Mindset: Yes, it matters!
September 20, 2024
With the first few weeks of school underway and the official start of the fall season, now is the time to start thinking about practical ways to support your student at home. This could include making sure you know what kind of instruction your child receives at school.
Springer teachers use direct instruction. (Check out this short video which gives a great summary of direct instruction.)
Research shows that students who receive direct instruction demonstrate significantly higher academic achievement than students taught by other approaches. Direct instruction not only increases students academic achievement, but also increases their self-confidence and self-esteem when it comes to learning.
The classroom environment is typically where the majority of direct instruction takes place, but how can you ensure that is enough? Here are some practical examples of how to advocate for and provide support for your student:
- Facilitate clear communication with your students educational team to know how your student is being served under direct instruction, and the progress your student is making. Ask questions to learn more about your students' specific struggles in the classroom.
- Collaborate with your students' educational team to obtain different strategies and homework or study supports that can be applied at home.
- If your student is not receiving direct instruction services at school but is struggling, there are many options to inquire about comprehensive, academic evaluations to determine if your student needs support. You can request an evaluation through the school or obtain an independent evaluation.
- If your student is not receiving direct instruction in the educational setting or you are interested in more support, inquire about 1:1 tutoring services and how that level direct instruction can be beneficial for your student.
- Start making plans for how to support your child academically during the summer months. Most summer programs announce their camps in January. Find a summer program that you are interested in and make it a priority. Plan vacations around the calendar dates, start planning for it financially and don't miss the application windows!
When it comes to supporting our students' best, consistency is key! Use those five suggestions to help guide yourself in advocating for and supporting your student during this school year.
Do you have more questions about what to do next? Maybe you want to learn more about diagnostic evaluations, therapy & tutoring or summer programming? I would love to talk! Give me a call, 513-871-6080 ext. 402.
Remember, the biggest level of support a student has is YOU! This is not always an easy journey. Advocating for your student and understanding what they need can be difficult, but they are lucky to have you in their corner. You are doing a great job, and we are here to support you too!
Guest Blogger Shelby Chamberlin is Springer's Family Outreach Coordinator and leads summer programs at Springer. You can contact Shelby via phone or email at , (513) 971-6080 ext. 402.
