation between “First work, then play.” This will benefit him now as a student and later as an adult.

Schedule unscheduled time!
Set aside time where you have absolutely nothing scheduled! This doesn’t mean you have to stay home. It could mean that you wake up every Sunday morning and see what your family is in the mood to do that day. Leaving free time is so important for your family- emotionally and physically. Children have lots of energy and you may worry about hearing “I’m bored” but everyone needs some time to just relax. This is very important as your child becomes more involved in extra-curricular activities and sports.

You may set boundaries for your family but other parents can ambush your plans. Most parents have been caught off guard when a child’s friend asks for a sleepover. Your child inevitably begs and pleads and promises to get up on time for softball practice the next day. Sometimes being proactive and setting an example will let people know what you are comfortable with. For example, if your child asks for a friend to come over for a playdate, approach the parent alone. Say “Kate is going to ask Danielle if she wants to come over tomorrow. I wanted to give you a heads up- I know I don’t like surprises!” If you are comfortable speaking directly to the parent, let them know that you would appreciate a call ahead of time so that you can check your schedule and work something out. It is also perfectly acceptable for your child to hear “No” sometimes so if you feel a sleepover will wreak havoc on your weekend plans, be confident in scheduling it for another time. Be prepared for the whining and protesting that may ensue and stick to your decision!

Don’t feel bad about saying “Next time” to friends and family. You know when your family has reached its max and absolutely cannot survive another birthday party, movie night, or barbeque.

Pay attention to your child’s signs of stress. Some children become withdrawn while others become irritable. Make sure you keep an eye for your child’s signs and act accordingly. You may need to cancel an event or just schedule a fun activity to balance out others. The key to balancing school and social life is being flexible and always keeping your child’s physical and emotional health as the top proiority.

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

You have signed up your child for extra-curricular activities, stuffed his new backpack with all the school supplies a teacher could ask for, and purchased new shoes and clothes, which, of course, he will outgrow before Thanksgiving. You think you have tackled every item on your back to school list, but there is one thing left to do. Establishing a good work environment at home is an important way to support your child’s education. This means organizing a work space at home as well as establishing a routine for the family to follow during work time. Even the most organized Mom can learn some new tricks to keep her kids on track as the school year gets underway.

Designate a Work Zone
Establishing an area where your child will work each night is the first step to success. We know that routine and structure help children’s growth in a number of areas so naturally having a homework routine will help her academics. It could be the kitchen table so you are available to help while cooking dinner or a desk in her room. Make the area comfortable with lots of room for books and papers and a comfortable seat. The area should be well lit. 

Keep it Clean
Many children do their homework in a common area of the house, which naturally tends to accumulate clutter such as newspapers, school notices, and other personal items. Use baskets or table-top file storage to keep these papers in order. Clear the kitchen table of any centerpieces or decorations. Do not set the table for dinner until homework is done. Keeping the work area clean helps your child keep his thoughts clear.

Caution! Kids at Work!
Establishing rules for behavior during work time can be just as important as defining the work space. If your child is working on homework, the television, computer, iPod, and cell phone should be turned off. If she has a lot of work, you may want to schedule break times. You can set an amount of time or number of homework pages to complete before she can cash in on her break. Make sure she has snack before she begins since we know hungry children have difficulty concentrating. It is also important to establish a routine for siblings who finish homework first or don’t have any homework. Keep a box of puzzles, books, and toys that come out only when you need your child to be occupied for an extended period of time. You can also send siblings to use the computer and reinforce academic skills with online games or educational software. Remember to keep the pets occupied, too. Let the dog out or have an older family member take him for a walk.

Keep Supplies Handy
Utilize a plastic storage unit for commonly used supplies, such as writing utensils, scrap paper, glue, scissors, calculators, a dictionary, a thesaurus, and index cards. A table top organizer with drawers will cost about $15 and a rolling cart is about $30. Having these supplies handy cuts down on the time spent looking for them and in turn, time spent off task. It also creates a sense of independence for your child as he can access the materials without your help.

Time management is an important, and often challenging, skill for children to aquire. Balancing social and academic events can be difficult for your child to do. Another way to support an organized and effective work environment at home is to help your child manage all the events in her life. Keep a calendar in the most commonly used room of the house. Use a different color pencil for each family member and keep track of important events, like sports practices, school concerts, or homework assignments. Encourage your child to check the calendar each day for upcoming events, homework assignment due dates, and tests.

