Every child learns at their own pace. Though the teacher has a curriculum to teach, some students will pick up the material easily while others may struggle. As a parent, you can help your child achieve success when you are involved and help at home. Here are some tips to help your child experience success:
1. Measure retention
Before school starts, try to ascertain what your child remembers from the previous year. The upcoming year will be a lot easier if the last year’s material has been retained. Try and see what they place in a fun and authentic way. Do some math in the kitchen or read a book together!
2. Attend Back-to-School Night
Suppose there is a back-to-school night. It is a good idea to go. It usually helps students feel more comfortable, get to know the teachers, understand the routines, and settle in. It is also suitable for you to meet the teachers. If your child has difficulties in a particular subject, make sure to connect with that teacher to see how you can offer support at home.
3. Familiarize yourself with the school
Visit the school website and learn how to navigate it to find the information you need. Many school websites have a tab for parents with important information that you will need. You will also be able to find out about school policies and download the school calendar. Being familiar with the school will help you to support your child in many different ways.
4. Provide emotional support
Some students love going to school every day, while others struggle to make it out the door. Whichever situation you have, or one in the middle, it is essential for your child to know that you are there to offer support and help in any way you can.
5. Support at-home learning
If you have students of the age where homework is coming home, it is good to have a routine and expectations around getting it done. If your child needs help that you cannot provide, you will let the teacher know and find a way to support the necessary learning.
6. Stay connected
It is crucial to be connected to the school, the teachers, and your child’s friends. Knowing what is going on from day to day will help you relate to your child and offer support when needed. That level of connection also shows your child that you care about their day-to-day activities.
7. Make time to talk
One of the most important things a parent can do to support a child’s education is to make time to talk. Ask how school is but also remember to ask specific questions. Sometimes kids are not forthcoming, and parents miss essential information if the right questions are not asked. Here are a few questions you could try:
What was your favorite learning activity today?
Who did you play with at recess?
Were there any special presentations at the school or in your class?
What did you find difficult today?
Did you help anyone with anything?
These are just a few ideas to get the conversation started. It will give you an idea of what your child likes and does not like in school so that you can find more ways to support them.
Related Links
Free Diagnostic Test to measure and diagnose summer learning loss.Back-to-School Worksheets designed to diagnose and remedy summer slide
Back-to-School Online Program to help your child succeed in the new grade
