Linking up with Jess over @ Diary of a SAHM
I am currently away, so i am leaving you with another Guest post!
Children are often told by
well-meaning adults that anything is possible with the right attitude and
enough effort. The idea is presented in stories of the Wright brothers, Helen
Keller, and Abraham Lincoln's humble beginnings. Child development specialists
understand reality is more nuanced. Statistical evidence shows that children
born to college-educated parents are far more likely to have successful
academic careers. However, there are steps any parent can take to give their
children a better shot at success and to prepare them for college, whether
they're headed off to start coming fall or if they're still in elementary
school.
Funding
Practically and psychologically, it
makes sense for parents to begin saving for college education as early as
possible. From the practical standpoint, the cost of living is always
increasing with inflation, and college tuition costs routinely increase at
twice the rate of inflation. The good news is that parents have more options
for savings than ever before, including state education savings and prepaid
tuition plans.
The psychological benefit for
parents is just as compelling as compound interest. Parents who put away a set
amount every month in anticipation of paying for college will constantly remind
themselves of the goal. They will be more driven to work with their children
and participate in school.
Motivation
Every child is motivated, yet not
every child is motivated to succeed academically. What determines the
difference? If mom or dad really want to get into the subject, a human
development class or text can provide clues into the child's stages of personal
growth. In early elementary school, the idea of pleasing parents with good
grades is enough for most children, but this will change, and parents need to
be ready to adapt their motivational techniques. Encourage your student to
develop good study habits and help him or her to see that academic challenges
are satisfying and rewarding. Help your child to find an inner motivation to
push harder and do well.
Curriculum
Tracking students based on academic
performance is generally frowned upon in education, but it still happens in
math and science. Children should be encouraged to succeed in advanced classes
starting in the 7th grade. Pre-algebra and science classes that require a
science fair project are necessary for admittance into many 8th grade Algebra
and advanced science courses, respectively. Too many parents become aware of
this fact too late to change it.
Curriculum should continue to be a
focus throughout junior high and high school. Parents need to make appointments
with the guidance counselor at each school starting no later than middle
school. Counselors know the rules and are most familiar with college admissions
procedures.
College Research
Visiting college campuses and
collecting brochures is a fun way to introduce your child to higher learning.
It is another opportunity to help them explore their interests. Meetings with
deans, researchers, and others on campus can be very exciting and informative.
The important goal here is to reduce any sense of limitation for you and your
child. Be sure to schedule college visits during the summer after your kid's
junior year of high school so that he or she can get a feel for the
universities and what higher education is like.
There is no rote formula to prepare
your child for success in academia. Every child and every situation is
different. Taking action in these four areas of concern will give them a better
chance at success.
Ruth Matthews
blogs about higher education. If your child is getting ready to apply to
colleges, be sure to check out the college
rankings to find a good fit.
