How to make sure your child succeeds in school | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Beverly Anderson, Ebenezer Child Care Centers
August 5, 2015
Acelero Learning (Photo by Patrick Leary)
Get to know your children’s teachers and school
Make an effort to introduce yourself to your child’s teachers. Let them know that you take his or her education seriously, and that they can come to you with any concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask teachers questions about your children’s performance in class or interactions with other children. If you reach out to teachers, they will feel more comfortable reaching out to you. The goal is to create a partnership with your children’s teachers, so they can be as successful as possible.
Help your children set educational goals
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Setting educational goals can be a fun activity. It also encourages children to envision their future. You can set short-term as well as long-term educational goals with help from teachers. Ask your children what they want to be when they grow up, and explain how doing well in school will help them achieve their dreams.
Talk to your children about what they are learning at school
Communicating openly about school is one of the best ways to ensure that your children are on the right track. Discussing school early on will help your children feel comfortable talking to you during the more difficult high school years. It will allow you to determine which areas your children are doing well in and where they may need more help. It can also help you find out what your children are passionate about.
Emphasize the value of homework
Making homework a priority is an essential part of achieving success in school. One of the best ways to do this is to create rules. For example, you and your children could establish “homework time,” at a specific time of day. You could also create a rule requiring that homework be done before your children are allowed to watch TV or play video games.
Another way to stress the significance of homework is by providing an environment conducive to studying. This means creating a quiet area with no distractions. It should contain all of the supplies that your children need to complete their assignments. If possible, this study area should be used only for studying and can be a special area specifically for your children.
Encourage independence
It may be difficult watching your children struggle with homework problems, but it is important to give them a chance to solve problems before offering help. This can provide the confidence they need to solve more complex problems on their own.
Encourage your children to read
The ability to read well and understand what is being read are two of the most valuable skills a child can develop. Encourage your children to read for fun and teach them the importance of understanding a paragraph before moving on to the next one. These tips will not only help your children be successful in school, but in life as well.
Encourage learning year-round
Encouraging your children to learn during summer and winter breaks will help them retain the information they learned during the previous school year and prep them for the upcoming year. However, there has to be a balance. During breaks from school, emphasize fun, active learning. Take a trip to the library to let your children pick out books they are interested in or visit local museums. Take nature hikes and identify birds and plants. Find out what your children are passionate about and help them explore it.
Lead by example
You are your children’s best teacher. If you show an interest in learning, your children will too. Show your children how cool it is to be smart. Encourage them to ask you questions while you are performing tasks such as cooking or changing the oil in your car. These are learning experiences, so take advantage of them.
Education is one of the most important investments you can make for your children. The attention you give your children can spark enthusiasm and encourage them to achieve their dreams.