Emotional And Academic Support Toward Education

** Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration ̊ with the PreK12 Plaza. However, all opinionsexpressed are my own. #PreK12Plaza **

Having two boys of my own spaced five and a half years apart can be a bit of a struggle. It’s a challenge in part because I know that I have to provide them with tons of support but in very different ways. I always encourage them based on their unique needs academically and emotionally throughout the summer, during the school year and throughout their lives thus far. I wanted to share with you ways that I we can support our children throughout their school years which will make for a more successful academic year following and a better overall life experience in general, if you ask me.

Tips that work for us to keep learning alive throughout the summer:

• We read and discuss what we are reading together. My kids different ages and reading levels bring about a more in-depth conversation regardless of the material we’re reviewing.
• Applying learning through whatever we do. We may be playing basketball while discussing measurement of the point system. Thanks to one of the best basketball installations –find more information here.  We may talk about the history of basketball which will lead my boys to do more research online (exposing them to more technology and research skills).
• Traveling and going to the aquarium or zoo. My kids learn about different animals and regions of the world which brings more of a discussion about ecosystems in various countries.

• Discuss the upcoming year and fears you all have. Talk about what to expect and create goals for social, emotional and academic success (a great opportunity to focus on the whole child here!).
• We go school shopping together and I let them take ownership and take responsibility for what is needed. We review our lists and our budget and use planning, math, reasoning and money management skills while I empower my boys to make their own choices.

Both of my boys are both on very different levels in all areas of life. I have one going into first grade in the beginning reading stages and one starting his journey into middle school. My older son is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder so my struggles emotionally with him are different- an entirely new school, new teachers, and him being placed into a school that is not considered an appropriate setting for him at the moment simply because we have no other options right now.

Tips that work for us to inspire learning and growth during the school year:

• I always remind my boys to lead by example and don’t always follow the crowd.
• My boys know (because I tell them all the time) to treat their teachers with the same respect they treat their parents (a lot, in our family).
• Stay responsible and always eager to learn yourself. My boys see that I’m a voracious reader and love learning.
• Less technology and extra family time to discuss important topics learned each day in school.
• Allow them to have that “down time” each day to recharge and ensure they have the time and space to just be kids!

I support my kids throughout the year by being right by their side if they need assistance with their work. I don’t do their homework for them, of course, but I assist them where they need it. I still sign off on their homework and make sure that it is completed. I have seen over the years as I am by their side, they become more successful and they have adopted my expectations as their own, getting their work completed with the highest quality possible. Again, this year is different because I have one transitioning from more hands-on work to more intense learning in first grade with the new Common Core State Standards. My oldest again might deal with different feelings being in an entirely different environment. I need to be there for them both even more emotionally as well all transition!!!

After school and evening routines foster more learning, responsibility, emotional development and academic growth:

• Nightly discussions on a “high” and “low” of your day. The children need to share what was the best part of their day and the hardest part of the day. Allow your kids to process and reflect on their experiences both good and bad.
• Continue to reinforce the importance of school and remind them that learning never ends.

With my tips above I also invite you to visit and subscribe to PreK12Plaza. PreK12Plaza stimulates the mind of every child by using technology to bring the highest quality education. What I love most about Prek12Plaza is that they offer such a strong foundation in Math and Language Arts together with Parent Engagement support in the Ed Tech Industry. With the new Common Core State Standards, we have to ensure that our children receive a strong education foundation that they will be able to build on in the future. What’s even better is that the online curriculum is 100% bilingual and it’s all culturally relevant and authentic! They aspire for all students to be college ready because they know all children are capable! With that being said, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Care to share: What tips work for you as parents before, during and after back to school? Please share and tell PreKPlaza MommyTeaches sent you over!

** Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration ̊ with the PreK12 Plaza. However, all opinionsexpressed are my own. #PreK12Plaza **