Parents can help their children succeed in school

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell has released a to-do list for parents to help their children successfully transition back to school and develop good habits that will improve student achievement throughout the year.

The following is O'Connell's to-do list for parents:

Teach your child to become a lifelong learner: Model the love of learning by talking to your child about the interesting things you learn each day. Show excitement about what your children are learning in school. A positive attitude toward learning opens up minds to the possibilities of learning.

Read to your children often: A child who has a passion for reading can explore the world through books. Reading also improves writing skills.

Be a partner with your child's teacher: Get to know your child's teacher early in the year and learn what is expected of your child at school. Support your child's teachers by checking homework, knowing when assignments are due and asking questions of the teacher to make sure your child is on track and on schedule.

Incorporate learning into daily tasks: Beginning with backto-school shopping, include your child in the tasks of budgeting and using math when making purchases. Read recipes and measure ingredients together. Talk to your child about how things grow in the yard, how electricity makes appliances work or how much energy is used in your home. Ask questions and seek answers to questions about common things by doing research with you child.

Make sure your child is wellrested: Students who are wellrested do better in school. If your children are tired, they can't think clearly. Set a consistent bedtime.

Provide healthy meals, especially breakfast: Breakfasts high in sugar cause students to run out of energy halfway through the morning. Protein will give your children the energy they need to keep them focused until it's time for lunch.

Establish a special place and time for homework: A quiet, welllit area in the home dedicated solely to homework will help your children concentrate on their work. Plan a consistent time for homework every day. If they don't have homework on a certain day, use the time to work on long-term projects or read a book.

Find ways to help your child's school: If possible, spend time at your children's school. Even if you can't provide regular assistance in the classroom, before or after school, ask your child's teacher and school staff about other ways you can help. Donations of supplies, help with fundraisers and communicating with other parents can be done outside of school and work hours.

Teach your children at an early age to embrace California's rich diversity: Learn about other cultures as a family and teach your children about respect for people of other races and backgrounds. California's classrooms are the most diverse in the nation. California students must learn to work cooperatively with people who are different from themselves.

Expect your child to achieve: California's public schools need parental support in holding students to high expectations. Expect your children to do their very best each day. Hold them accountable for doing homework and working hard to achieve in school. When you expect your children to achieve at high levels they will rise to the challenge. If they believe they can achieve, they will achieve, and nothing will make them- or you- more proud.