Elementary School Article Archive

• Coming Soon to Your School: Common Core State StandardsThe Common Core State Standards are likely to be implemented at your school, possibly this year. Forty-five states have adopted the national educational standards. Here’s a Common Core primer on what to expect your kids will be learning.
• 12 Ways To Help Your Child Love the LibraryHave you and your child been to your local library lately? In addition to wonderful books, today’s libraries offer multimedia options, community events, fun activities, and more—and all for free.
• Helping Kids Cope With the Death of a PetThe death of a beloved family pet can elicit varied reactions in children depending on their age and what else may be going on in their lives. Allowing children to discuss their feelings of grief and talk about the pet is something parents should encourage.
• 6 Childhood Illnesses That Are Icky, Gross, and Disgusting (but Harmless)They’re unpleasant but exceedingly common. We’re talking about head lice, ringworm, and other “icky” childhood illnesses that are more repugnant than harmful. Here’s how to handle them...and the “yuck” factor.
• 8 Back-to-School Family TraditionsCreating back-to-school memories for your children can be simple or elaborate. The tradition doesn’t matter; what does is easing them back with a special memory.
• Handwritten Thank-You Notes Offer Many Ways To LearnParents can add humor—and math and history learning—to this task, which is one that most children initially resist.
• Instill a Love of Learning in Your ChildTo encourage curiosity and a passion for learning in your child, discuss things you’re interested in, show her real-world examples, and don’t forget to take her lead.
• 6 Tips To Help Kids Develop a Positive Body ImageChildren develop a body image of themselves, positive or negative, as early as age 8. Here’s what parents should know about how that “snapshot” is formed, and six tips from child experts on how to improve your child’s self-image.
• 3 Keys to School SuccessGet your children charged up and ready to learn with these tips.
• Tips for Raising a ReaderSome kids live to read; others won't go near books without being prodded. Our experts offer ideas to encourage children of all ages, and interest levels, to read.
• How To Get Involved at School20 simple ways you can help your child and the school.
• Ease Back-to-School StressIf back-to-school time has your child wound up, you can help him adjust. Slowly switching to an earlier bedtime and displaying a calm, positive attitude will help.
• Is It an Auditory Processing Disorder?Does your child struggle to block out background noise, follow conversations, or pronounce words correctly? He may have an auditory processing disorder.
• Helping ADHD Students Get Organized for SchoolFor children with ADHD, the ability to organize, prioritize, and manage time is impaired by neurological deficiencies that make it hard for them to stay on top of school assignments. Find out how to help ADHD students master organization at home and at school.
• Fun Summer Reads for Ages 4 to 18Looking for some good summer reads for your kids? These books, which we've sorted by age (4-8; 9-12; 13-18), are so much fun, kids will dive right in!
• Educational Games for Family VacationsIt’s important to keep kids’ minds active during school vacations. These fun activities are designed to help kids learn during your family vacation, whatever time of year it is and wherever your destination may be.
• Poetry Boosts Reading SkillsThe rhyming and imagery of poems can help kids learn language fundamentals.
• Help Your Child Reduce Test StressIt’s normal for kids to worry about tests, but worrying too much can be bad for kids and their grades. Here’s how to tell if your child has text anxiety and what you can do about it.
• ADHD and School: Tips for ParentsDoes your child have trouble focusing in class? Here’s how to find out whether your child has ADHD, and how to work with the school if he does.
• Dealing With Disappointing GradesMost kids bring home a bad report card at least once. Here’s how you can help your child get back on track.
• How To Interpret Report CardsNeed help understanding your child’s report card? We explain the most common grading systems from A to Z.
• Help Your Child Build Writing SkillsParents can help by encouraging their children to embrace the concept of revision. Through reviewing and revising, kids will soon see their writing improve.
• Help Your Gifted Child Succeed in SchoolHow to tell whether your child is gifted, plus ways to make school more meaningful for him.
• Help Your Autistic Child Succeed in SchoolHow to work with the school to improve education and school life for your autistic child.
• Help Kids Learn To Manage StressBeing a kid can be stressful. Parents can help by teaching them how to cope with anxiety.
• Grade by Grade, What Kids Are LearningStandards vary from state to state, but here’s a general look at what kids will be taught at each grade level.
• Understanding Grades and GradingHow you react to grades can affect your child’s success in school. It’s important to know what they represent—and what they don’t.
• Help Your Child Adjust SociallyFinding the right niche can help your child feel happier at school.
• TV Log Can Increase Student Awareness and ResponsibilityA recent study found that eighth graders spent four times as many hours each week watching television as they did studying.
