It is finally here! You and your child have worked hard to gain admittance to Duke Ellington School of the Arts, one of the most prestigious and challenging dual-enrollment programs in the country. The time is now, the first day of school is just around the corner! If your family is like my family, my child was a bit nervous, but I was really anxious. Anticipation often seems to be worse than what you’re anticipating. Know that these feelings are normal and will subside fairly quickly once school starts.
Saying “…organization is crucial for success.” is actually an understatement. Helping your student organize materials for their classes may go beyond just purchasing school supplies. First, reviewing and discussing the various course syllabi with your students is highly encouraged so that neither you nor your student are surprised by the upcoming curriculum and requirements of a particular course. Honestly, you should take a gander at those syllabi multiple times throughout the year. Second, if you and your student are not already familiar with Aspen, be sure to spend some time reviewing the program and understand the different levels and types of information that may be provided (e.g. grades, course completion and graduation requirements tracking, notes from the teacher on a particular assignment, behavioral concerns, upcoming assignments, attendance, etc.).
Three concepts incoming students and parents might find helpful for establishing a structured school year routine are:
HOMEWORK & STUDYING ARE NOT THE SAME THING
Make sure your student understands the difference between homework and studying and the importance of making time for both on a regular basis. Homework assignments are intended to help the students practice and comprehend concepts covered in class. Studying is a time to, among other things, review notes, reread pages, read extra pages, look up definitions, quiz oneself and or ponder the connections that will enhance comprehension and association of the material. Studying should be performed consistently over time, not just one or two nights before a test.
DOWNTIME IS NECESSARY
Beyond establishing good homework and study habits, help your student schedule or define a set amount of downtime each night. Students should take a little time to unwind after they get home from school and before they start their homework and studying. This downtime gives them a chance to let their minds wander or process (and possibly even discuss) events of the day and should improve their ability to focus during homework and study time.
ROUTINE PRACTICE IS A MUST
Regardless of the Arts department they belong to, Practice Time is a necessary part of your student’s day (weekends too). Establishing a set time and place within your home for practice will help establish a consistent practice routine that will help minimize impediments to practicing. Encourage your student to take pride in the sound, acting, technique, singing, design, technical support or other presence they contribute to an overall performance, project or event. Parents, you along with social media, friends on FaceTime and even the family dog should avoid being a distraction and respect your student’s Practice Time (Yes, capitalized! Think of it as “a specific thing” or a proper noun). Taking pride in preparing for a performance and copious amounts of practice will, most certainly, yield results, of which, you and your student will be most proud.
Enjoy these first few weeks and months of the school year. They soon will be but a memory.
It’s Instrumental is the Instrumental Music Department’s Parent Group. We are always here to assist.
Join us at our monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm.
Keep up with It’s Instrumental at InstrumentalDC.org.
Support DESA by following the #IAMELLINGTON and #DCNeedsDuke hashtags on social media.
