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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, October 17, 2012 · 18 Five things parents can do to help students thrive By Linda Sweet There are many components to experiencing a successful school year. Although it has been said that '90 percent of success in life is just showing up,' the following are five key recommendations that teachers would ask parents to do to set the stage for success for their child this school year: 1) Set up and equip a homework station before school begins with tools and materials their child will need when working on projects and assignments. Shopping and choosing new materials can be fun and gets a child off to a good start. This preparation can reduce a child's frustration and eliminate time lost if there are sufficient pens, pencils, markers, crayons, rulers, and staplers at their fingertips. Idea: Consider including a little sand timer, a calendar, pads of paper, and a supply of Postit notes. 2) Lights out! The week prior to the first day of school, discuss and negotiate rules and timeframes for bedtime, lights out, and wakeup time. Include your child in the decision making regarding lunch preparation, clothing for the next day, the amount of evening media permitted (computer and TV). 3) When planning extracurricular evening activities, a good rule of thumb is to select one activity for the week and to do this one well. With all good intentions, parents often schedule too many after school activities for their child. Please remember, like adults, children need time to distress and `to play' after a challenging day at school. Teachers find that children who have busy evening schedules often arrive at school tired, and have difficulty focusing on their lessons. 4) Healthy Meals and Snacks provide the best `fuel' for growing bodies. Empty foods which are genetically altered, sugarladen, and processed contain very little nutritional value. Feed your child's mind with organic foods, and fresh vegetables and fruits. Have a variety of fresh veggies available in the fridge for fast, nutritious snacks for home and to pack in school lunch bags. 5) Organize the household for a restful night's sleep. Set your child up for a good night's sleep by encouraging your child to `disconnect' from all electronics, including computers and TV watching an hour and a half before bedtime. In addition, a calm, harmonious home environment will help to ensure that your child will experience a restful and peaceful sleep. When parents are proactive and organize their home for a successful start for each school day, your child's teachers will also be more successful in their role as educators and in helping to guide their students to achieve to their very best potential. Children who approach each school day well prepared and rested are set for success. A supportive home environment provides a wonderful foundation for a child's development, and enables children to develop greater selfesteem and confidence when meeting the challenges that come their way. Linda Sweet, M.S. Ed., is the founder and director of Glenburnie School. Visit www.glenburnieschool. com and www.lindasweet.ca/blog for more information. Education is not a race.... It's a lifelong journey with friends Celebrating 45 years Dearcroft Montessori School Pre-School to Grade 8 OPEN HOUSE Sat. Oct. 20 10am - 2pm Dearcroft Montessori School 1167 Lakeshore Rd. E. Oakville, Ontario L6J 1L3 (905) 844-2114 www.dearcroft.com Come and experience the ART of learning... Your half-day independent alternative · Voted Oakville's Best Preschool · Recipient of the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence for JK and SK Teaching 21st Century Skills Gle~burnie Scªool OPEN HOUSE Saturday, October 20th 29th 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Imagine a school where each student's unique voice is considered powerful and worthy of being celebrated. Imagine a school where all children are viewed as individuals with valuable and diverse gifts. Welcome to OAAK. Grade 7/8 High School Preparation Enriched quality educational programming Exceptional Music, Fine Arts, Drama Classes Strong focus on organizational and skill development in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science & Technology Full school facilities Tours and entrance testing by appointment GRADE 7/8 STUDENTS CAN EARN MINISTRY APPROVED HIGH SCHOOL COURSE CREDITS For more information and to book a tour, please contact our Head of Kinderschool, Ms. Kim Speer - recent recipient of The National Prime Minister's Award of Excellence for Early Childhood Education. 8TH ANNUAL PERFORMING ARTS CHALLENGE 9TH Saturday, November 17th 26th, 2012 2011 Vocal, Instrumental, Dance and Variety Please call for Registration Information 2035 Upper Middle Road East, Oakville (Ford Drive / Q.E.W.) (905) 338-6236 www.glenburnieschool.com Competition Categories: TALENT CONTEST Accepting Preschool, Junior Kindergarten & Senior Kindergarten registrations for the current and upcoming 2012-2013 school years. Offering The Finest in Arts Exploration and Development! 1011 Upper Middle Road East & Eighth Line · 905.844.ARTS (2787) www.oakvilleacademy.com