Roadmap to College - 9th Grade

Eight down and four to go! I am talking about school. Your child has completed eight years elementary and middle school. In four years your child will be graduating from high school and going to college or the world of work. Now is the time to start planning for your child to go to college.


Here are some tips:

1. Encourage your child to get involved in clubs and other school related events. Colleges want a student that is well rounded.

2. Stay focused academically. Your GPA will be an important number as yo begin 9th grade. You will have your 9^th grade, 10^th grade, 11^th grade, and from August to December of your 12^th grade year to calculate your GPA. By the time January of your senior year comes you will be completing college applications and the only GPA you will have will be the one from December. Hint, Hint, Clue, Clue, your GPA of your last 4 months of high school does not count when you are applying to college.  Of course you will submit your final transcript to the college of your choice, but the college admission board will have seen your GPA from the past 3 ½ years.  Keep those good grades up!


3. Start recording your activities, classes, and other activities. By the time you get to your 12^th grade year you will have forgotten everything you did in 9^th grade.  See post entitled: A Sample Resume to create a template for your resume or checklist.

4. Encourage your child to volunteer and hold leadership position in activities.


5. Engage in community service, volunteer for community walks, health fairs, senior citizens centers, hospitals, churches, etc.


6. Read, Read, Read and Read some more.


7. Parents movitate and keep track of your child's progress.

Roadmap to College - Tips for Summer after 9th Grade

CONGRATUALTIONS!!  You have stayed focused and are almost finished with your 9th grade year.  It is now time to plan your summer. 

Summertime
Start thinking about a summer job.  Even if your family goes on vacation each year, there is enough weeks in the summer for your child to obtain a job.  Think outside of the box, even if your child does not work for a major food chain or retailer, there is always the job of yard maintenance and baby sitting.  If your child can play a musical, they can offer to play for a church or youth group if the regular musician is on vacation during the summer.  This is a great time to look at what your child is interested in as it relates to college.

Summer Reading Lists
B4Literacy encourages reading at all times but defiantly during summer.  Be sure to read books that are at your reading level or above.  It does not matter what you read, this is your time to read for enjoyment not the school year assignments.  Search the Internet for Summer Reading List of books you enjoy!

10 tips for success in school

Dear Readers,

Here are a few tips to stay ahead in class:

1. Sit close to the front of the classroom if you do not have assigned seats.
2. Participate in classroom discussions.
3. Ask questions, if there is something you do not understand.  You are not the only person who has a question.
4. Keep up with class assignments and homework.  Always complete them before the due date
5. Always ask your teachers for help so you can keep up in class.
6. Keep your skills sharp by reading and doing extra problems or skill sets in your classes.
7. Learn how to type so you can type your papers, this is what you will be doing in high school.
8. Take good class notes and review them before tests.
9. Learn how to proofread, correct, and rewrite your written work.
10. Develop test-taking skills.

December - Special Events

Dear Readers,

When you think of the month of December, Christmas is probably the first thing that comes to mind. There are many other special events that are worth celebrating.

Rosa Parks - She did not give up her seat on a bus on 12/1/1955

Pearl Harbor Rememberance Day - 12/7/1941

Emily Dickinson's Birthday - 12/10/1830

National Cocoa Day - 12/13

Bill of Rights Anniversary - 12/15/1791

Boston Tea Party Occured 12/16/1773

Hanukkah Begins at Sundown 12/20

Christmas 12/25

Kwanzaa Begins 12/26

Just an ordinary 8th grader...

Dear Readers,

Let's pretend I am in the 8th grade.  My days are so busy, they are filled with school work, classes such as English, Math, Social Studies, Writing, Reading, Music, and P.E.  I have so much to learn in all of my classes.  I have homework, homework, homework and more homework from school.  At home I also have to do my chores, talk to my friends on the phone, send texts to my friends and post on my instagram among other things. 

When do I have time to think about college?  Yes, I think I know what I want to be when I grow up but what steps do I take and how long will it take to get there?

Keep your options open - Research the field of study to make sure this is going to be your career choice.  Shadow someone in the field of study that you are interested in.

