family focus >> back to school Order Cu:wakes Ex Dews far all year End of Stormer ET it, Back to UMW Fun. Helpful Tips For Returning To School Eileen Wacker Special to the Jewish News T he "back to school" tidal wave is approaching fast. We have four kids in three different schools, and we use some of these approaches to shape positive expecta- tions. • Send the teacher an email. Work with your child and send it from him or her saying something like, "I am ready for the new school year and looking forward to being in your class:' This is especially helpful for a shy child as the teacher will normally respond with a quick email back and the child will experience the first per- sonal connection. • Understand the school's electron- ics policy and get your child ready. Because technology is moving so quickly, policies shift quickly to adapt. Do they allow laptops and cell phones? Are the cell phone ringers turned off but texting is allowed? Use something sharp to scratch your child's name onto any device that leaves your home. • Plan out breakfast for the entire first week. The menu should consist of what they will actually eat. Our youngest two want macaroni and cheese and chunky soup for breakfast, so we let them eat it. We feel better knowing they have something in their stomachs. • If there are back-to-school "sup- ply lists," incorporate into some- thing fii.n and let them handle the money. I have my kids go with the babysitter to the school supply store then get ice cream or lunch after- wards. They like to pick their own stuff, and they especially like to pay (and it starts teaching them what things cost!). • Make an agreement with each child about how you will wake them up. One of our kids likes to get carried to the kitchen and placed in a chair. Being organized and getting up and out on time are big challenges. 248.626.9110 On the Boardwalk 6879 Orchard Lake Rd.. West Bloomfield www.dakotabread.corn =7_71 C-. 7, buy a pair of bottoms over $50.00, get a pair of Havaianas flip flops FREE! (Its • End the first week with a celebra- tion! We go to dinner and take small video clips of a funny interview with each child. We ask what their favorite things were the first week and for them to make an imitation of the teacher. Then we email their clips to them — they think they are so funny, and enjoy watching themselves end- lessly. or gar a ems 'dray n vewear now n stock' www]lavifobefree.cam 671 b Orchar oke•: Best T Priv afe Pink Hamster and the Birthday Surprise, •.34 Music Lessons Guitar for ONLY • We put small notes in their backpacks, sports bag or lunch. We write things like "you are brave" or "have the best day ever." We ask open-ended questions every day and try not to correct them when they answer. Who do you sit next to in class now? What was lunch like? What's your new teacher like? the author of the new children's book, 5100M le • ..•.• `Limit one Per customer :: not valid with any other offer must present coupon :: expires September 7th, 20i I 19 BUCKS! Drums Piano Bass Voice 29555 Northwestern Hwy Southfield Michigan ACADEMY ,0 48034 Eileen Wacker lives in Honolulu. She is • For elementary school kids, find one child in his or her new class they are "glad about" and have a play date with him or her. YOGA /1 SPINNING /11311( APPAREL FOR THE GYM AND EVERYDAY supplies last, exp. Sept 7, 2011) New students only. Limit 1 set of lessons per person (multiple may be purchased as gifts.) Not valid with any other offer or discount. Not valid for HOME lessons. 248.799.8100 www.axismusic.com I southfield@axismusic.com the fourth installment of the Fujimini Adventure series (www.oncekids.com ). Send your college student news from home! Local Teachers Offer Their Advice Becky Melamed, language arts, Hillel of Metropolitan Detroit: "The best way to start the year off right is to be optimistic and posi- tive. "Children can sense if you are anxious about the upcoming school year. Be sure to be patient with your child's teacher; it sometimes can take a few days/weeks to get to know a student well. "Parents know their children as they are at home; teachers know the children as they are at school. The combination of both views coupled with parents and teachers working together will ensure a successful, meaningful year." Gillian Herold, head of English department, Frankel Jewish Academy: "I would encourage English stu- dents to use the study of literature as a chance to learn about the world, to meet different people and encounter different life experiences!" College kids love news from home - the JN will help keep them in touch with everything that is happening while they are away! Call us today and we'll take care of the rest 800.875.6621 SPECIAL COLLEGE PRICING $20 per year 10 months • In-state only • Call for out of state special rates JN Visit theJEWISHNEWS.com August 25 • 2011 31