What is the motivation to fill each waking minute of the day with activities and events and to excel at everything? Are we trying to create the "superkid," defined as "a child pressured by parents and by society to do too much too soon?" Are parents overcompensating because they feel guilty about the time they spend working or away from home?…

It is estimated that there are over one million K-12 enrollments in online courses across the country. The number of online courses and providers continues to grow at a steady rate each year (a staggering 30% annually), providing scores of options for today's students. With all of the benefits that online learning provides to students and their…

Throughout the nation, public school kindergartens are moving from half-day to extended or full-day sessions. Reasons for the transition are given. Parental involvement in planning is discussed. (MT)

Lists activities parents can build into their schedules to strengthen their families and help their students succeed, noting the three keys to scheduling during the school year (clarity, discipline, and flexibility). Activities involve: getting ready time, teaching time, friend time, playtime, reading time, down time, adventure time, practice…

Presents suggestions for encouraging children to practice music (or anything else), including seeking out instruction, writing out schedules, setting goals, concentrating, relaxing and practicing slowly, practicing hard things longer, practicing with expression, learning from mistakes, not showing off, thinking independently, being optimistic, and…

Discusses the national trend toward full-day kindergarten scheduling and a 2-year experiment involving alternate-day and half-day programs in Pasco, Washington. Early findings show no significant differences in children's achievement, classroom study habits, or social skills. Poor and minority children benefit from increased conversational…

The September-June calendar makes little sense instructionally or academically, as it was designed for the agricultural economy of the early 1800s. This article suggests that year-round education, originally a response to overcrowding, can benefit students' learning process, increase attendance, and reduce vandalism and instructional costs per…

This newsletter issue discusses time management techniques for parents of special needs children. Techniques include changing one's attitudes about perfection, prioritizing tasks, having a back-up plan, learning to say "no," asking for help, keeping things simple, hiring others, using waiting time wisely, and doing two things at once. Household…

This document updates "Accommodations: Assisting Students with Disabilities. A Guide for Educators," published by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) in 2003. This document is written to assist school district personnel and parents when making decisions about the use of accommodations by students with disabilities in instructional…

Studies have documented that schedules and routines influence children's emotional, cognitive, and social development. Predictable and consistent schedules in preschool classrooms help children feel secure and comfortable. Also, schedules and routines help children understand the expectations of the environment and reduce the frequency of behavior…

Even the most intelligent children can have low rates of achievement if their natural abilities are not supported by effective study practices at home. The development of good study habits requires the guidance and firm supervision of a caring adult. The following suggestions should help parents guide their children in the development of good…

Designed with the new teacher in mind, this kindergarten curriculum guide begins Part I with a statement of beliefs and goals guiding educational practice and lists needs and characteristics of kindergarten children. Part II focuses on preparing for the school year and offers information to help teachers become oriented to unfamiliar school…

Parents of adolescents with attention deficit disorders are offered suggestions for easing the transition of their teen from elementary to secondary school. Careful scheduling of classes with the guidance counselor to "fit" the individual teen's needs is urged. The importance of ongoing communication with the school concerning class progress,…

This guide, in both English and Russian, is intended for parents and guardians of children participating in bilingual or monolingual English-medium general education or bilingual special education programs in the New York City public schools. It provides general information about mainstreaming, the integration of special education students into…

This guide, in both English and Chinese, is intended for parents and guardians of children participating in bilingual or monolingual English-medium general education or bilingual special education programs in the New York City public schools. It provides general information about mainstreaming, the integration of special education students into…