Published on April 13th, 2023
Feelings about school can vary from child to child. Some kids love school and can’t wait to go. Other kids don’t enjoy it because it doesn’t come easy to them. Still others like the social and sporting activities but aren’t as exciting about the coursework.
No matter where your child falls within that spectrum, there are ways you can help them do their scholastic best.
As each student is unique, enabling your child to succeed at school will take an individualized approach.
It may require more conscious communication with your child or arranging outside resources to give them a boost.
Keep reading to learn about tactics you can combine to promote your young scholar’s academic success.
1. Arrange For Tutoring
If your child is struggling in certain classes, personal tutoring can be a godsend. Sometimes a child may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed asking a question in class if they don’t understand a concept.
Having a chance to talk with the teacher or a tutor one-on-one can help them feel more empowered. There are several options for tutoring, and some will depend on what their school offers.
Depending on the teacher or class, there could be set tutoring sessions. For example, some middle school math teachers might hold special tutoring hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school.
If there isn’t a standard time, perhaps a conversation with the teacher would allow individualized guidance before or after school. Hiring a private tutor is another possibility.
A local college student could provide the necessary assistance, or you could try one of the many forms of online tutoring available.
2. Seek Extra In-School Help
If your child struggles to understand concepts or to finish tests on time, talk with the school. Most schools can work with you to set up an individual learning plan.
How this is carried out will vary based on your child’s specific challenges. If it takes your student longer to finish tests, they might be allowed extra time or other accommodations.
If reading comprehension is difficult, for example, your child might be allowed to take oral tests.
Paraprofessionals and teacher’s aides are also available in some cases to provide one-on-one assistance in the main classroom.
Some schools also have specific study halls, offered by core course teachers, for children who need extra instruction.
This is so students who need help in areas like math or English can work with those teachers.
Whatever your student’s situation, the main thing is to be an advocate for them. The school wants the best for your child and will work with you to make that happen. Open communication about what is going on is key.
3. Establish Healthy Routines
Success in many aspects of life requires consistency. If you want to run a marathon, for example, you train daily for months, not just show up the day of.
You also have to rest and get proper nutrition. In the same way, healthy routines are important for school. A child can’t do their academic best if they are hungry or falling asleep in class.
Set up a routine that will become second nature to your child, beginning when they are young. When they come home, they might have an after-school snack and work on homework before they can play.
Teach them the responsibility of sitting down and knocking it out and delaying pleasure until work is done. This will save everyone from the fight to finish it at bedtime.
Speaking of bedtime, you should establish a consistent sleep schedule as well. Adequate sleep is necessary for learning and attention and will help your child perform at their best.
4. Set A Good Example
As with anything in life, your child will get out of their schooling what they put into it. If your child wants to do well on a test, they need to study.
If they want to become fluent in a foreign language, they need to practice. But how do you instill that principle in your children? The old adage that more is caught than is taught is very true in this regard.
When it comes to both learning and healthy habits, practice what you preach — because your kids are always watching you.
You can tell them about the dangers of screen time and the importance of unplugging. But your advice will be ignored if you’re buried in your tablet and not paying attention to them.
The same is true for reading. You can tell them reading is important, but the message won’t stick if they never see you pick up a book.
5. Keep The Channels Of Communication Open
Though it might seem obvious, talk to your kids about school and stay involved. Keep up with their grades so you can take timely steps if you see them struggling.
Attend parent-teacher conferences and stay up-to-date on communications from the school. Be present before an issue comes up. The school is likely happy to work with you to help your child succeed.
Ask your child about what they learned in school each day and how things went with teachers and friends. Give them subtle reminders about studying for tests and tell them you’re available for assistance.
Let them know you’re proud of them for working hard and trying their best. Having an open dialogue about school and school activities is important. It makes it an ongoing conversation as opposed to something that only happens when they fail a test.
No matter what grade your child is in, there are ways to foster their scholastic success. Work with the school and your child to support your child’s learning.
Be there to buoy them up and cheer for them along the way. Don’t forget to model the behavior you’re preaching as well. The emphasis you place on school can go a long way toward ensuring your child succeeds academically.
Image Source: pexels.com
