Imagine an organized activity that would make it safer for your primary school child to walk to school, help him to socialize, and give her more exercise. Imagine also that this activity could save you time; save you money; and decrease the amount of traffic, air pollution and global warming gasses emitted around town. Wow, you’d say, where do I sign up?

At the moment, unfortunately, you can’t. However, with a little organization from the local elementary school districts, and some advocacy from parents, the Santa Clarita Valley could host a thriving program called the Walking School Bus.

This is just what it sounds like: a walking “bus” of children, with an adult “driver” in the front and another “conductor” in the back, making its way through your neighborhood, stopping at your house and picking up your child, growing larger as it approaches the school. At the end of the day, children gather outside the school and reverse the route. Sound like fun? You bet.  When researchers surveyed children already participating in this program in other cities, most kids say they like talking with their friends on the way to school. This is especially good for kids who are new to the area. Also, with child obesity rates hitting an all-time high (15% of American children aged 6 to 19 are considered overweight), you’d be doing them a favor by giving them an opportunity for more exercise.

The benefits to you as the parent are perhaps even more enjoyable. First, it attacks the number one complaint I hear from citizens in my role as a city planning commissioner: traffic. Less traffic around the school site also increases safety and means a reduction in the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted, and less air pollution in our valley. Also, it saves you time. Instead of throwing on your clothes and running out to the car in the morning, you can have that extra cup of coffee as your child eagerly awaits the “bus.”

To start this program here in Santa Clarita, parents, site councils, PTAs, PTOs, and school districts would have to work together to create an interest survey, develop the bus routes, and create safety regulations. The result would be a program which makes our neighborhoods safe for our children and reinforces the connection among school, community, and the citizen.

It is a well known fact, backed up by research, that what parents do at home directly affects their children’s performance in school. In particular, if parents read to, and in front of, their young children, and if they spend time having extended conversations with them, the children will develop better reading and critical thinking skills, which are the foundation of their educational experience.

Experts tell us to take time to read to our young children, and to read with them. It is equally important to be seen enjoying reading yourself. In a larger context, we’re talking about creating a more literary environment around the house: having books, magazines, and newspapers available, in plain sight, and using them frequently

It seems so logical when stated in black and white, but practicing this can be difficult. Most parents’ days are filled with their own activities, whether they work outside the home or not, and by the time their children are back from school and dinner’s on the table, they may want nothing more than to collapse in front of the TV. Of course, there is nothing wrong with dumb entertainment, but as a parent, you must be aware that you are constantly being observed. You are the primary role model for your children’s behavior. 

This brings me to my larger point. Guiding your children to success in school is just one job you have as a parent. You can help guide your children to success in relationships by examining your actions within your own relationships at home. Do you show affection, really listen when others speak, and avoid letting your ego take control?

You can guide your children to success as citizens by getting involved with your community and showing them that you care about others. With older children, you can discuss current events and issues in the community. Especially important is demonstrating to them that you care enough about your community to register to vote, and then to consider carefully and discuss with them fully each measure and candidate before casting your ballot. As Gandhi once said, we must be the change we wish to see in the world. That change starts at home.

Selecting the right tutor is the first step toward improving your child’s grades, but, to ensure that the tutoring is successful, parents should communicate regularly with the tutor, providing information and feedback.

Just as your pediatrician needs information about your child’s symptoms and health history, the tutor needs a variety of information to evaluate your child’s needs and to develop a plan. Just as importantly, the tutor will need ongoing feedback, from both the parent and the student. This will allow the tutor to adjust her approach to meet the student’s requirements.

When a parent calls me to discuss tutoring, I ask about the child’s academic history, study skills, general level of confidence, personality and extracurricular interests, as well as learning style and any observed or diagnosed disability. That information guides me in selection of the appropriate tutor. 

I advise parents to begin that first lesson by showing the tutor their child’s homework, completed tests, report cards, IEP, and any other pertinent materials. Experienced tutors are eager for insights that will allow them to quickly assess and effectively address any deficiencies.

It’s important that you discuss your concerns and observations privately with the tutor. This will preserve your child’s dignity and protect his relationship with his tutor.

Prepare your child for tutoring by encouraging her to openly discuss her needs with the tutor. If the pace of the lesson seems to fast for her, for example, she should tell the tutor to slow down. If she hesitates to express herself, pull the tutor aside and share your child’s feedback with the tutor yourself. 

As lessons continue, keep the tutor updated about changes in your child’s daily classroom performance, his grades, study habits, feedback from his teacher, and events that may be affecting the child’s behavior. If the tutoring doesn’t seem to be working, the tutor needs to know right away so he can make adjustments. If that important personal connection just isn’t there, it’s better to change tutors early before your child digs in his heels and decides to resist all outside assistance.

Diane Trautman owns and operates StudyPros In-Home Tutoring at 661-296-9206 and studypros.com.