Why Join the GreatSchools Community?

As a parent of three, I've had plenty of questions about my kids. When I needed advice about my kindergartner's struggles with reading or my middle-schooler's disputes with his Spanish teacher, I relied on friends, teachers or the pediatrician. They were sometimes helpful but didn't always have experience solving the problems I had.

If I'd been able to ask those questions of a larger group of parents, I probably would have come up with more and better solutions. And I know I would have valued the support of parents who'd been there.  I hope that's what the GreatSchools Community can do for you.

I hope our community can help you with problems, large and small — problems like these, which parents sent to GreatSchools in just the last week or so:

• "I have a question about a concern of mine involving one of my children, and the 'teasing' factor at school. Is there anywhere I might be able to post this question out there so that I might receive helpful tips?"
• "It is still a daily struggle to encourage my 7-year-old son to read.  I am currently trying a quiet/reading time of about 15 -20 minutes, but it doesn't seem to be working to well — it's a battle; should I continue this?"
• "I'd like to know if anyone knows about a pencil sharpener w/shavings container attached that won't come apart in the backpack. The teachers always ask for this, but the cheap plastic doesn't stay closed and cracks or breaks."

We know some of you can help these three parents — because you have figured out a way to stop the teasing that hurt your child, inspire a boy who hates reading or find a pencil sharpener that just might last until spring vacation. In return, you'll have a vast and supportive network of other parents you can turn to when you're looking for advice or resources.

We can't wait to meet you in our community!

Comments

[M. Smith]

I just wanted to comment that I think this Community Blog is an ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL idea! I have 4 children myself from 8yrs old to 18yrs old and I can't even begin to explain how many times I have had a million questions especially in reference to school and no where to turn for answers. It is a great idea to give parents in the community a place to go when they are searching for those many un-answered questions! Hats off to you Mom's who are making this possible!!!

[Stacey]

When my 8 year old was in kindergarten and not reading, though surrounded by kids who were, I asked the teacher what I should be doing, as he didn't have any interest. She recommended I NOT push him because he'll lose interest, and so I didn't. No sooner had I decided not to push him than he started to become interested. He's now entering 2nd grade and is a very strong reader.

So, have the courage to hold back and just keep reading to him. I'll be he'll start to request to read a page, or perhaps you guys could read every other page.

All the best!

[Jamie Myrick]

Reading should always be presented as relaxing and fun. One way to create this sense of fun is to read to your children when they are babies. When my boys were in pre school, we made reading a part of preparing for bedtime. I tell parents of my middle school students, to have them read to younger siblings before bedtime. It benefits them both.
My oldest son learned to read on his own immediately even before wanting to socially interact with others. He taught my youngest son to read and love books. This was no easy feat because my youngest son has some issues related to dyslexia. To help him I used many of the strategies I use in class with students of dyslexia. When I reflect back on preparing them for bed each night, that it was his older brothers love for reading that gave him the desire to struggle through words that sometimes flipped around on the paper.
jpmyrick.com