The Super 5:
Back-to-School Power Moves

As part of your back-to-school routine, find out how prepared your child is for his or her new grade. Pay attention to how easy or hard it is for your child to perform grade-level tasks, and review the annual state test results from last year. If you haven’t received the results yet, ask your child’s teacher. Compare this information to see where your child is doing well and where more support is needed.

You need your child’s teachers and they need you. At your first teacher meeting, bring your child’s state test results and ask what they mean for the year ahead. Find out what’s expected of your child this year and what you can do at home to help. Ask your child what he or she is most excited and
 nervous about for the new
 school year and why, and let the teacher know.

You are the expert on your child and can help make learning cool! Read together to discover topics that interest your child. Find math problems in everyday life and turn it into a game. Practice subtraction, measuring, and division when cooking together or while grocery shopping. These small learning moments add up to a lot!

Our attitudes about learning – called “mindsets” – impact how our children learn, how they feel about making mistakes, and their self-confidence. Promote a “growth mindset” at home to help your child see that hard work is what leads to success. For example, focus on the specific effort and what your child is learning. This will help your child feel less nervous about new tasks or subjects.

When it comes to your child’s potential and happiness, focus on the whole picture! Strengths like being able to communicate, problem-solve, show patience, and act independently will help your child in school and life. Talk openly with your child about how he or she is feeling and reacting to situations at school, on the playground and at home.