Family Fun Facts

Here are a few “family fun facts” that came from the Harvard Family Research Project (www.hfrp.org). These activities can improve your child’s education and help him/her to be successful in school.

Their research findings reported that:
• Children who eat dinner around the table with their families do better in school. Having this family time together is especially beneficial if the family engages in a conversation about the day’s events or happenings.

• Children who take family trips do better in school. These trips do not have to be long expensive vacations. Simple free trips to a local park and to the public library are just as beneficial.

• Children who are read to frequently read earlier and better. Just 20 minutes a day of reading or being read to will make a difference in your child’s reading ability.

• Children who see their parents, guardians, or caregivers read regularly are more likely to read more themselves. Reading includes, but not limited to: newspapers, magazines, books, and media devices.

• Spending 30 minutes a day with your children can help them achieve better grades in schools. By taking an active interest in your children’s school work encourage your children to take an interest in performing better in school.

• The bottom line is, children LOVE to spend quality time with their parents. So give your children extra time this holiday season and you both will see encouraging results in your efforts.

During the holiday season when your children are at home most of the day, why not begin to put into practice some of these research based practices that will have long-lasting effects on your children’s education. Take some time and give your children quality time with you, their first and most important teacher.