Sample our Shabbat .. . Take Home a Year's Free Membership class and doesn't do homework. He seems undisturbed by low grades. She cuts classes. They are, in a word, underachiev- ers. But that word, overused and not exactly specific, can mean a varier), of things to different parents and educa- tors. Basically, however, we under- stand it as the big gap between a child's potential and performance. But that covers the difference berween high IQ and low grades: it doesn't cover the potential causes such as family environment, relationships with peers, health, emotional issues, learning disabilities, cultural differ- ences, drug use and the school envi- ronment. Ruth Peters, a Florida-based child \— and family psychologist affiliated with Sylvan Learning Centers, has devel- oped a list of tips for parents who are trying to find ways to motivate their child: • Identify motivators and motiva- tional barriers. Take a look at the school and the home. Is a family problem such as a divorce or sibling competition or peer pressure at school • interfering with your child's ability to • concentrate? Can you identify rewards or privi- leges that would be incentives to your child? Have you had your child rested for learning disabilities like attention deficit disorder? • Help evolve behavior and attitudes about school. Develop a study routine and implement a daily assignment sheet with columns for homework assignments, quizzes/tests, long-term projects and behavior ratings. Your child should complete the columns and ger his/her teacher's signature. • Reward your child with praise, encouragement and prizes. Take advantage of casual time during meals, riding in the car or doing errands to talk to your child about school. Congratulate him or her on accomplishments and establish rewards - such as privileges or small tokens - to reinforce the behavior. • Implement negative conse- quences. When your child does an unsatisfactory job due to lack of effort, take something of value away. Help your child understand the other side of rewards are negative conse- quences. • Seek outside counsel. Meet with your child's teacher and/or guidance counselor periodically to ensure that you are all working toward the same Have you ever announced your child's birthday to a congregation? Do you know what it feels like when they sing, "Siman Tov, Mazel Toy: on your anniversary? When was the last time you were called to the bimah? At Congregation Beth Shalom we are conservative in denomination only. The spirit of our weekly service is embracing, warm, and inclusive. Children are encouraged to participate. So are you. Sample our Shabbat service on August 29, September 5 or September 12, 1998. If you enjoy the service, pick up a certificate that day for a year's free membership*. Let Congregation Beth Shalom be the synagogue you call home. - Congregation Beth Shalom 14601 W. Lincoln, Oak Park Call (248) 547-7970 for complete information .*Free special Friendship Membership limited to first time members only and does not include discount for Religious School. de , LINCOLN-MERCURY-MAZDA GARFIELD & MARKS and J.R. MORRISSEY TRUNK SHOW Drive East Pay The Least ( Jackets, Pants, Skirts & Dresses) NOW thru SATURDAY, AUG. 22nd Ma7Da PASSION FOR THE ROADTM 6901 Orchard Lake Rd. • West Bloomfield • (248) 626-7776 LINCOLN Mercury FA V. ..■■ ■-■ 1 I I I 1...41 ■■■■ VA I ■■■■ Ir ACIV 4I 6, ■■■ • Ma Private Instruction Plus Professional Tutors Available in all Subjects ACT & SAT GIL PRATT Leasing Manager Your West Side Specialist (810) 445-6000 Gratiot Ave. at 12 Mile Road Roseville, MI 48066 Fax (810) 771-7340 goal Copley News.Service Call The Sales Department (248) 354-7123 Ext. 209 English French German Algebra Calculus Biology History Spanish Physics Preca lcu lus Geometry Chemistry UNA DWORKIN & ASSOCIATES TUTORS 248-661-8613 Get Results... Advertise in our new Entertainment Section! JEWISH NEWS JN Detroit Jewish News 8/21 1998 117