Parent Resources

** Diversity/ Being Unique
 Books

• I Like Myself (by: Hans Wilhelm)

Noodles doesn't like being smaller than the other dogs. Will he learn he is special?

• What I Like About Me! (by: Allia Zobel-Nolan)

This fun-loving book proves to all kids that, in a world where fitting in is the norm, being different is what makes us special.

• Different Just Like Me (by: Lori Mitchell)

People- like flowers- have different needs and come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. But when you look past those differences, you see how similar they really are. 

• Rainbow Fish (by: Marcus Pfister)

Rainbow colored foil stamping on every page of this unique book about a beautiful fish who learns to make friends by sharing his most prized possessions- his shimmering scales.

** Divorce

 Websites:

•    Help Guide.org

   http://www.helpguide.org/mental/children_divorce.htm   

   This website is a great resource for parents who currently or recently have          divorce or separated and are trying to help their children cope.

 Books:

•  The "D" Word (by: Julia Cook)

This book is a great tool to help children and adults discuss and effectively cope with divorce or separation. The "D"    Word discusses reasons why adults get divorced, the 3 C's of coping with a divorce.

• Let's Talk About It: Stepfamilies (by: Fred Rogers)

When parents remarry, children face some hard changes. Suddenly part of a new family, they may feel displaced and worried. There are new rules that take getting used to. If there are new siblings, the oldest child may suddenly be the youngest, and a child who once had his or her own room may have to share a room. In face, they may have to learn to share a lot more things -- and people! The biggest question children in stepfamilies seem to have is: "Where is my place in this family?"

In his characteristically gentle way, Fred Rogers writes that children can play a part in working our their new place in the family be learning to express their concerns and feelings. He emphasizes that all the members of the family may have the same concerns and worries. He reminds children that a stepfamily may bring new people into their lives who will love and care for them, and who will share new good times with them. 

For all children who have a new family, this book can help them understand how to find their place.

 
** Grief & Loss
Websites: 

•   Sesame Street- When Families Grieve

   http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/topicsandactivities/topics/grief

   This website is a fantastic resource when a loved one in your family has died.    There is a video to watch with your child and printable guides/ activities to         help you facilitate healing from your loss.

 Books

• Sad Isn't Bad: A Good Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing with Loss    (by: Michaelene Mundy)

Sad Isn't Bad offers children and those who care for them concrete ways to handle their grief. Children learn it is okay for them to cry, it's not their fault, and it's good to ask for help. Recommended for ages 4-8.

• Geranium Morning (by: Sandy Powell)

Two friends who lose parents, one suddenly in an accident and one by illness, learn to deal with their grief.

• My Daddy Is In Jail (by: Janet M. Bender)

A resource for helping children cope with the incarceration of a loved one. It includes a read- aloud story, discussion guide, and caregiver suggestions.

** Homework Help

10 Ways to help your child with homework

1. Let your child know that homework is valuable and important.
2. Set a regular time each day for homework, allowing some time to unwind after school before getting started.
3. Be sure your child has all essentials, such as papers, books, school notebooks, and pencils.
4. Help your child get organized by providing folders for papers and a calendar and/or assignment book to track assignments.
5. Have a quiet, clean, and well lit place to study with a comfortable chair. Keep all schoolwork there.
6. Discourage distractions, including TV, during study time. Allow study breaks every 20 minutes or so.
7. Be available to answer questions or help quiz your child, but keep homework as his or her responsibility to complete
8. Spot check homework when it’s completed, but don’t correct assignments unless the teacher has asked you to.
9. Read any comments the teacher has made on returned assignments.
10. If a homework problem arises, contact the teacher for clarification. 
11. Remember – Praise your child for homework done to the best of his or her ability

~~Homework Club is available EVERY morning in the library. If your child did not finish or had questions about their assignment they can ask a teacher during this time.

** Test Taking Help

   Websites:

   Teaching Kids to Cope with Test Anxiety
   http://www.everydayfamily.com/blog/teaching-kids-to-cope-with-test-anxiety/


10 Ways to help your child do better on tests.

1. Review the subject matter together for upcoming tests.
2. Make sure your child gets a good night’s rest before every test.
3. Serve your child a healthy breakfast on the test day.
4. Have your child dress comfortably and arrive at school on time.
5. Send your child off to school with words of praise and support.
6. Suggest that your child do deep breathing exercises to relax before the test begins.
7. Tell your child to follow directions carefully, and ask questions if something is not clear.
8. Advise your child to do the easiest parts of the test first, then the rest.
9. Remind your child to check over answers before turning in the test.
10. Encourage wanting to do well, but stress that one test won’t measure all your child can do.
11. Remember: Children who love learning are more likely to do better on tests.

Instill a positive attitude about school.