New Year's Day is the time for new beginnings and new goals. It is also a great time for a fresh start. This fresh start can apply to adults and students as well.  This is a great time to sit with your child and evaluate what's working and what needs more attention. We have some ideas that can help jump start the goal setting process with your child.

For your elementary aged student:

Parents, your help is most needed here for your child's optimal success!

1. Homework zone: Is our homework zone, clutter free, well lit and organized? Do we have all needed materials to minimize the distractions of looking for supplies? Make sure your supply bin is well stocked with pencils, crayons, scissors, scratch paper etc.
2. Study skills: Knowing your child's learning style is most important. Is your child a visual, auditory, kinesthetic learner? Knowing how your child learns best is vital. For example - if your child needs lots of repetition you may want to practice their math facts using flash cards, play a game using math facts, or playing a round of hangman using math facts. Variety is the key to making study time fun and successful for your child. 
3. Communication: Talk with your child's teacher about any concerns you may have regarding their study habits, school work habits, etc.  Also, speak with your child about their learning. Ask them what they enjoy most about learning, what do they find a bit challenging? etc. You will be surprised how much you will learn from them!

For your middle school or high school student:

1. Homework time: Are my current homework goals working? Can I do a better job with my homework time? Does my homework area have all that I need so I am focused and organized during homework time? 
2. Study skills: Are my study habits effective?  Can I make my note taking more effective? Are my notes neat and organized? What can I do to make my study time more productive? Remember, it’s about the quality of your habits!
3. Communication: Am I communicating well with my teacher? Should I ask more questions in class? Can I facilitate a better student-teacher relationship that will build success?

I hope these tips can help with your new goal setting and to give you a head start for a successful 2013! Do you have any ideas that can help more parents and students?  Please share, we would love to hear them! 

Yolanda Coleman is a proud mom of 3 young children. She is a certified teacher that founded Team Tutor, a private tutoring firm that serves Pre-K through College students all throughout the Delaware Valley. Team Tutor's mission is provide the best quality of individualized tutoring, enrichment and Test Prep. Team Tutor offers weekly tips and educational resources on their blog (http://www.yourteamtutor.com/blog) for students, parents and teachers alike.