The Parent Backpack for Kindergarten through Grade 5 How to Support Your Child's Education, End Homework Meltdowns, and Build Parent-Teacher Connections

by NICHOLS, ML

• ISBN13: 9781607744740
• ISBN10: 1607744740
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2013-07-23
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press

Summary

Finally, a book that demystifies our daunting education system by giving parents the insights and strategies they need to build positive relationships with teachers and connect to their children’s learning in productive ways.
 
Involved Parents = Better Students

How do you ensure your child gets the best education possible when U.S. schools have become overburdened, test-driven institutions that rank only average worldwide? Decades of research confirm that when parents engage with their children’s learning, kids do better in school—and life. This straight-talking guide helps you:

• understand the critical role you play in your child’s education,
• connect with educators in respectful ways,
• encourage a love of reading in your kids,
• minimize homework meltdowns and disorganization,
• support students who struggle academically,
• help children navigate social situations and bullying, and
• fuel your child’s mind and body for learning.

Parent involvement looks different for every family and every child. Packed with real stories and tested strategies, The Parent Backpack demystifies our complex education system and gives you the insights you need to help your kids thrive.

Author Biography

ML Nichols is director of The Parent Connection, a nonprofit parent education group. While serving in leadership roles in her own district and on Parenting magazine’s Mom Congress on Learning and Education, she launched www.theparentbackpack.com. ML lives in the Boston area with her husband and two daughters.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 

Introduction: What I Wish I Knew Then 

Part One
Education Today: Insights and Perspective
Chapter 1: Understanding Your Child’s Journey
Chapter 2: Your Role in a Changing System
Chapter 3: Building Bridges to School and Learning
Chapter 4: Kindergarten Matters

Part Two
Connecting to Your Child’s Learning
Chapter 5: Words that Work with Teachers
Chapter 6: Why Jack Likes to Read—and Write
Chapter 7: It’s all About the Teaching
Chapter 8: Balancing Academics with Connection
 and Confidence
Chapter 9: When Your Child Needs More Support
Chapter 10: The Social and Emotional Realities of Bullying
Chapter 11: Thinking, Learning, and Technology
 
Part Three
Supporting Your Child’s Learning at Home
Chapter 12: Guiding Homework, Projects, and Studying
Chapter 13: Fueling Your Child’s Brain and Body
Chapter 14: Coaching Kids to Organize and Self-Advocate

Glossary of Edu-Terms
Bibliography
Index