Learning to play an instrument is a wonderful way for students to express their creativity. But did you know that learning an instrument can build literacy and language skills as well? Studies show that children who take at least two years of music lessons have an enhanced ability to process language, which gives them an advantage when it comes to reading and
communication. If you are a teacher or parent who would like to offer your children the benefits of learning an instrument, here are a few things to know:

Playing Music Has Other Benefits Too

Music has some pretty positive effects on the learning and social abilities of children, but learning an instrument can have other benefits as well. The benefits of learning an instrument are varied and encompass quite a few emotional and physical aspects. Music can work to decrease stress levels, which will have significant positive impacts on your child’s physical health. Playing an instrument teaches children the importance of perseverance, discipline, and responsibility, all of which will help your child succeed in other areas of life as well.  The benefits of playing music are boundless for your children. From improving language skills to positively impacting mental health, learning to play an instrument is one of the most effective ways to help kids learn better, feel stronger and develop into well-rounded adults. So, make music a part of your child’s life and learning experience.

The critical thinking skills from these tests have actually been used throughout our lives. So why is there a push to remove or replace these tests, especially if it measures academic achievement?

​One reason may be that many students simply do not perform well under timed and pressured tests like this. They may be smart and understand the content, but for some reason it didn’t come across on the test. Many students also develop ‘test anxiety’ which will cause their focus to go elsewhere. Teachers also have the pressure of getting their students ready for the exams and then end up focusing too much on teaching for the actual test instead of working on a student’s overall learning potential.

On the other hand, the standardized test can help to see if a child is at the appropriate grade level or how he or she is performing compared to other children in their school, their state and even in the country. Without standardized testing, we cannot make the necessary comparisons that impact student achievement. Teachers can also use these tests to make decisions about what happens in their classrooms.

The United States is the only advanced country to rely on these standardized tests. Other nations use performance based assessments to evaluate their students on the basis of their work such as essays, projects and activities.
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So what is the correct answer for standardized testing? Does the U.S. place too much importance on the test or do you think it can be ‘tweaked’? There should be a clear standard for measuring academic performance but at the same time, there should be a way to encourage excellence.

​So do you say “Yes to the Test”?

1. Yes
2. No
3. I Don’t Know

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Parent involvement is seen as one of the most important factors to student success. You can help by being co-operative and organized so as to get the most out of your parent-teacher conferences. Remember that communication need not only take place at these events, but they are a great place to start!

5 Must-ask questions


1.   What will my child learn this year?

• Be prepared to reinforce student learning at home
  
• Secure a tutor if needed
  
• DO NOT assume all learning will take place within the classroom
  

2.   How can I help?

• Getting involved in school life helps to create a great community atmosphere and makes the school a better place for all the students.

3.   How will my student be evaluated?
Know all upcoming assignments, tests and projects

• Help your child create a study schedule
  
• Make sure tests are administered in best way for your child

4.    What additional preparation can my child do?

• Be more active   
• Help them excel at sports
  
• How to help them become well-rounded individuals through extramural activities, music or volunteering.
• 
  

5. When can we have our next meeting?

• Check in with each other periodically 
• Keep communication open 
• Reward your child when he/she achieves set goals

It is critical that you work closely with your child's teacher to make sure they get the most out of their education.  You both have information to add to the discussion.  It's only when you work together that you can be sure to get the best experience for your child.

Listen as well as talk.

• Prepare for the meeting by writing down questions and comments you want to be sure to make during the meeting
•  During the meeting, listen to the teacher and take notes.  If you don't understand something the teacher says, be sure to ask clarifying questions!  
• Ask the teacher for things that could be improved and suggestions for ways you can help at home 
•  Denying a problem is not in the best interest of your child  
  

Let's talk specifics

• Be sure to get specific details regarding ways your child is tested and graded. 
• Discuss ways your chiild can improve grades  
• Include information about your child's private life.  Many things like illness, deaths, moves and family changes can impact a student's performance  
  

Take action

• Set realistic goals and discuss what the teacher will do in the classroom and what you will do at home to help your student reach their new goals
• Keep an open mind
• Check in often with the teacher to ensure that your student is on track and to discuss any new difficulties or issues that have arisen
  

If you and the teacher undermine each other's authority or ideas, your student will not be getting the support they need. Of course there are going to be differences of opinion, but handle these professionally for best results.

HOMEWORK!!!!!!!    No school-related task is dreaded more by both parents and students; yet it is one of the most beneficial aspects of learning. According to the U.S. Department of Education, benefits of doing homework include the following:

Benefits for Students

·        Improving memory and understanding of schoolwork
·        Developing valuable study skills
·        Realizing that learning can occur both inside and
         outside the classroom
·        Fostering independence and responsibility
·        Learning time management skills

Benefits for Parents

·        Improved communication between the school and the
         family
·        Increased clarity of what is expected of students
·        Consistent awareness of what students are learning
·        Accurate knowledge of how well their child is doing in
         school

Maximize the benefits of homework by knowing its purpose. There are four general types of homework. It is easy to remember them by the acronym, PIPE.

·        Practice—reinforces learning; helps the students master
         specific skills
·        Integration—requires the student to apply a variety of
         different skills to a single task
·        Preparation—introduces material to be taught in future
         lessons
·        Extension—asks students to apply their skills to a new
         situation

Knowing these purposes of homework can help in choosing the best study and homework completion strategies.

Another way parents can help with homework is by knowing how to help. Increase your involvement if your child is having difficulty in school. Support your child’s approach to completing homework if your child is doing well in school.

Be sure to stay tuned for the next part of this Homework Helps series to learn some amazing homework tips for parents.