If you’re breathing a sigh of relief now that the school year has started, you’re not alone. The beginning of a new school year allows you and your kids to get back to a comfortable routine. Plus, it probably gives you a little more free time! However, while it’s nice to hand your children over to their teachers, you’ll still want to do things at home to support your kids’ academic achievement.
Mary Margaret Day Care offers before and after school programs to extend your child’s learning beyond the classroom! Below are 10 other great tips for helping your child succeed in school.
Parental Support is Vital to Every Child’s Academic Success
Do you know what your child is studying at school? Do you know what his favorite subject is? What about the subject he has the most trouble with? How can you help?
Many of us fail to ask questions more complicated than “how was school today?” This question is generally answered with a shrug or a simple “okay.” There are better ways to get your child talking.
Pay attention to what your child loves. Get to know the subjects your child is mastering or struggling with. This interest not only lets your child know that you care about him, it also sends a message that what he’s learning in school is valuable.
Keep in mind that you are your child’s role model. If you show your child that you care about learning and understand the importance of doing well in school, your child will begin to believe it.
10 Things You Can Do At Home to Help Your Children Thrive at School
(1) Meet your child’s teachers.
Meeting the teacher at the beginning of the school year is a great way to build a rapport with those responsible for educating your child all year long. Be sure to pass along your phone number or email address so the teacher can keep you up to date on your child’s progress and behavior.
(2) Review progress reports and report cards.
If your child is not keeping up in school, it helps to know early! Keep track of how your child is doing, and what you and the school can do to help. It’s important to act before your child falls behind, and before it becomes too overwhelming to catch up.
(3) Ask for special services if your child needs them.
There’s no shame in getting your child the help he needs to be the best he can be. The school is required to support your child if you request an evaluation. Your child’s teacher may be able to provide accommodations for your child in class, or suggest other programs that will give your child some extra help.
(4) Make homework time a part of your daily routine.
The best way to encourage your child in school is to dedicate time each afternoon or evening for homework. Set aside a special place to read or study, take away any distractions, and check your child’s work. No homework that day? Encourage your child to read or go over what your child learned in each subject. These day-to-day routines can make a huge difference in your child’s academic success.
(5) Read at home.
There may be no better way to help your child than by encouraging him to read for 20 or 30 minutes every night at home. Is your child a reluctant reader? Read aloud with him! Reading helps your child learn more advanced vocabulary and understand the basics of characters, themes, and plots of stories. It’s truly vital to your child’s education.
(6) Talk – and LISTEN – to your child.
Yes, it’s that easy. Talking and listening to your child regularly helps your child learn language skills. It also helps your child follow directions and pay attention in class.
(7) Limit your child’s screen time.
Yes, we know this is hard. However, setting boundaries on screen time and encouraging your child to read or play creatively instead will pay dividends in your child’s academic success later on. So, monitor your child’s time watching TV, playing video games, and chatting online. Then, set limits you can enforce.
(8) Help your child prepare for tests.
Whether you like it or not, tests are going to be a part of your child’s academic life. Ask your child when he has a test coming up, mark it on the calendar, and help your child prepare. You’re transmitting the message that the test is important and your child can do well if he studies. Your goal is not to cause anxiety, but to make your child feel more prepared and confident. Encouragement can make all the difference.
(9) Learn what programs and activities your child’s school offers.
Schools offer all sorts of programs that can enrich your child’s educational experience. Read the information the school sends home, and encourage your child to join extracurricular activities. Maybe there’s a music program, sports team, or academic club your child would enjoy.
(10) If you have time, volunteer at your child’s school or join a parent-teacher group. If not, try to make it to parent-teacher conferences and ask frequent questions.
Our basic advice is this: stay involved, and be an advocate for your kid. The more contact you can have with your child’s teacher, the more up-to-date you can be on your child’s academic progress.
At Mary Margaret, We Care About Your Kids’ Academic Success, Just Like You Do
Would you like to know more about how Mary Margaret can support your child’s academic success? Call one of our centers today to ask about our before and after school programs!
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