Questions to Ask the Teacher- Ages 9-12

These questions are based on your comfort level.........

1. How are students prepared for future learning before high school?

2. Is tutoring available for students who may need more help?

3. Are children encouraged to think about career interests?

4. How can I support the teachers in achieving higher academic standards?

5. How much does peer pressure come into play in the classroom? How can I as a parent address this issue with you?

Questions to Ask the Teacher- Ages 6-8

1. What are some milestones for this particular age group?

2. How often and to what extent do kids use computers?

3. How much homework is assigned each week?

4. Are phonics skills and punctuation stressed in writing?

5. Are there trouble signs to be aware of regarding learning pace?

More Questions to ask the Teacher for Ages 2-5

I thought about more questions to ask pertaining to this delicate age group..........

1. What is a typical day like in the classroom?

2. What if my child is shy or clingy to me when I drop her off?

3. How do you handle disciplining the children in the classroom?

4. How is developmental progress evaluated?

5. How structured or unstructured is the classroom?

9 Questions to Ask the Teacher for Ages 2-5

These are questions I ask my daughter's kindergarten teacher.....

1. What will my child be expected to accomplish this year in each subject?

2. What types of projects and assignments will help my child succeed to the fullest?

3. How will my child be evaluated and exactly how often?

4. How do your evaluation methods compare to other school districts in Ohio?

5. What can I do at home to support what is going on in the classroom?

6. How do I know what/when homework has been assigned to her?

7. I know my daughter is easily bored and can be easily frustrated. How will you accommodate differences in learning for her?

8. Are there programs available for students who may need extra help?

9. Can parents volunteer to contribute to classroom activities?

Toddler tidbits

My son was such a good little eater when he was a baby and it surprises my sister that my 28 month old nephew refuses to eat most new foods that she tries to feed him. He spits everything out and most of it lands on her shirt. Lol, what a trooper! I just basically told her that there is no comparison here. Developmental changes impact eating as little ones grow into toddlers. Their growing slows down, they are ready to be independent alittle and kids want to have control over what they eat. I feel that as long as my nephew grows and stay healthy, why worry? I told her to continue serving healthy foods at his scheduled meal and snack times. Let him make decisions about the foods he eats. He will eventually develop good eating habits.

the clean plate club

Should you require your 4-year-old to finish their dinner before they have dessert?

The practice of "cleaning your plate" is actually counter to the development of positive eating behaviors. Kids are born with the innate ability to judge hunger and fullness but can lose this if they are coaxed to eat everything on their plates. Let your child start with small portions and eat only until they are comfortably full. Offer dessert separately so it's not viewed as a reward for eating dinner.

Try eating breakfast!

Why do children who eat breakfast do better in school? It's because their bodies and brains need the energy that breakfast gives them! They think better and learn better if they get breakfast. The same is true for children who are not in school yet. Remember, your toddler needs breakfast too.

Breakfast can make a difference in:

* How much your child learns
* How well your child plays
* How good your child feels

Breakfast is Easy

Breakfast can be a quick bowl of cereal and milk with a glass of juice. Or it can be a slice of cheese on toast and a piece of fruit. It can be just about anything. A sandwich or some of last night's fried chicken is fine. That's my husband talking! The important thing is to make it a habit. Not having enough time for breakfast is no excuse!

No time for Breakfast?

* How about getting everything ready the night before?
* How about taking turns getting breakfast ready?
* How about taking breakfast along to eat on the way to preschool or daycare? Try a grilled cheese sandwich(love cheese!). Take milk or juice in a "to-go" cup with a straw.

Whatever you do, figure out how to get your child to eat some breakfast!

Now, let's turn to you......How about your own eating habits? Do you eat breakfast every day? If you have a hard time "getting going" in the morning, it could be because your body and your brain need energy. Do you start to sag about 10:00? You need breakfast! You might have an easier time controlling your weight if you eat breakfast too.

So in a nutshell, get in the breakfast habit at your house! It could really make a big difference.