Early Elementary Article Archive

• 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.
• Outdoor Winter Activities To Enjoy With Your KidsIt may be snowy and chilly in most parts of the country during wintertime, but that’s no reason for you and your child to remain indoors.
• 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!
• Teach Your Child To Love ReadingThese tips from teachers will help your early elementary school child read better and enjoy reading more.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Be Clear, Consistent When You Assign Chores to Your ChildSometimes giving children chores can feel like a chore.
• 10 Ways To Help Your Child Deal With Peer PressureTangible ways to help your child cope with peer pressure.
• Are You Raising a Child Who Is a Self-Manager?Kids who do well in school are usually self-managers.
• Teach Your Middle Schooler the Importance of Being on TimeThe downside of allowing your child to be late to school.
• Neatness Can Help Your Child Improve Grades in SchoolChecklist for improving homework neatness.
• Help Your Child Use Five Steps for Making DecisionsSteps to helping your child learn to make decisions.
• 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.
• Encourage Children To Listen to Their Inner Voices Before ActingThe ability to think things through is critical to good decision making.
• Money Management Can Build Child’s Decision Making SkillsThroughout life, your child will have to make important decisions about money.
• Ask Your Child To Be Your "Reference Librarian"Here’s a great way to teach your kids how to look for information.
• Schools Rely on Parents to Build Their Children’s CharacterHow to build character in your child.
• Eating Breakfast Improves Behavior, Problem-SolvingThe older children get, the harder it is to get them to eat breakfast.
• 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.
• Having a Collection Boosts Academics and Self-EsteemStarting or keeping a collection is a great after-school activity for your child.
• Let Conscience Guide Your Child When Making DecisionsPeople of good character are usually aware of their conscience, and act on it.
• Stress Kindness, Courtesy & Other Positive ValuesIf your child shows upright character, she helps to make her school a better place to learn.
• Understanding the Value of Things Teaches AppreciationAppreciation is a quality that must be nurtured in children.
• 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.
• Establishing Routines Helps Young Children Become ResponsibleTips to teach young children about calendars and "to do" lists.
• 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.
• Help Your Child Learn About Money and ValuesTips for helping your child understand the value of money.
• 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.
• This Holiday Teach the True ‘Gift of Giving’Ways children might share with others now and throughout the year.
• Help Your Child Learn To Tell Time, Be ResponsibleKids can’t learn to manage their time—until they learn to tell time.
• 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.
• Parents Can Help Children Get Along With TeachersStudents do better in school when they have a good relationship with their teachers.
• Expect Elementary-Aged Children To Do Some ChoresSmall tasks that young children can complete.
• Calendar System Helps Motivate Children To BehaveEncouraging children’s good behavior is one of the most important jobs of any parent.
• Try Alarm Clock To Teach Children ResponsibilityActivity to practice being responsible.
• Avoid Overscheduling During the Final Weeks of SchoolAt the end of the school year, children can often become overscheduled.
• 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.
• A Card System Keeps Your Child Focused on ChoresUse a "Tickler File" to keep kids on task.
• Teach Your Child Responsibility, Build Math SkillsHow allowance can help with math skills.
• 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.
• ‘Mommy Checks’ Encourage Children To Be ResponsibleAcross the country, educators are learning the benefit of “catching kids being good."
• 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.
• Afternoon Plan Ends Morning CatastrophesOrganization can make mornings easier.
• Don’t Do for Children What They Can Do For ThemselvesValerie Allen, a school psychologist who works with many families, knows how parents can help their children to become more responsible.
• Doing Chores Helps Your Child Develop ResponsibilityTips on ways you can use chores to teach responsibility.
• Show Children How To Make the Best Gifts ThemselvesMost children don’t have the money to buy a gift for a friend or relative.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Be Involved as Your Child Learns To Make ChoicesWe all want our children to learn how to make responsible choices.
• 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.
• Teach Your Child To Take Control of RelationshipsSteps to help your child resolve conflict.
• Watch for Signs of Learning Disabilities in Your ChildParents don’t always know when their child has a learning disability.
• Homework Styles for How Your Child Learns BestAs a parent, you know many things that make your child unique—including how he learns best.
