At School: Ways to Help Your Children Help Themselves

At School: Ways to Help Your Children Help Themselves

• Look at the teacher when he or she is talking.
• Smile at your teacher and nod your head to show that you understand something.
• When a teacher offers ideas to help you or corrects your mistakes, always say "Thank you."
• Give yourself at least one "I Am, I Can" statement every day.
• Even if you didn't finish an assignment or you didn't like doing it, always hand in your work on time.
• If you don't understand something, ask the teacher if he or she can explain it differently using other words or examples.

If you get stuck, try saying:

• "I understand what you said, but I can't remember everything I am supposed to do."
• "I listened to you, but I don't understand what I am supposed to do."
• "I can do all of the reading, but the writing will be difficult for me."
• "I have a very hard time with the reading."
• "I tried to listen to you, but I had a hard time concentrating."
• "I want to do a good job, and I will need more time to do the work."

Remember: Teachers don't get mad at students who try. Reprinted with permission from Understanding LD* (*Learning Differences): A Curriculum to Promote LD Awareness, Self-Esteem and Coping Skills in Students Ages 8-13, by Susan McMurchie, M.A., copyright ©1994. Used with permission from Free Spirit Publishing Inc., Minneapolis, MN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. For more information about this book or for a free copy of Free Spirits' Parents' Choice-approved catalog, call (800) 735-7323 or send email.