According to the National Education Association a home environment that encourages learning is more important to student achievement than income, educational level or cultural background. This month we will share some ways to optimize the home learning environment.

#1 This idea practices writing skills while teaching that eating healthy is an important step in being prepared for school.

• Each member of the family is given a paper plate and a marker.

• Ask each person to write down a favorite healthy meal they would like to eat this month. It could be a breakfast, lunch or dinner.

• Sometime during the month select each of the plates and serve those foods for a family meal.

• An older child could design a menu either on the computer or by hand to be posted during the meal.

• A younger child could cut out magazine pictures of food and glue on the plate.

#2 Schedules can get filled with the beginning of school. This idea encourages neat handwriting while asking for help in a unique way during this busy time. Newspapers and the Internet have pages of Help Wanted Ads. Here is a “Help Wanted” idea to try with your family.

• Give each member of the family 2 index cards

• On each card let them write down something they would like any family member to help them finish

• It could be written as simply as: “Help with making my bed in the morning”

• An older child could creatively enlist help by writing: “Dead tired after 6:00am lifting for football and practice after school everyday this week. If would be so appreciated if someone could do my paper route on Saturday morning so I could be rested and 100% ready for the afternoon game. When I score a touchdown, it will be because I got to sleep-in thanks to you!”

• Each family member selects at least one card and helps the family member with the presented task during the week

Neat writing and helping each other are reinforced with this Little Bit of Learning.

#3 Now that our children have a few weeks of school under their belt, it is time to assess the family-school partnership. Recently, I researched parental involvement ideas from multiple sources and discovered common tips. There were no surprises. The methods that often make the most impact are common sense activities.

1. Talk with your children about school activities and experiences. Asking questions shows you care. Instead of asking, “How was school today?” try to ask open ended questions. “What did you discuss in Math today?” or, “What did you learn in history class today?”
   
   And most importantly Listen to what they say. A child who knows you are listening to their thoughts will likely develop good self-esteem. Also, start a dialogue with teachers early before potential problems could develop.

#4 Here are some specific activities that help bridge the home-school learning environment.

Let me know by e-mail what your favorite activity was this month. I am compiling information for a resource book and want your input. Thanks.