BACK TO SCHOOL RULES

FIVE BACK-TO-SCHOOL RULES FROM TEACHERS

The school year is starting back up again. Last year, "Good Housekeeping" magazine went to classrooms around the country and asked teachers how parents can help their kids be better students.

Here are the top five things they said . . .

1.) DON'T BE A STRANGER. Parents that are actively involved in their kids' education tend to see better results. So stay in touch with your child's teacher. Five minutes at parent-teacher night isn't enough. If you can't talk face to face, try email.

2.) LEARNING SHOULDN'T STOP AT 3:15. One of the reasons you should ask your kids what they did at school is . . . it gives them another chance to go over the material. PLUS, it boosts their confidence. Remember, if YOU show an interest, your child will too.

3.) LET YOUR KIDS MAKE MISTAKES. Teachers don't want PERFECT students. They want students who TRY HARD. But some parents become so worried about GRADES that they review their kids' work for mistakes before they let them turn it in.

-But teachers need to see those mistakes so they know what your child is struggling with.

4.) YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A GENIUS. Even if you FLUNKED algebra, you can still help your kids study it. Just paying attention can motivate your child. And if you don't understand the material, try having THEM teach YOU.

5.) REMEMBER, THE TEACHER IS ON YOUR SIDE. Some parents trust their kids WAY too much. When kids complain about a teacher, it's easy to go into attack mode. But remember, your kids might just be blowing off steam.

--Most teachers DO have the student's best interests in mind. (Good Housekeeping)