Although families these days are incredibly busy, it is important to avoid using your car as a spot for homework. If you are waiting to pick up a child from practice, find a library close to the field where one child can do homework while the other finishes up his sport. The car is not an optimal location for doing homework and your child will not do his best work here.

Remember to encourage your child while she is working. A pat on the back, a high five, or a simple “Great work!” will boost her morale and motivate her to keep working.

Each year, families say “We can’t believe how fast the summer went!” Before you know it, you will be back in the swing of the academic year, complete with games, concerts, and tests. Like it or not, homework is on its way and you can use these ideas to support a positive work environment in your home.

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

No matter how much you and your family wish the days would stop flying by, the time for school bells and backpacks is rapidly approaching.  Hopefully you and your child are well-rested and ready for another great school year. There are many things you need to do to help your child start her year off right. Use these innovative tips to help you complete even the most commonplace tasks more efficiently and thoroughly.

Tackle the Supply List
This seems like an obvious thing to do but, given the number of supplies on each child’s list, it can be an overwhelming task. Most schools send home the supply list weeks before school starts so that your child has everything he needs and hits the ground running when the doors open on the first day of school. One reason lists go home early is that many teachers like to guide their class to set up notebooks, folders, and binders the same way so students can easily organize material during the first few days of school. The best way to tackle your child’s supply list is to do it in two trips. While this may seem like it makes the task more complicated, each trip has a specific goal and will cut down the time spent in the store. For the first trip, have a family member or babysitter stay with your children while you head out alone. This allows you to get the basics, such as pencils, pens, binders, art supplies, and paper without little voices behind you asking numerous times “Can I get this pencil, too?” Although shopping alone will get the task done quickly, children typically get excited about picking out new supplies, which is why you will make a second trip. Encourage your child’s excitement about school by specifying two or three items he will be allowed to choose. These can be more personal items, such as backpacks, pencil cases, or folders. Separating the supply list into two separate trips with clear goals allows you to check items off your list quickly and efficiently while still allowing your child to be part of the process.

Attack the Pile of Paperwork
You likely have a mound of paperwork sitting in your house that needs to be completed by the first day of school. This may include medical forms, parent teacher organization materials, or activity registration forms. Allot a block of undisturbed time, perhaps after your child is asleep, to get through all the paperwork in one sitting. You may need to work on one child’s pile of paperwork each night to keep it organized. Once you have completed the paperwork, put it in the appropriate place, i.e. the mail or your child’s school folder. Completing the whole process of paperwork at one time, including the delivery of items, frees you from having the clutter hanging over your head.

Set Your Alarm
If you and your family have been enjoying the lazy days of summer by sleeping late, it’s time to break out the alarm clock. Morning can be a hectic time and getting sleepy students up and ready for school can be challenging. Start waking your child at the same time you will be waking him for school about a week before the first day. Start the morning schedule of eating breakfast, getting dressed, and brushing teeth, even if you don’t have anywhere to go. Children adapt quickly so they will get back in the swing of the morning routine and be ready to go on the first day of school. Also, remember that bedtime is crucial to the success of the morning schedule. A well-rested child is easier to guide and is much more compliant.

Organize Your Calendar
Organizing your calendar is an inexpensive and extremely effective way to maintain order and structure throughout the activity-packed school year. Have a family calendar on which all events are kept and keep it in a central location, such as the kitchen or family room. Encourage your child to reference the calendar each night to check for upcoming activities. For desk or hanging calendars, use colored pencils or erasable pens and assign one color to each member of your family. For calendars on your computer, cell phone, or PDA, use different color fonts. Assigning different colors keeps everyone’s activities clear and organized. It is also easy to read as you run by it on your way out the door! When you get hard copies of football schedules, karate lessons, or important school work, immediately put it on the calendar. You will spend less time looking for these important details and more time with your family.

Clean up!
Take some time to clean out frequently used spaces in the house, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and family rooms. Discard old or broken toys, cluttered decorative items, or unnecessary papers. If you have time, tackle your children’s closets and re-evaluate what clothing you will need to buy for the upcoming school year. Starting the year with a clean and organized space gives everyone a fresh perspective. It also allows you to take stock of items you already have and could save you money by avoiding buying duplicates.

Though summer is drawing to an end, there is still time for relaxing and regrouping. To celebrate the end of summer, invite some of your child’s friends and their parents over to toast some marshmallows or play a game in the backyard. Starting the year off connected to peers will help your child feel confident as he enters a new classroom. It also helps you stay connected with the parents of the children your son or daughter will be spending time with this school year.

