WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Use your child's name to develop an interest in the world of print.

What you'll need Paper, Pencil, crayon, or marker

What to do

1. Print the letters of your child's name on paper.

2. Say each letter as you write it, "K...A...T...I...E"

3. When you finish, say, "That'syour name!"

4. Have your child draw a picture.

5. When finished, say, "I have an idea! Let's put your name on your picture." As you write the letters, say them out loud.

6. If you have magnetic letters, spell out your child's name on the refrigerator door.

7. Print your child's name on a card, and put it on the door of your child's room or special place. It's hard to overemphasize the importance of writing and displaying your child's name

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TOT TALK

What's "old hat" to you can be new and exciting to preschoolers? When you talk about everyday experiences, you help children connect their world to language and enable them to go beyond that world to new ideas.

What to do :

1. As you get dinner ready, talk to your child about things that are happening. When your 2- or 3-year-old "helps" by taking out all the pots and pans, talk about them. Which one is the biggest? Can you find a lid for that one? What color is this one?
2. When walking down the street and your toddler stops to collect leaves, stop and ask questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer. Which leaves are the same? Which are different? What else grows on trees?
3. Ask "what if" questions. What would happen if we didn't shovel the snow? What if that butterfly lands on your nose?
4. Answer your children's endless "why" questions patiently. When you say, "I don't know, let's look it up," you show
   how important books are as resources for answering questions.
5. After your preschooler tells you a story, ask questions so you can understand better. This way children learn how to tell complete stories and know you are interested in what they have to say.
6. Expose your children to varied experiences -- trips to the library, museum, or zoo; walks in the park; or visits with friends and relatives. Surround these events with lots of comments, questions, and answers.

Talking enables children to expand their vocabulary and
understanding of the world. The ability to carry on a conversation is important
for reading development. Remember, it is better to talk too much than too
little with a small child.

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It's never too early to think about college

It's never too early to think about college -- about the benefits of a college education and about ways to put college within reach academically and financially. Throughout their school years, students make academic and other decisions that affect whether they will be eligible to enter college. You -- working with others -- can help your child make these decisions wisely.


This resource book is designed to help you with that process. It will help you work with your child and with your child's teachers and guidance counselors, to ensure that he or she has the option of going to college. It will help your child to prepare academically for the rigors of college. A good academic record will help ensure that your child has a range of opportunities when the time comes to decide about college. Although this book was written primarily as a long-term planning guide for parents, guidance counselors and teachers will also find it useful and informative.

As we arrive at the 21st century we must ensure that our children are prepared to meet the challenge of the world economy, the obligation of civic responsibility, and the responsibility of attaining their education goals.

Attaining education goals depends greatly on the efforts of the entire community, but especially you, the parents of our children. In helping your child succeed in school and aim for college, you're also helping our Nation produce informed citizens and a competitive work force for the next decade and beyond.

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SCHOOL COURSES RECOMMENDED FOR A UNIVERSITY

Although academic requirements differ between colleges, the admissions requirements listed below are typical of universities. The specific classes listed here are examples of the types of courses students can take. Most universities will require students to have attained three good 'A' level grades at these or related subjects.

English -- Types of classes:
English literature
English language

Science -- Types of classes:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics

Mathematics -- Types of classes:
Pure mathematics
Applied mathematics
Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry
Calculus

Foreign Language -- Types of classes:
French
German
Spanish
Latin
Russian

History & Geography -- Types of classes:
Geography
US history
World history
World cultures

Visual & Performing Arts -- Types of classes:
Art
Dance
Drama
Music

Appropriate Electives -- Types of classes:
Economics
Psychology
Statistics
Computer science
Communications

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