You have plenty of time, but you will have to prepare properly to determine what interests you, find out what you are good at and how to put the two together to form your career or field of study.

So just keep your options open...

International Literacy Day

 

 

National International Literacy Day was first on November 17, 1965 by UNESCO and it was first celebrated in 1966. Its goal was to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.

 

This day focuses on worldwide literacy needs.  Did you know that over 774 million adults in the world do not know how to read or write.  Surprisingly 123 million children in today's society do not have reading and writing skills and some are denied access to education.

 

 

Sources:

Wikipedia.org

International Reading Association

 

 

National Read a Book Day

 

 

Did you remember to READ today? It is National Read A Book Day!
B4Literacy challenges everyone to read a book to yourself, your child, your family, friends, or co-workers.

Think about those who are unable to read and read to them or teach them to read so they can join you in reading next year.

We are encouraging everyone to read 20 to 30 minutes or more today!

 

 

 

 

A Simple step: What is College?

Dear Readers,
Start now to help your child prepare for college. It is never too early to start. Introduce the subject of college to your child and see what responses you will receive. Depending on the age, you may receive answers such as "What is college?" If you receive a question such as this, your response and job would be to show your child a college campus when you drive by one or take them to a local college campus for an event.

Yes this is a simple step, but an important one at an early stage in your child's life.

Stress: Not Just for Teachers

Dear Readers,
When school budgets are cut, it causes stress on students as well as teachers because it creates a negative classroom environment according to a new study from The Wall Street Journal. According to the article over 10,000 first graders whose teachers are fatigued and short on materials and supplies will show more signs of stress. If the teacher feels disrespected in the classroom or by co-workers, the teacher also has more behavioral and emotional problems. The study attributes the additional tension and frustration from teachers to be because of the lack of resources or because of "dilapidated surroundings and insufficient materials symbolically devalue children in those spaces."
Stress in any form is not healthy for teacher, parent or child.
http://blogs.edweek.org

Words of Praise for Children

Dear Readers,

Wow!, Great Job!, Incredible! These are words that can be spoken to your child to encourage them. Children need lots of praise and encouragement from parents so open the flood gates and give them lots of praise. Be honest, children know if you are not, they can hear it in your voice.

Hear is a list of words for you to use:

WOW - WAY TO GO - SUPER - YOU'RE SPECIAL - OUTSTANDING - EXCELLENT - GREAT - GOOD - NEAT - WELL DONE - REMARKABLE - I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT - I'M PROUD OF YOU - FANTASTIC - SUPERSTAR - NICE WORK - LOOKING GOOD - YOU'RE ON TOP OF IT - BEAUTIFUL - NOW YOU'RE FLYING - YOU'RE CATCHING ON - NOW YOU'VE GOT IT - YOU'RE INCREDIBLE - BRAVO - YOU'RE FANTASTIC - HURRAY FOR YOU - YOU'RE ON TARGET - YOU'RE ON YOUR WAY - HOW NICE - HOW SMART - GOOD JOB - THAT'S INCREDIBLE - HOT DOG - DYNAMITE - YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL - YOU'RE UNIQUE - NOTHING CAN STOP YOU NOW - GOOD FOR YOU - I LIKE YOU - YOU'RE A WINNER - REMARKABLE JOB - BEAUTIFUL WORK - SPECTACULAR - YOU'RE SPECTACULAR - YOU'RE DARLING - YOU'RE PRECIOUS - GREAT DISCOVERY - YOU'VE DISCOVERED THE SECRET - YOU FIGURED a OUT - FANTASTIC JOB - HIP, HIP, HURRAY - BINGO - MAGNIFICENT - MARVELOUS - TERRIFIC - YOU'RE IMPORTANT - PHENOMENAL - YOU'RE SENSATIONAL - SUPER WORK - CREATIVE JOB - SUPER JOB - FANTASTIC JOB - EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE - YOU'RE A REAL TROOPER - YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE - YOU ARE EXCITING - YOU LEARNED IT RIGHT - WHAT AN IMAGINATION - WHAT A GOOD LISTENER - YOU ARE FUN - YOU'RE GROWING UP - YOU TRIED HARD - YOU CARE - BEAUTIFUL SHARING - OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE - YOU'RE A GOOD FRIEND - I TRUST YOU - YOU'RE IMPORTANT - YOU MEAN A LOT TO ME - YOU MAKE ME HAPPY - YOU BELONG - YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND - YOU MAKE ME LAUGH - YOU BRIGHTEN MY DAY - I RESPECT YOU - YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO ME - THAT'S CORRECT - YOU'RE A JOY - YOU'RE A TREASURE - YOU'RE WONDERFUL - YOU'RE PERFECT - AWESOME - A+ JOB - YOU'RE "A-OK", MY BUDDY - YOU MADE MY DAY - THAT'S THE BEST - A BIG HUG - A BIG KISS - SAY I LOVE YOU - P.S. REMEMBER, A SMILE IS WORTH 1,000 WORDS.

