Oak Creek Ranch School Experts Offer 12 Tips for Helping Teens Succeed Academically

Sedona, AZ, November 11, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Budget shortfalls have been squeezing America’s educational resources, and teachers, parents and students are no doubt feeling the pinch. Trimmer times are especially tough on children with ADD or ADHD. As teachers cope with the vast symptoms of swollen class sizes, learning-challenged students are forced to go without the extra attention often critical to their success.

While solutions for schools are yet to be seen, solutions for parents and children do exist – and can be found around the house. “The rules and routines parents implement at home can have a significant impact on their kids’ success at school,” says Nadine O’Brien, principal of Sedona’s Oak Creek Ranch School (OCRS).

OCRS is a private, fully accredited co-ed boarding school in Sedona. Founded in 1972, the Arizona boarding school specializes in helping ADD/ADHD, under-motivated and underachieving teens succeed through an innovative mix of traditional and experiential academic and extracurricular programs.

Although sending kids to a private school like OCRS is an option for some parents, it isn’t for others. But all families, especially those with ADD/ADHD students, can benefit from the proven methods used at OCRS. Here, O’Brien shares 12 at-home practices parents can adopt to set the stage for their children’s success at school.

1) Create a consistent schedule for activities and set expectations for behavior. Be steadfast.
2) If your child is in middle school or high school, start a dialogue about what he or she is going to do to be successful. Rather than taking on the responsibilities of your child, assist him or her in determining and reaching goals.
3) Make mistakes blame-free (except for the really big ones). What matters most is that your child is able to learn from mistakes. Encourage your child to talk with you about what went wrong during the day and how things could be handled differently next time.
4) Keep an extra set of textbooks at home. Make homework an active endeavor by reading aloud with your child and asking questions to spark discussion.
5) Keep teachers in the loop. Inform them if your child has to take more medication in the evening to focus on homework and how that affects him or her, i.e., having trouble sleeping or waking up, etc. If needed, find out if homework schedules can be reduced or modified.
6) Check in weekly with teachers – and your child – about workload and grades to ensure your student keeps pace and doesn’t fall behind.
7) Help your child create a list of short-term goals for the week ahead. Keep goals simple and achievable.
8) Host study groups with other ADD or ADHD families to help your student address homework and social issues at the same time.
9) Talk with your child about the positive contributions he or she makes to family, friends and school. This lets your child know that he or she is valued.
10) Encourage your child develop a “thank you” habit by thanking him or her for doing the right or helpful thing. Set a good example by thanking your peers, teachers and neighbors.
11) Leave an opening for academic and extracurricular interests and opportunities to engage your child’s interests through classes, clubs, etc.
12) Shut off electronics and make physical activity a regular part of your child’s day.

About Oak Creek Ranch School
Founded in 1972, Oak Creek Ranch School is a private, fully accredited co-ed boarding school in Sedona, Ariz. The school’s curriculum and programs are designed to help ADD/ADHD, under-motivated and underachieving teens accomplish their academic goals while developing valuable social and interpersonal skills. www.ocrs.com • Twitter @ocrsnews

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