Back to school

With the new school year coming, I thought I would drop a few hints that might make it a little more survivable for both students and parents. Think of it as passing on what I learned the hard way. Your choice is whether or not to take advantage of that experience.
The first thing that needs to be said is that an education doesn't have to be a chore. Each time we learn a new skill, we get that much closer to being independent, to doing what we want. For a kid, that means that learning to work with numbers means that you can learn to handle your own money. Learning about the stuff taught in social studies means you can make your own decisions about how to deal with other people.
So if education means freedom for kids, what do parents get out of the deal? Well, for one thing, they get kids that can cope on their own. That is the goal of parenthood, isn't it? Besides, as your child learns, so do you. When we stop learning, we aren't living.
Now, about making learning a little easier on everyone concerned, that is tricky.
Organization is the key, most especially as you get to the more advanced grades. If you cannot find your notes, you can't study.
Try this, for each subject, keep one small binder. (A very durable, one inch binder is best.) In that binder, you keep the notes for the unit currently being studied, and about ten fresh sheets of paper. That is the book you take to class. As each unit if finished, staple those sheets together, and store them for future study. Carrying around more than you really need just drags a student down.
Parents and students should try to study together. I realize that this isn't always possible, after all, adults have to work, and kids have social lives and sports. All I can say is that the benefit of working together is greater than the effort. Sometimes, a student needs the benefit of experience to help them find the path. In other words, don't do the work for them. Just talk around problems.
Finally, try to apply what has been learned as soon as possible. The biggest problem many kids have with learning is seeing how it is relevant. If you can see the reason for knowing something, you will remember it. It isn't easy making a kid care about the knowledge that the school system tries to ram into his or her skull. Parents have to be aware of what their kids are learning each day, and then try to help them see what it means to their lives.
I hope this helps. If something else occurs to me, I will update this post.