Parental support is the best way to help your child succeed academically. Being more involved in your child’s education will not only bring huge benefits to their development but your encouragement and praise will motivate your child to try their best.
Here is some great advice from an independent sixth form college in London on how you can be more involved in your child’s education…
Keep on top of school work
One of the most important things you can do is to pay attention to what your child is learning in school. Keep on top of what topics they are studying and monitor their homework. Younger children tend to bring home worksheets or library books in their school bag, so don’t forget to check this when they get home.
Add important dates to your calendar
Most schools share weekly updates in a newsletter email, or on their social media channels, so keep an eye on these notifications to find out current news and what events they have coming up. It can also be helpful to add school events to your own calendar at home so that your family are all aware of important dates like exams.
Discover their learning style
By identifying your child’s learning style, you will know what kind of activities you can use at home to support your child’s learning. For example, Visual learners absorb information best through pictures and diagrams. Auditory learners prefer talking through things, listening to audiobooks and reading aloud. Kinaesthetic learners are best taught by carrying out physical activities, such as science experiments and art.
Include them in daily activities
Support your child’s learning by including them in your daily activities. For example, ask your son or daughter to help you write your shopping list, read the overhead signs at the supermarket and count your money at the checkout. This will help them to practice their writing, reading and maths skills using real-life experiences. These extra responsibilities will also increase their feelings of competency.
