See Below: TIPS, IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS FOR UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES FACED BY STUDENTS IN SCHOOL
How do Parents Understand the Challenges my Child Faces in School?
This post is about Learning Important School Procedures & Educational Practices Which are helpful in Understanding the Challenges Faced by Students in School.
How Can Parents Support Learning at Home
What challenges faced by students in school do I need to understand? How do I learn and understand my child’s biggest concerns and issues in school? How can I support my child at home?
School Programs
It’s important for parents and grandparents to learn educational programs within the school districts, such as 504 & IEP. Some parents and grandparents raising grandkids, may find it difficult to understand the current procedures in the schools.
Naturally, there are many changes throughout school systems regarding how educational practices function. Regulations within the school district, rules for the levels of schools, (elementary, middle, high school) student expectations and boundaries can become overwhelming for parents and grandparents to learn. All of these adjustments are part of the challenges faced by students in school.
Fortunately, technology is a huge part of all school programs. However, technology in the schools can be complicating for parents or grandparents who have not been in the classroom in many years. The days of students clapping chalkboard erases at the end of the day is gone. Now classrooms have charging stations for iPads and laptops to plug in at the end of the day.
The World of Technology
In addition, students don’t need to look up information in encyclopedias or other resources. They simply “Google” what they’re looking for and “voila” hundreds, if not thousands of resources at their fingertips! It’s wonderful. It’s magical. It is also very different than the educational experiences most parents or grandparents experienced.
For our children and grandchildren, this is “normal”. This is their experience. Technology is the key to their learning knowledge the world around them. It’s important for parents and grandparents to learn to figure out the nuances of their learning technologies and help guide them through their own growth for learning.
Children do not honestly care about “in our day” stories at this time. They need to follow their own rules and guidelines to achieve educational successful for themselves. How can we help them? These are some of the challenges faced by students in school.
If you are looking for technology support or products, such as laptops, printers, computers, monitors, etc. for yourself or your children, see Staples, Office Depot or any HP Products.
What is an IEP & 504 Plan?
Does my Child Need One?
Does my child need a 504 or IEP? What are they? Frequently, children who have experienced stress or family strife could be behind in school. Some children may already have an IEP, Individualized Education Program or a 504, Section 504, in place for the school to follow.
Both of these plans allow the school district to provide additional educational supports for your child. IEP’s & 504’s are legal documents that protect students, K-12, who are struggling in school. 504 Plans can also be transitioned into colleges.
These plans identify strategies for teachers to follow. A Case Manager or support person within the school will be assigned to your child if they have an IEP or 504. The support person will be for your child’s direct contact to discuss and determine various issues and improvements for the student.
Due to some of the challenges faced by students in school, IEP or 504 can be extremely important. These plans are highly recommended for any student struggling with medical, physical, emotional, or learning deficients. See more information on IEP’s and 504.
School Transitions
Other challenges faced by students in school are school transitions. When your child transitions from one school to another, it’s important you discuss and recognize any challenges they may feel.
Moving from an Elementary School to a Middle School is a very hard transition for all students. Many times, transitioning can be difficult for both the student and parents or grandparents.
As your child becomes more independent, they often question everything happening around them. During this time children are constantly processing all of the changes they are going through and trying to understand where exactly they fit in.
Parents typically see changes in their children’s friends, changes in children’s attitude, changes in their tone of voice and one of the most difficult changes, physical changes! Again, these challenges faced by students in school can feeling overwhelming for many children.
Middle School Challenges
In Middle School, children’s hormones are RAGING and bodies are maturing. Attitudes are also raging. Children need to be reminded to be respectful, watch their tone of voice, pick up after themselves and much, much more, but, and the biggest BUT of all is, they still need you to love them.
During these awkward transition years, it is important to talk to adolescent or teen, see them, spend time with them, include them, all while encouraging them to become their individual selves. Middle School years are the toughest transitional years! (Take it from a parent of five, plus my two grandkids makes seven)
IT’S HARD!! Both you and your child or grandchild will get through it and move into the true teenage years of High School! Whew! Just when you thought you were safe! Haha!
All school transitions are tough for your student. Feeling these significant challenges faced by students in school can be worrisome for parents.
I found having my child or grandchild visit the school prior to starting the year can ease their worry. Most schools provide a transition day for students to tour the school before the year begins. If your school does not provide a tour, I suggest requesting one, especially if your child or grandchild has other challenges or anxiety.
My grandson is on the Autism spectrum, so a tour was really important for him before going into High School. We did over look a few steps that made his transition harder than it needed to be. I’ll add my suggestions below for successful transitions.
To learn more Suggestions about Raising Kids with Special Needs, see SUGGESTIONS FOR RAISING SPECTACULAR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
Busing
Another HUGE challenge faced by students in school is busing. If your child has never taken a bus to school before, you’ll want to prepare them in advance. Riding a school bus can be a fun opportunity to interact with friends. However, it can also be a little scary for first time riders.
Allowing your child to fully understand the bus route and rules of the bus prior to the beginning of school is important. Be sure to let the bus driver know if your child has anxiety about riding on the bus and how they can help.
Keep in mind, most schools have a direct phone line to the transportation department who will allow you to discuss your specific situation with the necessary staff. Take advantage of knowing who your child’s bus driver is so you can communication with them if any difficulties arise.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Students in School
Talking to your children to understand the challenges they face in school is extremely important. Keeping lines of communication open between you, your child, and the school is the best chance to avoid stress and allow successful opportunities for your child in the classroom.
Helpful School Supplies
This post is for Parents and Grandparents to better understand the Challenges Faced by Students in School
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TIPS, IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS TO UNDERSTAND CHALLENGES FACED BY STUDENTS IN SCHOOL
- Visit your child or grandchild’s school and learn what the rules & regulations are for each grade level in the School District.
- Review your child or grandchild’s past school records for knowledge and history of their successes and challenges in the classroom.
- Schedule a meeting with the school counselor, principal or case manager to discuss strategies for your child or grandchild’s method of learning.
- If necessary, set up an IEP, Individual Education Program or 504 for your child or grandchild. Testing and information will need to be completed before documents are established.
- Seek a personal connection at the school you can contact for advice, support or questions on a regular basis.
- GET INVOLVED!
- Don’t send your kids to school and ignore what they are doing all day. It’s important you show interest in their daily routines. Ask questions about them, about their teachers, about their friends. Stay involved in their lives, even when they don’t want you to!
