What parent doesn’t want the very best for their child? When thinking about our students succeeding in school, we often place that responsibility on a teacher. As parents, a lot of that responsibility falls onto our plate, as well! How can we make sure our students are well prepared for their time in the classroom? It all starts with a few steps at home.
Here are 6 ways to help your child succeed in school!
1. Show your child how to use a daily planner
First things first, they need to be organized to succeed! Let your child pick out their own planner, and sit down together to help them schedule tests and assignments. To give them an example, bring out your planner to show them how you keep things organized. By encouraging them to keep their planner within arm’s reach, they can write down important dates as soon as they get them.
2. Check your child’s assignment book or homework folder regularly
You don’t have to micromanage, but checking your student’s folder with assignments will help you gauge if they are on task or not. Let them know you will check it regularly, so it does not seem as if you don’t trust them. To make this more of a team effort, assign a place for your student to put papers they need you to sign. Putting graded papers together will help you see progress or any changes in your child’s work.
3. Teach your student how to break big assignments into chunks
Tests and projects can be overwhelming. Sometimes, we just need a break! Teach your child how to break up their workload. Have them study for 30 minutes, and then set a timer for a 15-minute breather. Working on a big assignment? Have them work for 45 minutes and take another 45 to clear their head. Showing your student how to analyze and organize their studying and projects into parts will allow them to break it up in a way that connects. Encourage them to start studying a week or two early, by just looking at a little content each day.
4. Have similar expectations as your student’s school for consistency
Sit down with your child and have a refresher conversation on your expectations around missing assignments, late work, failed tests, and other topics. Make sure your student knows their school’s policy for these situations, too. Let them know that these consequences are in the student’s best interests, and to help them have a great school year. Consistency is key. If your consequences and expectations match the school’s, following these rules will become second nature to your child.
5. Make learning a year-round thing
The learning doesn’t have to stop when summer comes – encourage learning activities such as crafts, STEM challenges, museum visits, and more. Summer camps are great, as well. They’ll stay sharp on their academic skills, and have a great time doing it!
6. Make time to talk every day
Last but not least, talk to your child! It seems like a no brainer, but the more genuine questions you ask about school, the more they’ll realize you care about their academic lives. When encouraged daily, school will become important to your student, and they are more likely to take their work seriously.
Success is attainable for your student – especially with a little help from you! For more tips and tricks, check out this website.
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