In case you missed it, read Tips for Parent-Teacher Interviews Part One

Sample Parent/Teacher interview questions:

• Does my child hand in complete assignments on time, and at an acceptable level?
• What work areas does my child like best?
• What areas are more difficult for my child?
• Are there things I can do at home to help my child?
• Does my child seem to enjoy coming to class?
• Is there something about my child’s behaviour or performance that you would like to see improve?

Read Tips for Parent-Teacher Interviews Part One

Toys that combine technology and tradition are among the top playthings rated for 2006 by the Canadian Toy Testing Council, a non-profit group that, for more than 50 years, has assessed toys on the basis of design, function, durability and play value. The toys are tested by children who play with them for weeks, then help to rate them. The council also offers recommended books for preschoolers to pre-teens.

The best toys blend new technology with the basic characteristics of a great toy, especially for toddlers. Leigh Poirier, the council’s executive director, says the top 10 toys will all keep children entertained for hours.

Toy of the Year

Leapster L-Max Learning Game System by Leap Frog for ages four and up. It’s a hand-held computer system with a touch screen and stylus that runs various learning games. The system can also be hooked to a TV.

Top 10 Toys

1. Baby Gymtastics Play Wall by Fisher-Price for ages 6-18 months
2. Classic Rock & Bounce Pony by Radio Flyer for ages 9-24 months
3. Learning Connections Train by Leap Frog for ages 9 months and up
4. Lego Duplo Dragon Tower and Lego Duplo Knights’ Castle by Lego Canada for ages 3 years and up
5. Balloon Lagoon by Cranium Inc. for ages 4-7
6. Knights Empire Castle, Knights Tournament and Red Dragon by Playmobil Canada Inc. for ages 4 and up
7. Zoo Tycoon 2 by Microsoft Canada for ages 8 and up
8. Things . . . Humour in a Box by Outset Media for ages 8 and up
9. Books in a Cup Lime & Orange by Klutz for ages 8 and up
10. Tamagotchi Connection Version 2 by Bandai for ages 8 and up

For a complete listing of the recommended toys, visit the council’s website at www.toy-testing.org

Sample Parent/Teacher interview questions:

Do you have any concerns about my child’s skill level?

Does my child read with comprehension?

Does my child have difficulty:

• listening to and/or following instructions?
• staying on task?
• organizing notes, work, stories, etc.?
• completing assignments?

How well does my child read and understand new words?

Does my child actively participate in your class?

More tips for parent/teacher interviews due out later this week.

Continue reading part 2 Tips for Parent-Teacher Interviews Part 2

If you’ve got a college/university freshman in your family, fitting them back into your family with its old rules and expectations can upset everyone involved when kids come home for a weekend.

Your student may have new friends, new freedoms, maybe even a new look.

And while you might expect your student to come home, help around the house and participate in family activities and keep curfew, your son or daughter, who has been on his/her own wants to sleep late and catch up with high school friends.

The key is communicating with your child. Here are some tips to make your freshman’s visit home as stress-free as possible.

Tips for parents

• Respect your child’s new status as an adult. You sent him/her to a place that treats him/her as an adult, and you need to do that too.
• Don’t set a curfew, but asking your son/daughter to call if he/she expects to be later than a certain time. Explain that you worry about his/her safety and that this isn’t an unreasonable request.
• Say positive things, even if she’s dyed her hair purple or he’s tattooed his torso.
• Use your third ear — listen, listen and listen some more.
• Ignore unopened book bags.
• Give a big hug when he/she leaves and send him/her away with a care package of cookies, leftovers or a little extra cash.

Tips for students

• Talk with your parents about school, friends, finances, goals, your major and grades. They’re still your parents and want to be included in your new life. If you talk to them, the changes going on will be less scary for them.
• Prepare them ahead of time for changes in your appearance (piercings, tattoos, dyed hair) and give them some time to adjust if the change is drastic.
• Talk about how you want to spend your time over your break and be willing to compromise by setting aside some time for your friends and some time with your family.
• Respect their concerns for your safety and call if they’ve asked you to when you go out late with friends.