• Do These Three Things After A Good Or Bad Report CardWhen we think about student report cards, we are usually concerned about how to handle bad grades.
• Are You Raising a Child Who Is a Self-Manager?Kids who do well in school are usually self-managers.
• 10 Ways To Help Your Child Deal With Peer PressureTangible ways to help your child cope with peer pressure.
• Be Clear, Consistent When You Assign Chores to Your ChildSometimes giving children chores can feel like a chore.
• Successful Students Know That Good Listening Aids LearningMost kids are visual learners. They learn by watching, reading and writing.
• Follow State Guidelines if Your Child Is Home AloneDeciding if your child is ready to stay home alone.
• Introduce Your Middle School Student to the Art of CookingIf you haven’t already, now is the time to acquaint your child with “kitchen duty."
• Help Teens With Learning Disabilities Build Self-EsteemWhat parents of children with learning disabilities can do to make sure these children develop a positive sense of themselves.
• Students Who Don’t Give Up Achieve Academic SuccessFew qualities will serve your child better than sticking to a job until she has done her best.
• Learning How To Make Good Choices Teaches ResponsibilityA person becomes responsible when she learns to decide for herself what’s right.
• Neatness Can Help Your Child Improve Grades in SchoolChecklist for improving homework neatness.
• Teach Your Middle Schooler the Importance of Being on TimeThe downside of allowing your child to be late to school.
• Overcome ‘Stage Fright’ With a Dose Of Self-EsteemHere are some ways teens can overcome stage fright.
• Break Down Large Goals Into Short-Term Goals for SuccessHow managing long-term goals starts with managing short-term goals.
• Help Your Child Identify Role Models, Set Goals for FutureTeach your child that responsibility contains two words—respond and ability.
• Teach Your Child To Be Responsible Managing MoneyTeach your child to be responsible about money now, and you’ll be giving him tools to make smart financial decisions later.
• Checkpoint System Ensures Student Success at SchoolTips to help school success.
• Money Management Can Build Child’s Decision Making SkillsThroughout life, your child will have to make important decisions about money.
• Encourage Children To Listen to Their Inner Voices Before ActingThe ability to think things through is critical to good decision making.
• Peer Pressure Can Often Be More Positive Than NegativePeer pressure has a bad name.
• Children Who Make Decisions Also Learn to Be ResponsibleAt this stage, it is very important that your child decide some things for herself.
• Ask Your Child To Be Your "Reference Librarian"Here’s a great way to teach your kids how to look for information.
• Give Children Advice So They Can Solve Their Own ProblemsIt’s hard to take a “hands off” attitude when kids are making less-than-perfect decisions.
• Help Your Child Use Five Steps for Making DecisionsSteps to helping your child learn to make decisions.
• ‘What If’ Game Can Help Your Child Make DecisionsAs children grow older, they get to make more decisions.
• Friendship Skills Are Survival Skills for Middle SchoolersIn middle school, friendships become especially important to kids.
• Stress Kindness, Courtesy & Other Positive ValuesIf your child shows upright character, she helps to make her school a better place to learn.
• Schools Rely on Parents to Build Their Children’s CharacterHow to build character in your child.
• Let Conscience Guide Your Child When Making DecisionsPeople of good character are usually aware of their conscience, and act on it.
• Having a Collection Boosts Academics and Self-EsteemStarting or keeping a collection is a great after-school activity for your child.
• Understanding the Value of Things Teaches AppreciationAppreciation is a quality that must be nurtured in children.
• Don’t Forget To Boost Your Child’s Esteem This SummerTo feel good about himself, he needs your encouragement, acceptance and approval.
• Eating Breakfast Improves Behavior, Problem-SolvingThe older children get, the harder it is to get them to eat breakfast.
• It’s Not Too Early for Parents to Help Prevent Eating DisordersMany parents don’t worry about eating disorders until their children reach high school.
• Show Your Child You Love Him Many Ways on Valentine’s DayThis Valentine’s Day and beyond, make sure your child hears your “I love you” message loud and clear.
• Help Your Teen Make Good Promises and Follow ThroughA huge part of being responsible is actually doing what we say we’re going to do.
• Organize a Family ‘Launch Pad’ To Cut Down on Morning ChaosSteps to organizing your mornings.
• Talk With Your Teen About the Qualities of True FriendsHere are some other qualities of true friends to discuss with your teen.
• Angry Reactions Can Be ControlledEveryone feels angry sometimes, but not everyone expresses anger the same way.
• Build Your Family’s Self ControlOnce children reach elementary school, tantrums should be few and far between.
• Try Alarm Clock To Teach Children ResponsibilityActivity to practice being responsible.
