Dear Parents, Here’s How to Better Help Your Child Learn
Many military families choose to homeschool their children due to the fact that education is not consistent across state lines. Military children tend to face different education struggles because they move so frequently. Some credits do not count in different states – and requirements differ from state to state. If your child is in school, here are some tips that can help to make transitions easier.
When preparing for an upcoming moving, it is important to be in constant communication with teachers and school staff to ensure they know your child is going to be moving soon. This will help them to know your child will be moving soon and can prepare any documents that you and your child may have to complete prior to moving.
DoDEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) schools are used to children constantly moving in and out of their classroom as they tend to only have military children in their school. If your child is enrolled in a public or private school off base, the teachers and staff may not come across children moving as frequently. While sometimes you may only have a few weeks notice when it comes to a move, it is important to inform them as soon as you get the confirmation of a PCS.
It is also a good idea to get a curriculum of what your child has learned in each of their classes. If textbooks are used, get a copy of the title, author, cover, ISBN number, table of contents, and any other important information. Put it all together in a binder to have easy access to it when it may be needed. This is helpful to the new teacher(s) your child(ren) will have. By providing them with information of what has and has yet to been learned, it will make placements much easier.
While it may seem obvious, ensure to get all records of report cards, progress reports, and/or transcripts. It is extremely important to have these records. This will alleviate the chances of having to retake classes because there is no proof that the class has or has not been taken. By keeping records of all this information – and keeping it organized – it will ensure that there is less confusion. If your child also qualifies for an IEP, 504 Plan, or other learning assistant, ensure that all the records are up to date, and you have possession of them. By having these, schools will know that they have to make accommodations to help your child better succeed.
Have an open line of communication between parent and student. Parents, changing schools is not easy for your kids. They are going to experience some hardship and struggles within this transition. Remember to give them grace where they need it. Many of their classes are likely to be different, sometimes they may have to retake a class, or repeat a grade. While as military families, we would think that it is not difficult to move between schools, it is mor of a struggle than it should be. Be sure to work with them as they are trying to learn a new school, learn from new teachers, and make new friends.
It is also very important to teach your child to advocate for themselves. If they are struggling with something, teach them that it is okay and important for them to speak up. It is better that they spend the time learning the information – and sometimes catching up on the information that may have been missed. Even if they are the only ones that are to be struggling with the information, teachers tend to be very happy to sit down with your student and work with them to teach them anything they may have missed. The important part is, this does not make your student any less of a learner.
Most importantly, show you child that learning is important. In the military life, learning can be difficult for many children – making them enjoy it less. By helping your child to understand that learning is enjoyable and important, they are more likely to look forward to moving to a new school and learn from other teachers.