Speak with your child about the upcoming year. Express your expectations and hopes and ask for her thoughts. She may be feeling nervous about entering a new school or new class or she may have questions about what her schedule will look like. As always, open and honest communication makes your child feel safe and confident, both factors that will positively impact her school year.

The important thing to remember is that back to school does not mean back to stress. Schedule down time for you and your children, especially at the beginning of the year, when schedules are likely jam-packed. You may need to be more creative and flexible about your break times but ensuring your family has a break is ensuring they have the energy to succeed throughout the school year.

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Your child will likely face many transitions in her life, but entering middle school, high school, and college are undoubtedly three of the biggest. Each brings the possibilities of new friendships and experiences but also more independence and autonomy which, as most parents know, is not always a smooth road for young adults.

The key is to remember that they are just that — young adults — and now is the time to start preparing your child for the challenges and situations she will surely face throughout her life. Balancing a social life and daily responsibilities as well as money management are keys to a successful future and supporting your child as she develops these skills is important. Make sure she knows you are always there to offer guidance and use these tips as your child transitions through three of the most crucial times in her educational and social development.

Middle School:

Assist with summer reading
Your middle school student will likely be tested on his summer reading when he returns to school in September. Help set a weekly goal for summer reading then step back and allow him to follow through. Earning extra allowance or earning an extra half hour on curfew one night may motivate your child to get his work done, but if you have an agreement and he breaks it, it is important that he not get the reward. While this may seem harsh, it is a great lesson in following through for your middle school student. Middle school teachers are looking for your child to complete work independently and there are consequences for not doing so. His grades could be lowered or he could have to stay after school to complete work. Setting up a system where your child is reinforced for completing work without you hounding him will get him ready for more responsibilities come September.

Strengthen the lines of communication
Your middle school student is about to enter a socially-challenging time. Middle school often proves to be students least favorite years in school, as children’s bodies, preferences, and attitudes are changing and peers are quick to judge. While girls tend to use more verbal or non-verbal approaches and boys tend to use more physical means, bullying is common at this age in both genders. Clearly- and often- remind your child that you are there to listen. Knowing that Mom or Dad is a phone call away is very comforting for a child who is entering young adulthood and unsure of her steps. Repeatedly tell your child that you are proud of her, you love her, and that you are always there for her. Although children at this age often don’t seem to be listening, they are. Make sure you let her know she can count on you and she may just call in that favor.

High School:

Set clear expectations for social outings
This is again a time when your child is likely to test his boundaries and break the rules you have set. Be clear on what you expect of him, whether it be a curfew, who he is allowed to be in the car with, or where he is permitted to go. Some parents offer a half hour added to curfew each school year. Whatever your rules are, be clear on them and the consequences of breaking them. If you say he is going to be grounded for a weekend if he breaks curfew, then he needs to be grounded if he comes home late. If your child knows you are serious, he is going to consider his choices with you in mind. If he knows you are going to bend the rules or change them midway through, he is going to see what he can get away with. Be clear, be firm, and be proud when he follows the rules!

Help choose extra-curricular activities
High school is a time when children try different sports, clubs, or activities in an effort to establish their own identity. Make sure your child understands the time commitment involved in each club or sport she is interested in and how this will affect her studies. The workload in high school is often more time consuming than middle school and this may be a difficult adjustment for her. Most coaches or advisors will have meetings in the beginning of the year to give important information out, such as schedules of practices and games, financial commitments, and expectations for the season. Get a copy of any paperwork handed out and review it with your child. Decide on activities that allow study time and some down time, which is often neglected during these years.

College:

Pack Up!
Many home goods stores and department stores now have generic packing lists for incoming college freshman. This is a great starting point so you don’t miss out on important items, like a shower caddy, flip flops, and a bathrobe. (As any college sophomore will tell you, these items are life savers, especially for co-ed dorms!) Also, have your child contact the housing department at his college to see if there are any larger items he will need to bring, such as a microwave or a small refrigerator. Most schools have clear rules on what is allowed in dorm rooms and many offer rentals of such equipment at a reasonable fee. There is much to be said of having the comforts of home while away for the first time!