• ‘Mommy Checks’ Encourage Children To Be ResponsibleAcross the country, educators are learning the benefit of “catching kids being good."
• What To Do if You Think Your Child Has a Learning DisabilityWhat do Albert Einstein, Woodrow Wilson, Greg Louganis, and Cher have in common? All had learning disabilities. So do millions of kids today.
• Do You Know Why Your Child Gets Bad Grades?Your child has brought home a report card that’s less-than-perfect.
• Show Children How To Make the Best Gifts ThemselvesMost children don’t have the money to buy a gift for a friend or relative.
• Help Your Child Learn To Tell Time, Be ResponsibleKids can’t learn to manage their time—until they learn to tell time.
• Assign Chores To Develop Responsibility in Your ChildA recent study by Public Agenda identified the most important traits parents believe kids should have, self-control, self-discipline, honesty, independence, and striving to do well in school.
• Routines and Schedules Start the Year RightWays to get your family back into a good routine for the school year.
• Start Good Habits Early to Make the Most of the Year
• Teach Your Child Responsibility, Build Math SkillsHow allowance can help with math skills.
• Help Your Child Learn About Money and ValuesTips for helping your child understand the value of money.
• Fun Games Can Help Your Child Develop Sense of TimeIt’s useless to yell at kids about wasting time or not being on time when they haven’t yet developed a sense of time.
• Avoid Overscheduling During the Final Weeks of SchoolAt the end of the school year, children can often become overscheduled.
• All Children Can Be Encouraged To Be Productive"Output failure” is caused by subtle breakdowns in neuro-development and can affect memory, language, motor function and organization skills.
• Afternoon Plan Ends Morning CatastrophesOrganization can make mornings easier.
• Be Involved as Your Child Learns To Make ChoicesWe all want our children to learn how to make responsible choices.
• If You Think Your Child Needs a TutorIf your child is having trouble in a subject, you may have thought about finding a tutor. But first try talking with your child’s teacher.
• Successful Science Fair Projects Take PlanningFor the organized child or the future scientist, the science fair is a time to explore and learn. For the disorganized child (and there are a lot more of these!), it can be a time of panic and pressure.
• Doing Chores Helps Your Child Develop ResponsibilityTips on ways you can use chores to teach responsibility.
• Help Your Child Avoid Foods That Might Affect LearningChildren who eat right have more energy and ability to learn. Protein and iron, for example, help the brain function.
• Report Card Time: 3 Ways To Help Your ChildA midyear report is a good time for you and your child to set goals for the remainder of the year.
• Teach Your Child To Take Control of RelationshipsSteps to help your child resolve conflict.
• Establishing Routines Helps Young Children Become ResponsibleTips to teach young children about calendars and "to do" lists.
• Setting Expectations at Home Helps Children in Many WaysSetting expectations for your children at home and following up on those expectations is a great way to build responsibility.
• Dealing With Children's Shifting Friendships It is the nature of childhood friendships that they often come to an end. Interests change, groups form and reform.
• Watch for Signs of Learning Disabilities in Your ChildParents don’t always know when their child has a learning disability.
• A Card System Keeps Your Child Focused on ChoresUse a "Tickler File" to keep kids on task.
• Consider Having An End-of-the-Year ConferenceWhether your child has had a great year, or one that’s not so wonderful, an end-of-the-year conference can help you learn some important things.
• Parents Should Be on the Lookout for Vision ProblemsAbout one in every four children have undetected vision problems. This can lead to poor grades and behavior.
• Letting Children Choose Builds ResponsibilityIf children are to learn how to make responsible choices about yound adult issues, they first need plenty of practice making other decisions.
• This Holiday Teach the True ‘Gift of Giving’Ways children might share with others now and throughout the year.
• Parents Can Help Children Get Along With TeachersStudents do better in school when they have a good relationship with their teachers.
• Offer Suggestions for Children Who Don’t Like RecessFor many kids, recess or P.E. is their “favorite subject.” But some kids dread this time of the day. It’s when they get teased, left out or picked on.
• Teach Tattlers Better Ways to Solve Problems, Get AttentionWhen toddlers tattle, they do it just to report the events of a day. But when elementary-age children tattle, it’s more serious.
• Cardboard Box Organizes HomeworkAn easy way to keep kids school stuff organized.
• Questions To Ask Before Yours Is a Latchkey ChildQuestions to ask before you allow your child to stay home alone.
• Teach Children Consequences of Their ChoicesAs children grow older, they make more choices.
• It May Not Be Smart To Praise Your Child for Being "Smart"It’s common for parents to praise children for being “smart.”
