Hello Friends,
Those students who took the SAT in May are now receiving their scores. Parents let's go easy on this one please. There is a fine dance that takes place right now. First of all, you want your student to practice; you and I both know that he/she needs to practice. But at the same time, we want him/her to feel that the practicing will make a difference. Some parents are being a bit tough about the SAT--your disappointment in your student's scores is showing all over your face; or in other cases, your encouragement seems false. So what is a parent to do?
Encourage, put the SAT into perspective, and help your son or daughter prioritize so there is, in fact, time, a place and a means to do SAT practice, preparation over the summer. (Check out the College Board Web site for practice information.) Soccer camps are scheduled; vacations are scheduled; are SAT practice sessions scheduled? Just like exercise, these activities need to be scheduled or they just won't happen.
So as a parent the best thing you can do is help your student schedule SAT practice time and create a setting so that the practice can in fact happen. No nagging, no badgering, just setting the stage for it to happen; 25 - 30 minutes two to three times a week would be ideal. You will see results if you start with that schedule and at least maintain the "habit" until October. Make it fun. Provide great food and a comfy setting. Have the correct materials and make the practice sessions fun by having a lighthearted approach about what this all means.
Expecting great results without hard work just doesn't happen in life. We all know that, but most importantly let's help young adults find ways to make the necessary hard work happen. As parents, teachers, educators, that's what we need to do. We know nagging doesn't work; we know nagging creates resentment and a likelihood that the request just may not happen or if it does, it occurs with not much enthusiasm. No one gets excited about SAT prep, but students do participate when they know that their efforts are recognized, appreciated and will provide significant results.
Let's show our young adults how to do that with a positive approach to this major and soon to be over chore.
Your College Connection
Brenda Breton
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