Solid Foundations with Megan Stone
Eleven years ago, Megan Stone stopped teaching full-time and started tutoring in math and science. She soon realized students often lacked organizational skills and confidence needed to succeed in school. Megan set out to develop a system that would help children thrive in school, as well as in life. In addition to caring for students’ needs, her system enables parents, teachers, and administrators to better assist students in the learning process. Use her time-tested tips to help your middle school and high school children as they begin the new school year!
1. Always have the student planner set up two weeks in advance. The planner is the first line of defense in being organized and successful. It is important to help your child find a system that is clear, consistent, and easy for the child to use. Include due dates, details of specific homework, and how to break large assignments into smaller chunks. Your child may resist you at first because it will take extra time. Talk about giving it a trial period and make adjustments if needed to help him feel in control.
2. Have a folder system that works for your child at school and home. I have found the organization system that works best for most students is one where all the materials are located in one spot. (Some teachers will require certain folders or binders for specific classes. Work with whatever they choose.) I prefer to use an accordion file system. Set up another folder system at home in an old accordion folder or file box, labeled with each class. Notes from the previous quarter can be filed until needed for final exams. Include a section for grades too.
3. Finish homework on the day it is assigned. Many middle schools run on a block schedule. Students have different classes on different days (A-Day and B-Day). This means that core classes meet for a two class period block while non-core classes generally meet for one class period. Typically a student will have 4-6 classes a day. This presents a problem when it comes to getting homework done. Your child may feel he has two days to get his homework completed. Often kids wait and may not complete assignments on time. Regardless if your child has a block schedule or not, it is always best to finish homework sooner rather than the last minute. Here are a few reasons to use in a discussion as to the importance of completing homework the day it is assigned.
• Less time spent on the assignments. “If you wait to do your homework it will not be fresh in your mind. You will spend more time reviewing and doing the assignment.”
• Learn concepts better. “The quicker you reinforce a new concept in your brain, the quicker and longer the information will be remembered.”
• Homework help. “Starting on the assignment right away allows you to get help if you do not understand your homework.”
To further assist your child, have him check his grades once a week. Most school districts have electronic grade books accessible by students and parents. Parents are given access to grades but it is important that the child knows how to review his grades on his own. This allows the child to have ownership and control over his school life. With ownership comes pride and with pride comes hard work.
Also, have your child direct a homework meeting once a week. The homework meeting is a weekly time set aside with parent(s), run by the student to discuss school and other activities. You may need to help your child with this process at first by modeling how to lead the meeting. Let him take over as soon as possible. Homework meetings provide a consistent, neutral time for parents and students to discuss both positive and negative aspects of school and keep parents informed of school and social activities. These meeting times are also a time to keep students informed of other activities and responsibilities (family events, chores, etc.). Also, students learn to advocate for themselves and learn to run a meeting with an adult.
Use these ideas to build confidence and a desire to do well in your child!
“With ownership comes pride and with pride comes hard work.” Megan Stone
Megan Stone, founder and president of Stone Foundations of Learning, has her Master’s Degree in Science Education. She has been working with students, parents, teachers, and administrators for over fifteen years to improve student success in and out of the classroom. You may contact Megan at megan@stonefoundations.net or at 612.240.4790. To learn more about Megan and Stone Foundations of Learning visit www.stonefoundations.net.
Thank you Megan for sharing your insights with parents!
© 2018 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.
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