How to keep kids healthy and learning at school
Q: My kids just went back to school. Do you have any tips for success?
A: Absolutely. There are many simple things you can do to help your child to succeed in and enjoy school.
One of the most important ways to ensure school success is to make sure they are not missing school. According to data from Mission: Graduate, an initiative of United Way of Central New Mexico, students who miss 2 days per month are missing 10 percent of the school year. They are missing opportunities to learn that cannot be replaced by make-up work or homework. There are two types of absences: excused and unexcused. Examples of excused absences are: illness; medical, health, or legal appointments; some family emergencies and special situations such as parental military deployment or a death in the family; religious commitments; college visits; and suspension. Examples of unexcused absences are: family vacations or special family events; nonschool-sponsored activities; and when the student must work or help with family obligations. Notifying the school of your child’s absence does not mean it will be excused. Students who arrive late to school may also be considered unexcused. Try to schedule appointments during nonschool hours, and establish routines to help get out the door on time in the morning (pack backpacks and lunches, and have outfits chosen the night before). It’s a good idea to have a backup plan for getting to school in case your usual ride gets sick or you have car trouble. Finally, being “on time” to school does not mean arriving right before the bell rings. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes before the bell rings will give your student time to get settled and ready to learn.
Starting the day off with breakfast is another important strategy for supporting school success. Children who eat a nutritious breakfast, particularly one containing protein, perform better in school with improved focus and more energy. Many kids qualify for free or reduced-price meals at school, including breakfast. For APS students, you may apply online: paypams.com/ OnlineApp.aspx.
Traveling safely to and from school should be a top priority. In cars, all
passengers should be wearing seat belts or sitting in car seats or booster seats. Younger children should ride in a car seat with a harness until they outgrow it (when their ears have reached the top of the seat or their shoulders are above the top harness slots). All seats are labelled with a sticker detailing maximum height and weight for that seat. Children should ride in a booster seat until they are approximately 4 feet 9 inches, usually between the ages of 8 and 12. ALL children should ride in the back seat until they are 13 years old; it is usually the safest place to be in a car accident.
While tackling homework may not be the most enjoyable part of any family’s day, here are some steps to take that ease some of the suffering. Ensure your child has a well-lit, quiet space in which to complete homework. For older kids and teens, put away cellphones and turn off the television. Have all necessary supplies on hand before diving into their work. While family members may help when kids have questions, avoid over-involvement as this will detract from kids learning the material and developing good study skills. Maintaining open communication with your child’s teacher can be very helpful if he or she is struggling, in order to understand a teacher’s expectations, and to ask for extra help for your child, if needed. Encouraging open communication between a parent and child to keep in close touch with any issues or feelings that need addressing is also of paramount importance.
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of getting enough sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following hours of sleep per 24-hour period: 3- to 5-year-olds – 10 to 13 hours; 6- to 12-yearolds – 9 to 12 hours; and 13- to 18-year-olds – 8 to 10 hours.