Words of praise compliments of Chaner Hospital of Dallas

Saying I Love You

Dear Readers,

How often do you tell your children, spouse and others "I love you"? Everyone needs to know that they are loved and appreciated. Tell your children everyday that you love and appreciate them. No matter the age of the child, they still want to be loved and shown love. I realized this when I heard an adult say that they wished they could get a hug from their mom. Let your child know they are loved no matter what the age baby, toddler, young adult, and adult.

That let me know that hugs are important no matter what the age. So how about a hug? Show and tell your children that you love them. Did you know that research shows that if young children are deprived of the physical touch and affection that they often fail to thrive. The older your child gets they will want to be shown love and affection in different ways. When my son was in Junior High School, I had to get my hugs at home because he would not hug me before he got out of the car at school (an every day occurance when he was in grade school). You have to know what type of affection your child wants to give and accept at the various ages.

Sometimes my daughter will walk up to me and give me a hug. When I ask her why she remarks, Ma I love you. This of course warms my heart. I eagerly accepts these hugs when I get them because I remember when I had to go and get the hugs from my son. Hopefully girls are different from boys and continue to show love and affection.

Communication Skills - Tell Me More

Dear Readers,

One of my favorite times of day is when I pick my daughter up from school and she talks about her day. Tell me more I always say to encourage her to continue talking and laughing as she describes how her classmate made her laugh in the lunchroom. Tell me more, I say as she tells me the punchline to the new joke she heard today.

The words Tell Me More lets your child know that you are listening to them and you care about what they have to say. As a parent you always want to keep the lines of communication open between you and your child.

I can determine if the day was a good day or a not so good day because the conversation continues until we arrive at home. The not so good days are the ones when I have to pry information out of her. On these days, I eventually do most of the talking because I have to explain how to handle a certain situation.

Don't forget to say "Thanks"

Dear Readers,

Teach your children the value of saying Thank-you, and as parents we should practice saying these words of expression to our children and others, too.

I recently experienced an illness where all I could do was stay in the bed. My daughter was there to help me recover. She fed me a sandwich and poured tea in the bottle cap for me to drink. I was amazed at how attentive and caring she was to my physical needs. She made sure that no one disturbed me while I was ill. She deserves a million thanks for her thoughtfullness.

When I asked her why she stayed by my bedside and cared for me she answered, "Mom that is how you care for me when I am sick to make me feel better." Remember my post about parents being examples? Children are watching your actions at all times.

Teach Confidence -You Can Do It!

Dear Readers,

How do you teach confidence in your child?

Tell your child that you can do it. No matter what they are trying to accomplish, let them know that you support them. This expression of confidence in them will let them know that they can accomplish many things without your help. This is important in building self-confidence now and later in life. As your child faces life's challenges and grows older, a parent's words of encouragement can be what the child relies on and remembers in order complete the difficult tasks rather than giving up.

What will you teach your child this year?

Dear Readers,
Happy New Year!

I love this time of year because the old year has passed, all of the items on my to do list that were incomplete have been revised, revisited and added to my list of things to do for the new year.

I always like to start my year with a list of things to teach my children. Did you know as a parent you teach your children in several different ways?