• Attitudes About Time Can Affect Kids' MotivationYou probably already know how motivation affects your own work.
• It’s Not Too Early for Your Child to Think About CareersElementary school is not too early for children to begin to think about a career.
• January Means New BeginningJanuary starts the new year.
• Homework Styles for How Your Child Learns BestAs a parent, you know many things that make your child unique—including how he learns best.
• Teach Your Child How To Be Unspoiled & Self-ReliantTips on raising an unspoiled child.
• Outside Learning Important in Elementary School YearsSome of the most valuable learning your child may do this year could take place outside of school.
• Parents Influence Character As They Make Daily ChoicesThe choices you make will teach your child more about what it means to be kind to others than 100 lectures.
• Games, Activities Motivate Children to Care for Others To become caring, sensitive people, children must learn to see and think of others’ feelings and needs.
• Take Action To Help Your Child Be a Good CompetitorHow to tell if your child is too competitive.
• Use Questions After Reading To Develop Thinking SkillsParents can help children develop thinking skills just by asking questions.
• Teach the Importance of Treating Others With RespectTo help your child make friends, model the qualities that make it possible to attract and keep friends.
• Teach an Attitude of Gratitude To Have an Unspoiled ChildTeaching gratitude is the best way to spoil-proof your child.
• Inspire Your Child With the Story of a HeroThe stories you tell your children can help inspire them to do their very best.
• Breakfast Most Important Meal for SchoolchildrenDon't let rushed morning schedules keep kids from starting the day with something nutritious.
• STAR Method Helps Children Deal With DisappointmentFour steps that can give your child a way to feel in control, even during a hard time.
• Teach Your Child the Value Of Hard Work, PerseveranceHelp your child learn to work hard and persevere.
• Volunteering as a Family Teaches Children ValuesLooking for a way to help your children become better citizens?
• Write Thank-You’s Together To Show Their ImportanceHelping your child write thank-you notes.
• Use the Six E’s To Teach About ResponsibilityYou can help your child develop the trait of responsibility by using the six E’s.
• Make Resolutions To Bring Out the Best in Your ChildResolutions that are virtually guaranteed to evoke better behavior from your child.
• Model the Behavior You Want to See in Your ChildEach action you take teaches a powerful lesson to your child about the kind of person he should be.
• Prepare for Teen Years by Teaching Your Values NowHow can you teach your values while still allowing your child to be with others?
• Prepare Young Children To Be Responsible Members of the CommunityChildren are more successful in school if they are prepared to be responsible members of the classroom community.
• Create a Wish List, Play Games When Your Child Wants It AllAre the holidays over, but your child still has the “gimmes”?
• Take Time Daily To Teach Your Child ResponsibilityTeaching your child to be responsible is not a single skill that you can demonstrate in a short period of time.
• Simple Steps Can Help Make Chores ProductiveGiving children household duties is important because it prepares them for future responsibilities.
• Teach Good Habits During National Nutrition MonthMarch is National Nutritional Month.
• Work With Children To Help Them Face, Conquer Their FearsHow to deal with your child's fear.
• Prepare Your Child for School by Teaching Honesty, Healthy HabitsAs your child prepares for school, he should be learning to take responsibility for what he says and for his own body.
• Teach Responsibility Using ‘When-Then’ PhrasesResponsible people complete tasks they need to do before turning to those they want to do.
• Helping Others Can Teach Your Child Lessons in ResponsibilityPitching in at home teaches children about responsibility.
• Teach Children To Give Things They’ve Made ThemselvesMost of our children are used to getting gifts.
• Use Chores to Teach Your Child Responsibility, Important SkillsSome experts say giving children responsibilities does more than just help them become self-reliant.
• Even Young Children Need to Learn To Face ConsequencesPunishing children isn't the best discipline.
• Talk With Your Child About All The Things That Make Her SpecialAll adults and children have qualities that make them special, and it’s important to talk about them together.
• Too Much Praise Can Harm Your Child’s Self-EsteemParents can boost their children’s self-esteem with praise.
• Teach Your Child How To Share With Family & FriendsShow your child that it’s fun to share with friends and family.
• Confident Children Are More Likely To Succeed in SchoolConfidence is one of the most important characteristics you can instill in your child.
• It’s Important To Remind Children They’re WonderfulEveryone needs to be told how special they are, especially children.
• Giving Attention Is Another Way To Recognize Your Child’s EffortsWhat children really need is acceptance. The best way to give this is to give your child your full attention.
• Teach Your Child Values With Gifts From the HeartTeach your child to give as well as receive.
• Build Your Child’s Self-Confidence, Teach About TrustThroughout childhood, kids learn about trust from their parents.
