Tips From the 2010 State Teachers of the Year

Jae Goodwin, a fifth-grade teacher at Charlotte a. Dunning School in Massachusetts states, many parents just can’t volunteer their time in schools anymore. But, they can be effective teachers outside of school. Read to your kids. Show them how math and measuring can be done while refueling the car or cooking dinner. Ask your children what they think and really listen to the answers.

Susanne F. Mitko, a seventh-grade social studies teacher at Bernard Campbell Middle School in Missouri states, with the best of intentions, this generation is often overscheduled and over-entertained, but research shows that it’s during downtime that the brain processes new learning. Children of all ages need unstructured time to learn and develop the skills they will need as adults.

I am not the Alabama state teacher of the year, but my advice to parents is to make sure their children understand the importance of a good education and always doing their best work. Make sure your child understands self control and respect for adults and peers. If you don’t stress the importance of giving their best in their school work and behavior, children don’t understand the need to excel, compete in a global society, and boundries for social behavior. Never accept anything other than their best efforts, and have realistic expectations for your children.