HELPING YOUR TEENAGER TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN SCHOOL

Be generous with praise

Observe your teen carefully and comment on the things that are done well. When you see an area that needs improvement, find a positive

way to talk about it with your teen.

Encourage “personal best”

Help your teen by encouraging him or her to do the best in school and at home. Remember, “personal best” does not mean “perfect”, and

learning is not the same as high grades. Teens, like adults, need the freedom to make mistakes and to learn from them.

Make learning a priority

Your attitude toward school attendance, education and involvement in the school makes a strong and lasting impression on your teen.

Show your teen, by example, that learning is a priority.

Show interest in school work

• Talk about school

• Encourage your teen to discuss new ideas and opinions

• Show appreciation for good efforts.

Offer suggestions for success

Help your teen use the following strategies to improve performance in school:

• Read the assignment when it is given.

• Proofread assignments to catch errors before writing a final draft.

• Review notes before a test.

Schedule study time

Engage your teen to have a planner rand to make a “TO DO” list.

Support 100% attendance

Some kinds of absences are unavoidable, but taking students out of school unnecessarily is disruptive for learning

Help set goals

At the beginning of each term, help your teen identify three or four goals. Get them to write it down and put it up where it can be frequently seen.

 Make sure the goals are SMART goals.

• S  – Specific

• M – Measurable

• A – Achievable

• R – Realistic

• T – Time-frame

Get involved

Attend school activities such as open houses, parent/teacher interviews and School Council meetings. When your teen see you involved,

they will also see education as

a high priority.

Make direct contact with the school

Try to make early and positive contact with your teen’s teacher. Visit the school or phone your teen’s teacher with any questions or concerns.