SUGGESTIONS FOR BUILDING ASSETS

Asset # 22- School Engagement

(Young people are enthusiastic about learning and come to school prepared)

To Build Asset # 22 Parents and Extended Family Can . . .

* Guide your child with the basics for being engaged: getting to school on time, eating well, getting enough sleep, having a good place to study, etc.

*Attend your child's school performances — whether they be on the gym court, the stage, an awards assembly, or anything. If your child is out in front of people, be there.

* Have your kids read to you. Have your kids regularly teach what they have learned to you or other members of the family.

* Ask questions about your child's school day every day.

* Show your genuine interest and enthusiasm.

* Restrict TV! Research shows TV makes kids become passive and lowers their ability to engage in mental or physical activities.

* Avoid comparing one child's achievement with another's. Make sure each of your children know you believe in them and expect them each to do their best.

* Tell your children they are both smart and hardworking.

* Don't expect perfection, but expect hard work and notice it when given.

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64% of youth surveyed by Search Institute have this asset in their lives.*

*Based on Search Institute surveys of almost 100,000 6th to 12th grade youth throughout the United States

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Words of Encouragement

School involvement is important to a student who is actively engaged in learning. How can community members support youth in their learning endeavors? Here are just a few suggestions:.

* Invite local residents into school to teach cultural history. By doing this students will be able to connect what they're learning to their own careers, relationships and the life skills they will eventually need.

* Attend school performances and events. There are usually concerts, plays, field days, sports and other events that you can attend. Students will feel recognized and supported when they see community members in the audience. After attending a performance say something to the student about their performance.

* Give students praise. Let them know what they did right and tell them you are proud of them. Compliment youth and encourage them in their learning.

* Talk to young people daily about what interests them. Get to know them and learn about their goals and ideas.