helping your teen succeed in high school september 6 th, 2011
TRANSCRIPT
Helping your teen succeed in high school
September 6th, 2011
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Mission Statement
Together with the Halton community,
the Health Department works to achieve
the best possible health for all.
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Understanding the Adolescent Brain
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“Thinking” Brain Governing emotions Judgment Planning Organization Problem Solving Impulse Inhibition Abstraction Analysis/synthesis Self-awareness* Self-concept* Identity Spirituality
The Frontal Lobes
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The Problem
Frontal Lobe Development
AutonomyAverage age of first sexual encounter in
Canada
drivers license
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What do you remember about starting high school?
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“All the research on dropout prevention can be boiled down to one thing: Young people are more likely to stay in school and do well if they like it there.”
Peter C. Scales, Ph. D., researcher and author, Search Institute, Ideas for Parents #30
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School Connectedness
•Get better grades•Have higher test scores•Stay in school longer•Attend school more regularly•Less likely to engage in risk taking behaviours
School Connectedness Document – CDC 2009
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Commitment to LearningHalton Youth Survey 2009/10 Burlington
Grade 7 Grade 10
School Engagement
83% 66%
Bonding to School
54% 41%
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Factors Increasing School Connectedness
•Adult Support•Belonging to a Positive Peer Group•Commitment to Education•School Environment
School Connectedness Document – CDC 2009
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So what is a parent to do?
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Talking is good! (and so is listening)
•Talk about their day at school. Continue to ask questions and be engaged. They still need you!
•Encourage them to talk to their teachers, counselors and other school staff about their ideas/needs/worries.
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Get to know your child’s teachers and attend school meetings
• Meet with teachers to discuss grades, behaviours and accomplishments.
•When you understand school expectations, you are better able to support them at home.
•Helps you detect small problems before they get big.
•When you show an interest in school you will be helping to instill a commitment to learning.
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Help your child managehomework
•Set aside time and space•Provide them with the tools they need•Guide them to problem solve, organize and prioritize.
•Recognize effort not perfection.
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Encourage participation in school activities
•Encourage your teen to join a club or team that aligns with their strengths and interests.
•Educate yourself on what the school has to offer. The Nelson website is a great place to start!
•Talk to your teen’s teachers about ‘presenting’ opportunities.
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Encourage participation out of school
• In the community•At home
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Become involved at the school in your own capacity
This looks different for everyone:•Share a skill•Attend a school council meeting•Attend Thursday at 9am•Take time to regularly check the parenting tab on the Nelson website
“Good schools become even better when parents are involved”
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Monitor and Stay Involved
•Know WHO they hang out with•Know WHAT they’re doing•Know WHERE they are•Know WHEN they’ll be home
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Just remember…
With you in their corner, your teen is well-positioned to overcome their concerns about starting high school and ultimately to thrive and succeed.
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Resources
www.nel.hdsb.ca
nicole.o’[email protected]
www.halton.ca
www.haltonparents.ca
www.search-institute.org