Reinforce School Success

• Celebrate the start of school, especially the start of school for the first time. The first day, first weeks of school are occasions to share with family, neighbors, out of town relatives. Children will enjoy calling Grandma and Grandpa or a favorite Aunt or Uncle to talk about the first day and first weeks of school, or sending an e-mail to friends or relatives. Plan a special meal or dessert or family activity to celebrate the first days of school.
• Praise your child for how well he or she handles the new routine of school, be it taking the school bus alone, waiting at the right spot to be picked up after school, remembering to bring home notes, or just for hanging in there during the first days of a new experience.
• Notice when your child brings home completed work or demonstrates a new skill-even if it's not done perfectly. Praise his or her effort and notice what he or she is learning. "You are learning to tie your shoes! I am proud of you!" or "Wow, you have learned how to write the first part of your name! Soon you will be able to write the whole thing-you are learning so fast!"
• Most young children need no encouragement to talk about their activities, but show that you are interested and prompt them to talk about what goes on at school if necessary. For many families it helps to set aside a brief, special time with each child each day, to hear about activities, listen to questions and concerns, etc.

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