Encourage your child to be a savvy saver
One of the biggest pitfalls of college students in America today is the credit card. The average student comes out of college carrying between $3,000 and $7,000 worth of credit card debt, in addition to an average $21,000 in student loans. Encouraging your child to have a summer job and save money to use during the semester may help him avoid applying for and overusing a credit card. You may want to consider having one for your child with a low limit for emergencies but speak to him about the dangers a credit card can bring. Using cash is still the best way to go for a young adult away from home for the first time as it lowers the temptation to overspend.

Throughout each of these transitions, remember to praise your child for all the good things he does and all the ways he makes you proud. Surely he won’t get through middle school, high school, or college without a few missteps, but being there to support him will certainly guide him in the right direction.

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Thoughts of summer often include swimming all day, eating ice cream, and chasing fireflies at night. These days, thoughts of summer also include summer reading lists for students across America. Schools require students to read over the summer in order to maintain their reading skills. For students in upper elementary school, teachers may even assign projects to be completed in conjunction with the summer reading or at the start of the school year.  Educators also want reading to be enjoyable and summer offers an opportunity for the less-than-enthusiastic reader to fall in love with a new style or author without the stress of being tested or writing essays in response to the text.

Below find some suggestions for students entering Kindergarten through 5th grade. Some are common to grade-level reading lists across the country. Others are personal favorites that have solidified my love of reading that began in elementary school. Use this list as a starting point to open your child to an amazing and adventurous world, available to him simply by turning a page.

Entering Kindergarten
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Stagestruck by Tomie dePaola
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate

Entering 1st Grade
Beatrice Doesn’t Want To by Laura Numeroff
Frog and Toad series by Arnold Lobel
Henry and Mudge series by Cynthia Rylant

Entering 2nd Grade
Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Horrible Harry series by Suzy Kline

Entering 3rd Grade
Cam Jansen series by David A. Adler
Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park
Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne

Entering 4th Grade
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlin
Frindle by Andrew Clements
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of N.I.M.H. by Robert C. O’Brien

Entering 5th Grade
The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss
The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Students in elementary school are typically reading in the summer to support their reading skills and will most likely not be tested on material. This takes the pressure of your child to recall each and every detail and truly read for fun. Regardless of his grade level, you can encourage your child by designating family reading time each day. You could read to your child, take turns reading, or read your own novel, newspaper, or magazine while your children reads independently. You can also choose books that correlate to your summer activities, such as Camping Out by Mercer Mayer or Curious George Goes to the Beach by H.A. Rey and Margaret Rey. Making connections between the text and her own experiences is an important skill for your child to develop.

In addition to the list your school most likely gave you, libraries are another source for great summer reading. If the book you want has already been borrowed, the librarian will be able to recommend an author or book from the same genre.

Check your department of education’s website for curriculum guidelines. The California Department of Education website has a search engine for suggested summer reading, allowing you to search by criteria such as grade level, genre, curriculum connections, and awards that author or book may have won.

Although many of these novels have been developed into movies, encourage your child to read the book first. This provides an opportunity for discussion, in which your child can compare her visions from the book to those on screen.

The most important tip for summer reading is to check with your child’s teacher regarding her current reading level. Choosing books that are below her reading level will prove to be boring and choosing those above will present a challenge that may result in frustration and resistance to read.

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Many parents across the country are looking to support their child’s educational experience in any way they can. Often times, this means hiring a tutor to work one-on-one with your child. There are many reasons for seeking educational support outside the regular school day. Your child may be having a difficult time in one subject area or he could be struggling in all subject areas across the board. Your child may learn best from a specialized means of instruction, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy. Many parents hire tutors to maintain their child’s academic skills over the summer, or to have a leg up on the upcoming school year. These tips can be used to choose a tutor for a child with any academic or social needs.

Click here to watch a video on ABA therapy.

• Ask your child’s principal to recommend someone on staff. This ensures that the person has a valid state teaching certification and classroom experience. The principal also has a good feel for his or her staff’s personalities and may recommend someone who he or she thinks is a good match for your child.
• Check the potential tutor’s credentials. Ask for a resume, even if you know he/she is a classroom teacher. You should look to see if he/she has spent a long time at one school, which signifies he/she has developed good working relationships with staff and students.
• Ask for references. Anyone who is confident in his/her skills and has had positive relationships with other families will be more than happy to have you speak with past clients.
• Set up an interview, even if you only have one candidate. You want someone who is articulate and communicates well. He or she will be helping your child with a subject that is challenging — so you want him or her to communicate effectively. There are many bright people with great credentials who have difficulty explaining their area of expertise.
• Once you’ve chosen someone, have them work in a common space in your home. Listen to how he or she works with your child. Listen to his/her tone — see if he or she gets frustrated when your child has a difficult time. Staying close-by gives you an opportunity to observe without being intrusive.

