The five chapters of this paper focus on ways parents can help their preschool and elementary school-age children acquire basic skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and other curriculum areas. The first chapter describes eight misconceptions that lay writers have about learning in school settings. The second chapter outlines methods parents can use to help preschool and kindergarten children achieve in reading. Cooperation between parents and teachers is emphasized. Chapter Three offers (1) writing experiences for preschool and early primary grade pupils, (2) writing experiences for late primary grade pupils, and (3) writing activities for intermediate and upper grade pupils. The fourth chapter suggests learning activities for primary and upper grade students. Ways parents can help their children achieve in curriculum areas such as social studies, science and health are briefly suggested in the fifth chapter. (Author/RH)