Middle Years Working Together for School Success

Q: We recently signed up the for the internet. My middle grader uses it to do research for assignments. What do the addresses stand for?

A: Right after the www. Or http:// is usually the name or abbreviation of the group that sponsors the site. The last part of the address typically tells what kind of group it is. For example:

.edu = colleges and universities

.gov = governments

.k12 = schools

.lib = public libraries

.cc = community colleges

.com = for-profit organizations

.org = not-for-profit organizations

.net = community networks

For more information, your son can look at the bottom of the first page for the e-mail address of the person who maintains the site. That way, he can ask questions about the sources of the information provided. You may want to steer him to award-winning sites. Try these:

Internet Public Library http://www.ipl.org

The "Youth" and "Teen" sections cover reading, writing, math, science, politics, history and general homework help.

StudyWeb http://www.studyweb.com

Huge index of references, including grammar, government, history, literature, math and writing.

When Karen wanted to learn to play the keyboard, we found an instructor. After a few weeks, she still wanted to play -- but daily practice was another story. We encouraged her by following some simple steps. First, we let her choose a practice time. We cut down on distractions by turning off the TV and staying in another room. Then, we helped her set goals, such as playing for a minute without a mistake. Each time she reached a goal, Karen got excited about her progress. Lately, she's been having a tough time getting homework done. We're trying to apply similar steps -- letting her set the schedule, limiting distractions, and setting goals. She's getting better and better on the keyboard. Hopefully, she'll make progress with her homework, too.

Studies have shown that kids are more likely to stay out of gangs when there's an adult they can turn to in a crisis. Build a trusting relationship with your middle grader by spending time together, talking and listening to each other. It's also important to…

Challenge your middle grader to make a Ping-Pong ball float on a straw. Materials: flexible drinking straw, Ping Pong ball.

Bend the end of the straw to form a right angle. With the short end pointing straight up, put the long end in your mouth. Blow steadily through the straw and balance the ball on the air stream.

If you have trouble, remember these three tips:

1. The short end of the straw must point up.
2. Don't blow too hard -- a long, steady breath works best.
3. Stand still. The stream of air will keep the ball over the straw.

Also try floating the ball over a hair dryer (use a cool setting). See how far the hair dryer can be titled to one side before the ball falls.

To provide busy parents with practical ideas that promote school success, parent involvement, and more effective parenting. Resources for Educators, Inc., Publisher of Middle Years, 296 Victory Road, Winchester, VA 22602, (540) 723-0322 rfecustomer@rfeonline.com, Copyright 1999 Resources for Educators, Inc.

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