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Helping young students succeed

Children’s views

Sometimes when we’re having trouble with our children, we feel like giving up. We feel like we’ve

tried everything...but nothing works. Too often, in the midst of the action, with our backs to the
wall, we limit our actions, our thoughts. Why not turn to our children for answers? We might be surprised by the number
of strategies they know. Many children are able to find solutions to their problems, but they need guidance to apply these
solutions. Here, then, are a few tricks used by Grade 4 elementary students to help them stay calm and focussed in the
classroom, complete homework, succeed and promote self-confidence.

Concentrating Staying calm
(in the classroom) (inside or outside the classroom)

I talk to an adult.

I read.

I draw or paint.

I talk about my feelings.

I take a walk.

I play with my dog.

I laugh.

I listen to music.

I talk to myself in my head.
I splash water on my face.
I rest at my desk.

I use an anti-stress ball.

I play outdoors to relax.

¢ I sit at the front of the classroom.

I look at the teacher.

® I keep distracting objects off my desk.
® I participate in class; I raise my hand.
I take deep breaths.

¢¢ ¢ ¢

Succeeding and promoting
self-confidence

¢¢%¢¢%¢%@ O

¢

I study in a quiet place.

I study every evening, even when I don’t
feel like it.

@ | am well organized.

@ I sit in a chair while I study. _. .
@ I ask my parents for help. Finishing my homework
I do not put things off until later.

I push myself, I am persistent.
@ I see myself succeeding.

® | try not to do too much in the same evening.
@ If I forget something at school, I can call a

@ | am truthful to my parents. cau .
@ I make signs to encourage me, such as * Ido not poke edie lea odes
television.

“Hang in there!”
Ifa friend calls while I’m doing homework,

I tell him I’ll call back later, | finish them.
* [use my time well.

@ I check off completed tasks in my agenda as

@ I don’t quit; I find a way.

@ I go to bed early.

@ I do not watch too much television.

@ I take time to succeed (pace). Source : BOURQUE, Jean and DARCHE, Robert,
¢@ I take time to understand. Trucs d’enfants en matiére de réussite scolaire,

Veux-tu savoir ?, Vol 27, No 1, January-February 2004, p. 15

As you can see, children have a vast pool of resources available. What better way to begin the new school year than by
getting together with your child to map out strategies. Write them down and refer to them when you need to.

1 8 Iufo-Parents