Postsecondary Planning in Elementary School
Students in elementary school are not too young to be exposed to the idea of postsecondary education. Those who get this exposure are more likely to see college as an achievable goal. The elementary school years are an ideal time to foster students’ enthusiasm about “what they want to be when they grow up,” to encourage excitement about their futures, and to build the foundation for academic success.
What Parents Can Do
Help your child become a reader by reading to your child every day or having him read to you. When your child is old enough to read independently, expect twenty to thirty minutes of daily reading. Support your child's reading habit by talking about books, visiting the library, and letting your child see you read, too.
Help your child get to school on time every day. Frequent absence or tardiness has a negative impact on learning and achievement.
Monitor your child's progress in school and keep in contact with his teachers. Reinforce learning by reviewing math facts and vocabulary words with your child.
Talk to your child about different careers and the education or training required for various types of jobs. For example, during a visit to the pediatrician, point out different career opportunities: doctor, nurse, medical secretary, lab technician. If possible, take your child to visit your place of employment.
Cultivate your child's natural curiosity by exploring museums, zoos, airports, planetariums, and battlefields. The classroom isn't the only place where learning happens.
Expose your child to the arts. Locate opportunities for music, dance, art, and theater experiences and lessons.
Encourage your child to get involved. Support participation in community-based activities, such as scouting, 4-H, sports, or church youth groups.
Start saving for your child's college education. Research various savings plans and methods, such as the College Savings Plans of Maryland.
If you believe your child is a gifted or advanced learner, consider applying to one of the WCPS elementary magnet programs, which begin in second grade. The application process begins early in the fall each year. Families of fifth graders should investigate the various middle school magnet programs. Visit the Advanced Programs page for more information.
What Students Can Do
Read every day.
Try your best in school.
Get involved in something outside of school.
Ask lots of questions.
What Parents Can Do
Help your child become a reader by reading to your child every day or having him read to you. When your child is old enough to read independently, expect twenty to thirty minutes of daily reading. Support your child's reading habit by talking about books, visiting the library, and letting your child see you read, too.
Help your child get to school on time every day. Frequent absence or tardiness has a negative impact on learning and achievement.
Monitor your child's progress in school and keep in contact with his teachers. Reinforce learning by reviewing math facts and vocabulary words with your child.
Talk to your child about different careers and the education or training required for various types of jobs. For example, during a visit to the pediatrician, point out different career opportunities: doctor, nurse, medical secretary, lab technician. If possible, take your child to visit your place of employment.
Cultivate your child's natural curiosity by exploring museums, zoos, airports, planetariums, and battlefields. The classroom isn't the only place where learning happens.
Expose your child to the arts. Locate opportunities for music, dance, art, and theater experiences and lessons.
Encourage your child to get involved. Support participation in community-based activities, such as scouting, 4-H, sports, or church youth groups.
Start saving for your child's college education. Research various savings plans and methods, such as the College Savings Plans of Maryland.
If you believe your child is a gifted or advanced learner, consider applying to one of the WCPS elementary magnet programs, which begin in second grade. The application process begins early in the fall each year. Families of fifth graders should investigate the various middle school magnet programs. Visit the Advanced Programs page for more information.
What Students Can Do
Read every day.
Try your best in school.
Get involved in something outside of school.
Ask lots of questions.