With all of the assignments, exams, events, and extracurricular activities that are a part of high school, it’s natural for students to experience stress from time to time. Some of this stress can serve as a motivator, giving students the extra kick they need to complete an assignment on time or to power through a study session. But other types of anxiety can be harmful—one type in particular is test anxiety. Test anxiety is among the most common types of anxiety experienced by high school students. Ways to help your high school student with test anxiety include introducing him or her to coping tools, and encouraging good habits. ...Read More About 5 Ways to Help Your High School Student with Test Anxiety

Thanksgiving is an ideal time to introduce children to the concept of cultivating gratitude. For younger students, this may be the first time they have considered that not everyone has the comforts and opportunities that they do. For all students, instilling the habit of practicing gratitude has been shown to increase empathy and improve physical and psychological health and resilience. Thanksgiving crafts that teach students gratitude can include a gratitude journal, a thankful wreath, or a tree of thanks. When getting into the spirit of the season, consider crafts like these to incorporate gratitude into your holiday, while also continuing ...Read More About Thanksgiving Crafts That Teach Students Gratitude

According to the United States Department of Education, about 1.8 million students were homeschooled in the U.S. in 2012, the most recent year that statistics were available. If you are contemplating homeschooling your own child, you might wonder how to begin. Great ways to get started with homeschooling include learning about the homeschooling laws in your state, connecting with other homeschool parents in your area, and creating a homeschool plan. Here’s how to start homeschooling your child: Learn the homeschooling laws in your state Rules about homeschooling vary from state to state. While all states permit parents to educate thei ...Read More About How Do I Start Homeschooling My Child?

At some point, all middle school parents experience the Sunday night homework announcement: suddenly, your student has a shoebox diorama due in third period history class tomorrow—and he or she hasn’t started it yet. With the move to middle school comes major change: shifting to bell schedules, an intense focus on social dynamics, and an increase in responsibilities—including homework responsibilities. Even though the start of the middle school year brings more homework and higher expectations for time management, that first bell doesn’t automatically imbue your middle schooler with all the skills to handle the change. ...Read More About How Parents Can Help with Middle School Homework Challenges

In many areas, school attendance requirements are quite strict—with good reason, as a child’s education is of the utmost importance. But for those students with a chronic illness or injury, health has to come first, and schools can and should help you honor that shift in priority. Ways to handle an extended school absence include notifying teachers immediately, familiarizing yourself with programs and policies, and utilizing available technology. A little preparation, research, and a lot of communication can make extended or frequent absences a little easier on your already stressed student. Keep reading to learn how to handle an ...Read More About How to Handle an Extended School Absence