The Gifted Guru-Lisa Van Gemert

I was blessed to listen to Lisa at the CAGT conference this past week and she is fabulous!  Down to earth, knowledgeable, honest, and funny!  She spoke as one of the keynote speakers and also led a couple of sessions. She is a mom, has been a teacher, and is gifted herself, so her knowledge and experience with the subject is vast.  I have just begun exploring her website, but I wanted to pass it on to you as a resource.  giftedguru.com

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Prepare for Parent-Teacher Conferences

GET THE MOST FROM THIS TIME WITH YOUR CHILD'S

TEACHER SO YOU CAN ALL HAVE A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR!

By: Terra Hardcastle, College Nannies and Tutors

Parent-Teacher Conferences are just around the corner! Make the most out of these meetings. Even if you're student is performing well, still take the opportunity to meet with the teacher, learn more about your student's academic performance, and give the teacher any information they might need. Here are some tips to consider:

                                     ...Continue reading at Macaroni Kid

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Math Scavenger Hunt – A Great Math Game for Kids

 

Are you looking for a way to get your child excited about math?  How about a fun game that allows you to spend time together while also practicing math facts and most importantly having fun!!  Why not try a math scavenger hunt?

 

This awesome idea comes from deceptivelyeducational.blogspot.com and it sounds like so much fun.  All you need are some post-its and some math facts. You can do addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, greater or less than, fractions, or any other skill your child is working on.  Simply write a math problem on the first post-it to start.  Then write the answer on another post-it, and put the next problem on the back of it.  Continue doing this until you have about 10 problems and answers.  Then scatter the post-its around the house.  Give your child the first problem and let them loose.  They will move around the house searching for the post-it with the correct answer and then read the next problem on the back.

​

For added fun you can include a prize at the end.  I like this game because it gives your child excellent practice with math skills.  Also, you can easily customize the game to match exactly what your child is learning.  And lastly, it is super fun and something you can do together!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Top  Ten  Things  Teachers  Wish  Parents  Would  Do

1. Be involved. Parent involvement helps students learn, improves schools, and helps teachers work with you to help your children succeed.

2. Provide resources at home for learning. Utilize your local library, and have books and magazines available in your home. Read with your children each day.

3. Set a good example. Show your children by your own actions that you believe reading is both enjoyable and useful. Monitor television viewing and the use of videos and game systems.

4. Encourage students to do their best in school. Show your children that you believe education is important and that you want them to do their best.

5. Value education and seek a balance between schoolwork and outside activities. Emphasize your children's progress in developing the knowledge and skills they need to be successful both in school and in life.

6. Recognize factors that take a toll on students' classroom performance:

          *Consider the possible negative effects of long hours at after-school jobs or in extracurricular

            activities. Work with your children to help them maintain a balance between school

            responsibilities and outside commitments.

           *View drinking and excessive partying as serious matters. While most parents are concerned

             about drug abuse, many fail to recognize that alcohol, over-the-counter drugs, and common

             substances used as inhalants are more frequently abused than illegal drugs.

7. Support school rules and goals. Take care not to undermine school rules, discipline, or goals.

8. Use pressure positively. Encourage children to do their best, but don't pressure them by setting goals too high or by scheduling too many activities.

9. Call teachers early if you think there's a problem while there is still time to solve it. Don't wait for teachers to call you.

10. Accept your responsibility as parents. Don't expect the school and teachers to take over your obligations as parents. Teach children self-discipline and respect for others at home -- don't rely on teachers and schools to teach these basic behaviors and attitudes.

Source: National Parent Teacher Association and Family Education Network