Editor’s note: School starts soon, and how a student does in school depends a lot on his or her parents. We asked area teachers and administrators for their best tips on how parents can help children have success in school. Their suggestions will run every day through Aug. 27.

Today’s tip: Have a daily talk with your child about school.

Parents should encourage children to share about their school day, said Stephen Belleau, who after years of teaching at Geiger Elementary will be an instructional coach at the Lewiston Middle School this year.

When talking to your children or teens about school, “let them lead the conversations,” Belleau said. If the conversation isn’t what you expect, that’s OK. “Just listen.”

Sometimes parents may want to avoid asking, “How was school?” because (especially with boys), the response may be one word.

Instead, “don’t mention the word ‘school’,” Belleau said. “Maybe ask them, ‘did they learn about a new sport or activity? Did they talk to a new friend?'” Asking them about something they’re interested in is a way to engage in a conversation, Belleau said. Keep talking about school every day, “so it becomes the norm.”

School should become a part of every family’s culture, he said. “When my family gets home, school is the No. 1 priority. Homework gets done before anything.”

Parents should make sure their children do their homework, and also check it over before students go to school the next day. Children need to hear from their parents that they need to continue their education beyond high school; that learning is lifelong, Belleau said.

— Bonnie Washuk

Walkers should walk with a buddy

Students who walk to school need to hear safety tips from their parents, Longley Elementary School teacher Courtney Wildes said. “If the student is not walking with their parent, then they should always have a buddy to walk with, to and from school,” Wildes recommends. Walking with a buddy means a safer commute.

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