Tutors can be expensive. Check with local colleges to see if they offer free or low-cost tutoring given by students in the education program. Many education programs require students to practice the instructional strategies taught in class. This type of tutoring is beneficial because education students are typically very eager to apply these strategies correctly and gain hands-on experience. Professors may observe the tutoring sessions and give the education student feedback on how to improve their work with your child. It’s like having two tutors for the price of one!

Before your child begins working with his new tutor, ask his classroom teacher for specific topics the tutor should cover. Teachers are often grateful to have support reviewing topics at home because of the time constraints in school.

Once the tutoring has begun, check in with the tutor after each session. Ask specific questions, like “What did she have the most trouble with?” or “Is there something I can review with her during the week?” This gives the tutor an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and feel like a part of her educational team.

Give the tutor and your child time to establish a relationship. Keep in mind, this person may be new to your child and it may take time for him to feel comfortable. By the third or fourth session, they should be settling into a routine and working well together. Also remember, this person is working on subjects that are challenging for your child. Your child may not jump for joy when it’s tutoring time, but he should sit down willingly.

Finding someone to work with your child at home may feel challenging, but using these tips will speed up the process and ensure you find a good match for your child’s needs.

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

As cases of swine flu are reported each day, the realization that your community could be affected begins to set in. While government officials make it clear there is no need for panic, it does not hurt to err on the side of caution and consider the possible repercussions of this illness hitting home. The solutions for dealing with school-based clusters of swine flu seem simple: Close the school for proper cleaning, make sure ill students are evaluated and treated, then, re-open the school.

Approximately 400 schools in the United States have closed due to outbreaks in their districts. As every parent and educator knows, any time spent away from the classroom is time lost. In the spirit of being prepared, here are some tips for continuing your child’s education at home should schools in your community close for any length of time.

• Keep a consistent schedule for your child. Have him wake up as if it were a typical school day and structure the day with a variety of activities. Have work sessions before and after lunch. Make sure bedtime remains consistent as well. Keeping a routine will make sliding back into a normal school week much easier.
• Read every day. Your child can read aloud to you or a sibling or she can read silently. Students who are not reading independently can have books read to them by family members. Students in grades K-3 should read for 20 minutes each day, students in grades 4-8 should read for 30 minutes, and high school students should read for 30-45 minutes. Consider other opportunities for reading, such as reading the local newspaper and having a family discussion on local and national events.
• Utilize the same online worksheet generators teacher use! Finding age-appropriate worksheets is only a click away. Type the content area keywords, such as third grade fractions worksheets, into any search engine and choose worksheets from the many options that pop up. Be aware that many websites are free, but some charge a small fee. There are plenty that are available free of charge so there is no need for you to spend your money on a service that could potentially only be needed for a few days.
• For a science activity, make a chart to monitor the weather each day. Your child can watch the news or search on-line to get the local forecast. Record daily temperature, humidity, precipitation, and pollen count. Your child can print out pictures of rain, sun, and clouds and glue them to each day’s report.
• Bring gym class to your backyard. Play a game of basketball, walk around the block or have family relay races. If you’re stuck with a rainy day, pop in a workout DVD. Make exercising a family affair and you could develop a new healthy habit!

Remember to speak to your child about proper hygiene. Health experts suggest covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, washing your hands and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. These are all good habits to continue regardless of the type of illness spreading around.

Talk to your children about the realities of the flu. Most people, if treated timely and appropriately, recover with no complications. Setting the tone for a calm reaction to a potentially scary situation will help your child understand how the swine flu is affecting people all over the world.

Many school administrators are being proactive in sending letters home and posting information on their Web sites. Since the school nurse and principal are likely inundated with questions and concerns, take an informal poll of the parents in your child’s class and submit a list of questions from the class. Acting as a spokesperson will help continue the flow of information between state officials, schools and parents.

Whether or not swine flu affects your community, consider this an opportunity to be prepared!

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Officials at the American Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa, Ala., are considering banning energy drinks after one student was hospitalized and several others became ill after drinking too many of the drinks during the school’s annual prom trip.

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Headmaster Dan Carden says about 10 students became sick at about 10 p.m. on April 11 while the school was at The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort in Point Clear for its prom. One student began vomiting.

School officials said the ill students were tested for drugs and alcohol and the tests came back negative.