Ms. V's Tip of the Week

The ability to evaluate online sources is an increasingly vital thinking skill for students. Encourage your teen to ask questions when reading anything online.
Is the purpose of the website or post to sell products or opinions? Where do the "facts" come from? Even if a source is full of interesting information, suggest that your teen check out other sources.
Comparing two or three sources side-by-side helps students discover the biases and limitations of each.

When your teen is learning math or science that you don't know, you may wonder how to reinforce the learning.
The best way is to create a family life where learning is valued. Encourage your teen to research and explore. Ask your student to explain schoolwork to you.
If your teen is struggling, ask the teachers how you can help. Then reinforce the value of learning by showing respect for your teen's efforts and recognizing progress.

The most influential teacher your teen will have in the new school year is you. To support school success, help your teen develop a game plan:
When is your teen most alert for studying? How much sleep does your student need to be sharp in the morning? Together, figure out what enables your teen's best
effort and stick to it. Then, show that learning is important by asking about it every day. And encourage your teen to pursue new interests. Mastering a new skill may
inspire your student to tackle other challenges.

The responsibility for learning belongs to your teen. Now, instead of directing your student's education, think of yourself as more of a consultant.

To support your teen, create an environment that promotes learning. Encourage your teen to set goals.
Talk about things you've read lately and share interesting articles.

 And make it a point to discuss your own responsibilities and how you plan your time and effort to fulfill them.

Teens need at least eight hours of sleep a night. But many get far less. To help your teen wake up rested and on time, conduct a schedule review.
If commitments and activities mean your teen doesn't start studying until 10 p.m., it's probably time to rearrange priorities. Help your teen stick to a regular sleep schedule, too.
Catching up on sleep during the weekend only makes it harder to get up early on Monday morning.