Practical Parental Resources

7 practical, realistic strategies parents can use daily

Here are 7 practical, realistic strategies parents can use daily to engage students about school and coursework—without turning evenings into interrogations or homework battles.


These are built to spark conversation, accountability, and reflection.

1. Ask Learning-Focused Questions (Not “Did You Do Your Homework?”)

 

Shift from compliance to thinking.
Daily prompts:
- “What’s one thing you learned today that surprised you?”
- “What was the hardest part of today’s lesson?”
- “What are you still confused about?”

 

This helps students process learning instead of just reporting tasks.

2. Do a 5-Minute Assignment Check-In

 

Not to correct—just to notice.
How it looks:
- Ask them to show today’s assignments
- Have them explain one problem or task out loud
- Praise effort, not perfection

 

Explaining builds understanding and reveals gaps early.

3. Set a Consistent Homework Routine

 

Same time. Same place. Same expectation.
Parents support by:

- Reducing distractions
- Being nearby (not hovering)
- Normalizing focus time

 

Consistency builds discipline and reduces power struggles.

4. Connect Schoolwork to Real Life

 

Help students see why it matters.


Examples:
- “Where do you think adults use this skill?”
- “How would this help in a job or real situation?”
- “Have you seen this outside of school?”


Relevance increases motivation—especially for older students.

5. Review Grades and Feedback Together (Weekly or Daily Lite Version)

 

Focus on patterns, not punishment.


Ask:
- “What are you proud of?”
- “What do you want to improve next?”
- “What help do you need?”

 

This teaches ownership instead of fear.

6. Encourage Self-Advocacy

 

Teach students to speak up for themselves.

Daily habit:

- Ask, “Did you ask for help when you needed it?”
- Role-play how to email or talk to a teacher
- Celebrate attempts—even if outcomes aren’t perfect

 

Students who advocate for themselves succeed long-term.

7. End the Day with Reflection, Not Pressure

 

Close the loop emotionally.
Simple questions:
- “What went well today?”
- “What was challenging?”
- “What’s one goal for tomorrow?”

 

Reflection builds confidence and resilience.

Bottom Line for Parents

You don’t need to know every answer.
You just need to stay curious, consistent, and connected.

Math Resources

Includes:

FUNBRAIN

Created for kids in grades Pre-K through 8, Funbrain.com has been the leader in free educational games for kids since 1997. Funbrain offers hundreds of games, books, comics, and videos that develop skills in math, reading, problem-solving and literacy.

MATH BLASTER

Math Blaster products have been used in classrooms and homes worldwide for over 15 years. Mathblaster.com is the online hub for outer space-based MMO gaming. Math Blaster learning apps are available on iPad/iPhone and Android devices.

MULTIPLICATION

Many adults seem to forget how difficult and time consuming it was to learn the multiplication facts. Memorizing the multiplication facts doesn’t have to be difficult & frustrating. Research says the best way to remember is by using images and stories. It’s exactly what we do.

HOODA MATH

HoodaMath.com, a free online math games site. Founded by a middle school math teacher, Hooda Math offers over 500 Math Games for all ages. Hooda Math offers Math Games by Grade (Kindergarten, 1st/2nd/3rd grade etc) and Math Games by Subject.

MANGAHIGH

Get your students excited, engaged and excelling at math! Adaptive quizzes, innovative games and social competitions Aligned to the National Curriculum Real-time analytics with AI support for differentiation.

MathGameTime

Math Game Time is your destination for the best math games and homework help online. Our games are fun and educational, as well as approved by parents and teachers! with Math Games offered by Grade and Math Games offered by Subjects.

Math Playground

Math Playground has grown to include a wide variety of math topics, from problem solving and mathematical art to real world math and thinking games. Math Playground is kidSAFE COPPA CERTIFIED. Math Playground bring great educational content to children at no cost.

Coolmath Games

We have thousands of strategy, logic, trivia and numbers games for everyone to explore. All of our games have been carefully selected to be both fun to play and mentally stimulating. Build skills like pattern recognition, logical reasoning, memory recall, strategy, and math!

Prodigy

Prodigy combines learning with play to motivate students to practice, learn, and improve in math. We have several research studies indicating that use of Prodigy Math can correlate with academic and attitudinal outcomes.
Reading Resources

Includes:

Storyline Online

Reading aloud to children has been shown to improve reading, writing and communication skills, logical thinking and concentration, and general academic aptitude, as well as inspire a lifelong love of reading. Storyline Online is available 24 hours a day worldwide.

STORYPLACE

StoryPlace came about to provide children with the virtual experience of going to the Library and participating in the same types of activities the Library offers at its physical locations. The site also now includes early literacy information for parents and caregivers.

ReadTheory

Every student is different. ReadTheory was designed to celebrate and support those differences. Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” model of education, we go the opposite direction. Every student deserves to have a curriculum that is customized around their specific needs.

OXFORDOWL

With a library of activities and resources for every stage of the learning journey, curated by the team at Oxford University Press, we are here with inspiration to help your little ones learn, grow and flourish at home, in the classroom and beyond.

INKLESS Tales

An entertaining and educational sampling of stories, crafts, games, and poetry for young children. Attractive and easy to navigate, this site also includes children's book reviews and other "cool links" for kids.Listen to cool stories online, read poems, and have lots of fun with Inkless Tales

Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy Kids was developed in collaboration with learning experts at Stanford and aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and Common Core Standards. Inspire a lifetime of learning and discovery with our free, fun educational program.

BIBLIO NASIUM

The site has now grown tremendously since its original conception. Part kids social network, part parent’s guide, part educator's tool, Biblionasium blends technology with personal connection to create a supportive, engaging space for reading success.

THE WEEK Junior

The Week Junior reports news directly to kids ages 8-14—providing the facts behind what’s happening in the world and empowering Gen Alpha to develop and voice their own point of view. Packed with news, science, animals, nature, sports, entertainment, and puzzles.
Online Games

Includes:

AGAME

More than 35 million gamers from over 150 countries visit our websites every single month. Since 2014 alone, our games have been played more than 19 billion times! We’ve drawn millions of players to franchises and have helped them become some of the most iconic gamers.

PBS KIDS Games

PBS is a nonprofit institution that strives to serve the American public. We value the trust you have placed in us for many years to make quality educational children's content. We offer educational games in a wide range of topics.

CLARK

Whether you enjoy classic puzzles or fast-paced challenges, you can find a great selection of free games online. When it comes to online gaming, you don’t have to have the newest console or the latest titles to have fun.

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