Radio Commentary
We all know the traditional advice given to children on how
to succeed in school: study hard, pay attention, do all your assignments.
These are
important actions for success in school, and all children should follow that
advice as a basis for academic achievement.
But parents can help children
improve success in school by making them aware of other basics that have an
effect in more subtle areas of attitude and behavior.
For example, it is good advice to
tell young people the following:
• Sit close to the front or near the center
of the class, if seats are not assigned. This helps avoid distractions.
• Be interested in what the teacher is
saying. Sit up straight and look the teacher in the eye.
• Be on time for class. Bring all needed
supplies.
• Raise your hand and volunteer answers
frequently. This helps you stay engaged.
• Ask questions when you don’t understand
something. Better to clarify it right away than let the confusion grow.
• Take notes. Write down all directions and
assignments so you don’t have to trust your memory.
• Offer to help the teacher when needed.
• Be sure to say thanks when the teacher has
gone out of the way to help.
These basics won’t solve all the
problems children face in school, but they set a climate conducive to learning
and they position a child well to achieve success.
