Schoolfamily.com - Helping parents help their kids succeed at school

Hi Angaritad - To help my children focus and pay attention to directions I played a "Directions" game with them. I used a small sticker as a reward, and started out simply, with a 2 step direction: "Hop to the sink, then jump back to me" I only said the direction once, so they really had to pay attention if they wanted their sticker! As they got better, I increased the number of directions: "Jump to the door, hop back to the chair, then give me a high-five." Simple games like these really help a child focus on what is being said. That promotes better listening at school. ~ Connie McCarthy (Read my blog Connie's Classroom -- http://www.schoolfamily.com/connieccarthy

My son is in a kindergarten/first grade class, he is the youngest kid and has trouble staying focused on a lesson for too long. When he asks questions or doesn't get the directions the first time the older kids, inlcuding the teacher gets annoyed. what do I do??

Hi- I think awaltman is so right about we worry more than our kids do! Have you read this article about getting ready for kindergarten? http://www.schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/article/816-get-ready-for-kindergarten Also, you might find this conversation from our Q & A. http://www.schoolfamily.com/answers/question/10719-not-looking-forward-to-kindergarten- Keep us posted on how back to school goes! ~ Lisa

Hi Erin, my daughter is in the same boat. She will be starting the end of this month and NONE of her preschool friends are in her class. I told her that the good thing about this is that she will get to make all new friends. Although I have to admit, it did make me sad and anxious as well. I think sometimes we as parents worry more than the kids do :-)

My daughter is starting kindergarten in September and won't know anyone in her class. I am probably more anxious than she is :) But is there anyway I can prepare her?