34 THE QUEENS COURIER • KIDS & EDUCATION • APRIL 27, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM kids & education Smart ideas for supporting your child’s education in 2017 and beyond Th e education children receive today will help them throughout their lives. School is the fundamental component of the learning process, but education doesn’t stop when kids arrive back home at the end of the day. “Education and family go hand in hand,” says Ellen Marks, curriculum director of Bricks 4 Kidz, an award-winning SAM’S CAMP AND SWIM CLUB at the Samuel Field Y Ages 2-5 years old Multiple Options to Accommodate Every Familu! Dynamic, interactive and fun-filled weekly themes Weekly Sports "Field Trips" for Older Children Air-conditioned facility 4 Playgrounds Special Lunches & Ice Cream Parties Extended Hours & – On Options DAILY SWIM CREATIVE ARTS AND MUSIC PROGRAMS EXCITING ENTERTAIMENT INCLUDING PUPPET SHOW & STORYTELLER Program Option #1 – 9:00 – 12:00 PM Program Option #2 – 9:00 – 2:00 PM Program Option #3 – 9:00 – 4:00 PM Early Drop-off –7:30 – 9:00 AM Late Pick Up – 4:00 – 6:00 PM summer camp and aft er-school program. “Parents who take an active role by supporting classroom learning will not only see their kids’ education blossom, but their relationship with them, too.” Th e start of the new year is the ideal time to evaluate what you’re doing right and where you could improve in regards to supporting your child’s education. Marks off ers these smart ideas guaranteed to help you keep this resolution in 2017 and beyond: Connections to real life: One of the best ways to help kids understand classroom lessons is to connect the material to everyday experiences. Practice fractions while cooking. Chat about biology as birds fl y by the window. Learning moments are all around, you just have to point them out. Daily conversations: With a fun, no-pressure approach, go over what your children learned in school. If they don’t want to talk right aft er school, wait until later. During or aft er dinner may allow enough transition time so you’ll fi nd they’ll open up more. Positive attitude: Kids will mirror your attitude toward your work as well as how you view their school, homework and teachers. Stay positive, respectful and model resilience during diffi cult times; you’ll fi nd they’ll do the same. Enriching activities: Select fun aft erschool activities that emphasize cognitive development while building self-esteem. For example, Bricks 4 Kidz uses relatable tools like LEGO Bricks to teach science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills. Learn more at www.bricks4kidz. com and sign up for an Aft er School class. The parent-teacher relationship: Sending check-in emails, attending conferences and volunteering are ways to build strong relationships with teachers. Be proactive about asking where your child excels and what areas they may need additional help. Homework help: Good study habits are essential to excelling at school. Create a comfortable homework space with adequate supplies and few distractions. What’s more, be an active partner in your child’s homework and assist when needed with gentle guidance and encouragement. Reading buddies: Reading together can instill a lifelong love of literature. Try reading the same books your child is assigned in school so you can foster a good discussion about characters and storylines. When you both fi nish the book, rent the fi lm version and plan a movie night. Active learning opportunities: Reading, writing and solving math problems are passive learning activities. At home, encourage active learning where your child builds models, creates art projects and can ask questions. It’s amazing to watch their minds work and see what they create. Health and wellness: A child must fi rst be well before they can eff ectively learn. Make sure kids stay fueled with a variety of healthy foods. Next, ensure they get a good night’s sleep. Full, well-rested kids are always ready and eager to learn. Courtesy BPT
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