Show and School Home 1 by a W Dr Daryl IJ J McCarty y executive Director Utah Education Association Becoming expert parents A parent can become something of an expert on education without a single day of college or five minutes experience in teaching All you have to do is master two ideas The first is that Jamie doesn't learn well when you treat him as if hes he's dumb Jamie can get the Idea that hes he's not bright if hes he's told things such as That was a stupid thing t to do Let me handle it You never do anything right a sixth grade book you brought home from the library Dim Dim- Dim Youre You're a second second-gra second grader er and that stuff is way Aver your head The truth is when hears such remarks enough he begins to believe them And believing them he will accept the fact that he isn't smart and he may never reach the heights in learning that he should The second great need to know about education is the reverse of that first premise Jamie learns well when you treat him himas himas as if hes he's smart It works Sure youve you've always suspected it but its it's much more fact than mere suspicion Research shows that high expectations bring high achievements from our children You can convey your high expectations by positive statements to Jamie such as these Son Im I'm really proud of the way youve you've made a system for your studying Youre You're getting a lot more done now that you decided to get away from the stereo and TV set Way to go Jamie I was at the game today and I Vas vas the he proudest Dad there when you made that catch I Get out the red plate Dear Jamie brought home a report card with the highest grades since outer space When Jamie hears such remarks often enough he begins to believe hes he's smart and capable Hell He'll know you'll expect great things of him and live up to your expectations |