One of my ah ha moments occurred when I was teaching my son to drive and I told him to stop speeding, his reply was "Momma, you speed." Speeding with your children in the car, not a good example as parent. I made sure I did not speed and I obeyed all of the traffic signals and signs when my children were in the car.

The lessons you teach your child will be with them for the rest of their lives. So why not teach them ethics which will lead to good character. Your character will be with you forever. Parents are the examples for children to pattern themselves after. So as a parent it is important for you to be a good role model for your children.

This month my posts will talk about good character traits, ways to encourage your child, teaching good work ethics, words for you to use to instill confidence, self-respect, and thoughtfulness in your children.

Quote of the Day

Dear Readers,

“No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.”
- Confucius

Scholarships for College - Emerson Fellowship

Dear Readers

Applications are encouraged from candidates reflecting diverse personal, educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds.

This is the perfect scholarship for students who want want to spend a year fighting hunger and poverty with a tight-knit community of emerging leaders? This is a program that will shape and implement local anti-hunger programs all over the U.S., and then research and provide support for national policy initiatives in Washington, D.C.

For more information visit the website below: www.hungercenter.org/hunger
.

Factors that interfere with learning

Dear Readers,

Every child is different and learns at a different rate. Parents realize that there are other factors that may interfere with learning. These factors are medical, social, emotional, behavioral, home environment stress, learning style, learning impairment. Medical can sometimes be resolved with a pair of glasses or medication for allergies. Socially a child will be learning how to fit in with peers as they advance from grade to grade. School counselors and peer groups can help to build bridges for students. Emotional and behavioral issues can be hurdles for students and parents which may require outside counseling or intervention. Stress from the home environment come in all forms from a death in the family to an illness or divorce. There are a variety of books on many subjects that can help children. How a child learns is very important, parents do you know your child’s learning style? Lastly, learning impairments that interfere with a child’s learning should be addressed at an early age. Build a strong vocabulary with your children will help to alleviate problems later
Just remember parents, if a child struggles early does not mean that the child will always struggle. Find ways, games, activities, other siblings or family members to help them in the areas where they are struggling.
My motto is: I have been through K-12th grade and I made it so I can help you (my child).

Parental Involvement Boost academics

Dear Readers
Ten years ago, parents were not as involved with their young children as they are today. Research has shown that the parental involvement could boost a child's academic career later in life.

American parents and children are spending more time together by playing, reading, education and eating dinner. Parents are becoming more aware of how important parental involvement and reading with children are to school readiness and success.
Research also shows that quality time between parents and children can have a big effect on development and academic progress.

The Census Bureau found:
• Parents overwhelmingly reported that they not only want, but expect, their children to graduate from high school and college. While fewer than half of low-income parents in 1998 expected their children to graduate from college, 54 percent of that group expected their children to earn a college degree in 2009.

• Among children in poverty, 45 percent of 1- and 2-year-olds and 40 percent of children ages 3 to 5 had parents who read to them at least seven times a week in 2009; by contrast, in 1998, among families in poverty, only 37 percent of the toddlers and 34 percent of the preschoolers read with their families as often. The proportion of low-income children being read to by their families increased faster than for their wealthier peers.

• Low-income parents were 10 percent more likely in 2009 than in 1998 to have frequent conversations with their preschool or elementary-age children “just for fun” throughout the day, with more than half doing so.

• Parents in general were far more likely in 2009 to play and eat dinner with their children, and to praise their children at least three times a day, though younger children got more positive reinforcement than did teenagers.

Source: Education Week

Checklist for Parents (Preschool)

Dear Readers,

You can help your child get ready for preschool by doing the following:

Help your child hear and say sounds of letters.
Help your child hear rhyming words.
Help your child learn new words.
Talk to your child about the letters of the alphabet while reading.
Point out street signs and food labels that have letters on them.
Encourage your child to have fun reading. Children enjoy choosing the book to read.
Let your child pretend to read the book by looking at the pictures.
Ask who, what, when, where, and how questions about the books and stories you read.
Help your child to make his/her own book.