"The Secret to Better Grades" by Marcy Lovitch

This article was in the November 2008 Good Housekeeping magazine. There are 5 strategies provided to help any child excel.

1. ORGANIZATION skills. Using planners, scheduling TV and computer use, having a family calendar, creating schedules for the week/month...

2. Teach them to TUNE in. No multi-tasking - don't do homework in front of the TV, with cell phones on, iPods in, etc... Create and enforce a "distraction-free work zone!" A healthy diet, plenty of sleep, daily exercise, and a home free of squabbling help to create this distraction-free zone as well.

3. View school and school work as an opportunity instead of a "have to"! Get involved with what they are currently learning and seek to enhance their experience.

4. Unstuff your child's schedule.

5. Praise effort, not intellect. "Shifting the focus from labels ('you're a genius') to the thrill of meeting a challenge ('you worked really hard on that') can help give them the freedom they need in order to excel.

If you would like a copy, please let Ms. Rooks know.