The top things teachers want from parents（2）

譚育紅

Dont miss school events such as talent shows， science fair nights and seasonal potlucks （a meal to which each guest brings some food， which is then shared out among the guests）. Even if your child isnt playing on the team， why not attend a school sporting event？ Youll help develop an appreciation of school life. Not only will you be helping your child be successful in school， but youll also be making memories with him along the way.

Are you usually the one putting the toys back on the shelves？ If your child doesnt clean up by himself at home， hes sure to be messy at school. Have him put his toys neatly away after playtime. Teach him to make his bed， take out the trash and wash the dishes. When thats the standard at home， keeping a clean desk at school wont seem like a big deal.

There are always learning moments to be made away from the classroom. Bake a cake and teach the basics of measurement. Have your own spelling right. Take a weekend trip to an museum. Watch an educational， family-friendly movie. Bringing learning into the home is a great way to develop future success.

Show your child that learning is a lifelong adventure that doesnt end once school is over. Read a book. Take a class that interests you. Tell your child about the learning experiences youve had on the job. Join educational books， movies and TV shows firmly together.

When you teach a lesson or begin an activity with your child， pretend youre teaching a class. Make sure you have his full attention， go step by step and give very clear instructions. “Plan to stand physically near your child， bend down， and get eye contact，” Holewa says. Your little guy will learn to follow directions， and he wont be the one lagging behind at school.

When you get involved with the school， do some teaching of your own and lead the learning cause by example， you become an invaluable part of your childs success in and out of school. The teacher will thank you， and one day， your child will too！