Play games with your student! To make this fun activity even more beneficial for your student, try playing games that require planning ahead and problem-solving rather than pure luck. Some games that fit this description include Scrabble, Monopoly, Clue, and dominoes.
Encourage your student's effort for long-term gains versus short-term benefits. One way to do this could be to set up a savings account for your student to help him/her save money for a large purchase. Point out how many times your student could go to the movie (or other thing he/she likes to do) for the same amount of money, then remind your student how happy he/she will be once enough money has been saved to bring home that large purchase.
Set an example for your student by reading at home or engaging in other learning activities. The reading could be something you have to read for work, the TV Guide, or the novel you just picked up. A learning activity does not need to be like school. It might be a class or session that teaches something about your hobby. Perhaps there is something in the NIACC Community Program, the Mason City Library, MacNider Art Museum, or another community resource that caught your attention. Demonstrating that you are a life-long learner will set a great example for your student.
Reward the successes of your student! The successes could be big or small, just be sure the reward matches the degree of importance of the success. (Example: You probably won't want to buy your student a new computer because he/she made the bed this morning.) Conversely, apply sanctions or consequences for poor choices. Apply the sanctions or consequences appropriately, consistently, and in a timely fashion. As with the successes, try to match the sanction/consequence with the degree of the poor choice.
Discuss the importance of rules with your student. You could discuss the rules you have to follow at work, the rules (laws) citizens have to follow in the community/county/state/nation, and even the rules your student has to follow at school. Aim your discussion toward the reasons for having rules and why it is important for people to follow the rules.
Set clear rules and standards for your student. These rules and standards could be related to your expectations of behavior at home, academic performance at school, interaction with siblings or friends, completion of chores, etc. Be sure to explicitly explain your rules and standards (maybe even post them somewhere in your home) to your student so he/she does not have any question about what is or is not OK.
Guide the constructive use of leisure time for your student. Monitor your student's use of TV/computer and time with friends. Help your student find an out-of-school activity he/she enjoys: athletics, arts, music, theater, Boy/Girl Scouts, 4-H, volunteering, etc. Be as supportive as possible with the activity choice by trying to provide transportation to/from the activity or by attending the events related to the activity.
Encourage your student to have good health habits. Help them maintain a proper balance of rest and activity in their schedules. Have a regular breakfast and dinner schedule (as much as work schedules will allow). Encourage your student to make wise food choices to achieve good nutrition. Take your student in for health care as needed, whether for an illness or a regularly scheduled check up/physical. The easiest ways to help your student attain all of these health habits is by modeling them for your student.
The following comes from the September 2008 edition of the newsletter "Connecting with Families and Educators" sent out by AEA 267, the local area education agency near the Mason City airport.
Communicate openly with your student, encouraging verbal give-and-take throughout the conversation. Working with your student on these unwritten rules of conversation will help him/her communicate better with peers, teachers, and other adults.