• Inspire Your Child With the Story of a HeroThe stories you tell your children can help inspire them to do their very best.
• Teach an Attitude of Gratitude To Have an Unspoiled ChildTeaching gratitude is the best way to spoil-proof your child.
• Make Resolutions To Bring Out the Best in Your ChildResolutions that are virtually guaranteed to evoke better behavior from your child.
• 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.
• Outside Learning Important in Elementary School YearsSome of the most valuable learning your child may do this year could take place outside of school.
• Teach Your Child the Value Of Hard Work, PerseveranceHelp your child learn to work hard and persevere.
• 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.
• 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.
• Use Questions After Reading To Develop Thinking SkillsParents can help children develop thinking skills just by asking questions.
• Take Action To Help Your Child Be a Good CompetitorHow to tell if your child is too competitive.
• Teach Your Child How To Be Unspoiled & Self-ReliantTips on raising an unspoiled child.
• 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.
• 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.
• Write Thank-You’s Together To Show Their ImportanceHelping your child write thank-you notes.
• Even Young Children Need to Learn To Face ConsequencesPunishing children isn't the best discipline.
• 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.
• 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.
• Boost Your Child’s Responsibility for Success in SchoolEncouraging your young child to become more autonomous now will pay off later.
• Create a Wish List, Play Games When Your Child Wants It AllAre the holidays over, but your child still has the “gimmes”?
• Use Chores to Teach Your Child Responsibility, Important SkillsSome experts say giving children responsibilities does more than just help them become self-reliant.
• Teach Children To Give Things They’ve Made ThemselvesMost of our children are used to getting gifts.
• 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.
• Age-Appropriate Chores Help Teach About ResponsibilityParents shouldn’t burden young children with tasks they’re not ready to handle.
• Simple Chores Can Teach Even Young Children ResponsibilityYou probably know that helping around the house does wonderful things for a child.
• Teach Good Habits During National Nutrition MonthMarch is National Nutritional Month.
• Simple Steps Can Help Make Chores ProductiveGiving children household duties is important because it prepares them for future responsibilities.
• Teach Responsibility Using ‘When-Then’ PhrasesResponsible people complete tasks they need to do before turning to those they want to do.
• Teach Your Child How To Share With Family & FriendsShow your child that it’s fun to share with friends and family.
• 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.
• It’s Important To Remind Children They’re WonderfulEveryone needs to be told how special they are, especially children.
• Encourage Your Child To Be Caring in All ActionsCaring, showing concern and kindness for others, is important to instill in your young child.
• Children Who Like Themselves Exhibit More Self-ConfidenceLiking themselves is critical to children’s self-esteem.
• Build Your Child’s Self-Confidence, Teach About TrustThroughout childhood, kids learn about trust from their parents.
• 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.
• Give Specific Instructions To Build Your Child’s Self-EsteemThe best self-esteem comes from within your child when she realizes she is a capable person—that she can do things on her own to help herself and other people.
• Make Art Exciting for Your Child With Different ProjectsColoring is a favorite way for children to develop control of their hand and finger muscles.
• Boost Your Child’s Self-ConfidenceOne of parents’ most important jobs is helping children develop a healthy sense of self-esteem.
• Confident Children Are More Likely To Succeed in SchoolConfidence is one of the most important characteristics you can instill in your child.
• 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.
• Teach Your Child Values With Gifts From the HeartTeach your child to give as well as receive.
• 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.
• Internet Safety Tips for ParentsKids need to use the Internet; these tips will help you keep them safe.
• 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.

1st Grade

• 1st Grade Social Changes: What To ExpectObservant 1st graders love to share their developing sense of humor.
• 1st Grade Academics: What To ExpectThis year, kids will learn to read and will begin to have routine homework assignments.
• Grade 1 Curriculum QuizAre you as smart as your 1st grader? Take this quiz and find out what he’ll be learning this year.

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2nd Grade

• 2nd Grade Social Changes: What To ExpectKids in 2nd grade become more independent at home and school and more selective about the friends they make.
• 2nd Grade Academics: What To ExpectThis year, kids transition from learning to read to reading to learn.
• Grade 2 Curriculum QuizAre you as smart as your 2nd grader? Take this quiz and find out what he’ll be learning this year.

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