• Make Art Exciting for Your Child With Different ProjectsColoring is a favorite way for children to develop control of their hand and finger muscles.
• Children Who Like Themselves Exhibit More Self-ConfidenceLiking themselves is critical to children’s self-esteem.
• Boost Your Child’s Self-ConfidenceOne of parents’ most important jobs is helping children develop a healthy sense of self-esteem.
• Build Self-Confidence in Your Child With Lots of PretendingDid you know that pretending builds self-esteem?
• Positive Self-Image Will Help Your Child Succeed in SchoolChildren with high self-esteem feel capable and are more likely to tackle new tasks.
• 10 Questions About Your Child and SchoolThe more you know about how your child deals with challenges and what's expected of him, the better you'll be able to help him achieve. Start by asking these key questions.
• How Girls LearnGirls like to collaborate and often create strong relationships.
• How Boys LearnMany boys need opportunities to move around and like competitive situations.
• How To Read With Your ChildYou have a big influence on your child when you spend time reading together. Learn how to make the most of this special time.
• Can Food Help You Learn?Eating certain “brain foods” might make your kids smarter...but research shows they’ll be better off with a balanced diet, a good breakfast, and regular physical activity.
• Back-to-School BooksReading about going back to school is a great way to ease the transition. Especially with younger children, as you turn the pages together, you can talk about their real-life hopes and fears as well as discuss the wonderful characters in these books.
• What Is Your Child’s Learning Style?Understanding how your child learns can reduce frustration and improve achievement.
• Parents Are Teachers, TooUse these simple ideas to reinforce learning at home and develop your child’s academic skills.
• Summer Reading ListThese books, for kindergarteners to middle schoolers, will capture your kids’ imagination, and they’re perfect for reading aloud.
• If Your Child Is the BullyWhat to do when the school says your child has been involved in bullying — and she's the bully.
• Bullying: How Parents Can Fight BackKids are often reluctant to talk about bullying. Here’s how to spot it and what to do if your child is a victim.
• Facebook and Social Networking: What Parents Should KnowSocial networking sites like Facebook keep growing in popularity, especially among teens. But they can also be used for online bullying. Here are 10 tips to get parents up to speed and help them be aware of their teen's social networking activity.
• Summer Amnesia: Avoid the Brain DrainKids lose academic ground in the summer. Use these tips to keep them from falling behind.
• Better Grades—10 Ways You Can Help!Make sure your child is ready to learn and achieve at school with these 10 smart tips on what you can do at home to prepare her for success.
• Have a Conversation About SchoolGet beyond one-word answers and find out what your child really thinks and feels about school.
• Talking With Teachers About Student ProgressDon't wait for the report card to find out how your child is doing in school; a veteran principal offers tips for parents to keep in touch all year long.
• School and the Internet: What You Should KnowHow students are using the Internet at school, and precautions you should take at home.
• 7 Things To Tell the TeacherSharing key information about your child can help teachers make a connection.
• Eating, Sleeping, and LearningEstablishing healthy habits now can ease the transition to a new school year.

3rd Grade

• 3rd Grade Social Changes: What To ExpectAt this age, friendships and interests outside the family start becoming more important.
• 3rd Grade Academics: What To ExpectStudents in 3rd grade are meeting higher academic expectations and learning more complex concepts in school.
• Grade 3 Curriculum QuizAre you as smart as your 3rd grader? Take this quiz and find out what he’ll be learning this year.

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4th Grade

• Encouraging Older Elementary ReadersMany 4th and 5th graders already love reading; we asked an expert for advice on some common questions about helping them continue to develop that skill.
• 4th Grade Social Changes: What To ExpectSocializing with friends and getting involved in activities outside of school are a big part of being a 4th grader.
• 4th Grade Academics: What To ExpectThis year, teachers move past the basics and students are expected to apply what they’re learning.
• Grade 4 Curriculum QuizAre you as smart as your 4th grader? Take this quiz and find out what she’ll be learning this year.

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5th Grade

• Encouraging Older Elementary ReadersMany 4th and 5th graders already love reading; we asked an expert for advice on some common questions about helping them continue to develop that skill.
• 5th Grade Social Changes: What To ExpectKids of this age are seeking more privacy and independence, but they still need their parents to be involved and to set boundaries.
• 5th Grade Academics: What To ExpectLanguage arts and especially math get harder this year, and students will be expected to manage their time more independently.
• Grade 5 Curriculum QuizAre you as smart as your 5th grader? Take this quiz and find out what she’ll be learning this year.

View all '5th Grade' articles.