Their teachers are not their only teachers (you are too)!
Although teachers are there to help your child learn, there are possibly 20 other students in your child’s class. This means they may not be able to focus particularly on your child’s passions, struggles, or implement personal learning strategies. You need to provide them with support, and help them learn at home, too. If you do notice your child struggling, focus on this area at home and also raise this concern with their teacher. They may be able to help you help them by giving you extra activities that you can do with your child. Other parents may also have the same concern, so supplying the teacher with feedback may help the teacher make changes to benefit the entire class.
Your Attitude Can Affect Them
Even if you used to hate reading when you were younger, and would listen to your friend condense a whole novel into a 30 second synopsis so you could pass a class, do not push this attitude onto your child. It could make them resent learning, and this could hinder their development in literacy, especially from a young age. It is important for your child to see you enjoying reading and writing, too.
Homework Is Important
Simple – and probably obvious – but don’t let your child skip out on their homework. If the teacher wants them to read ten pages of a book each night and record it in a log, make sure they do it. It’s for your child’s benefit, and in order to grasp literacy children need to practice at home, too.
Learning Doesn’t Have to be Boring
This goes for all areas. Your child will be more open to learning if you encourage them to learn and praise their achievements – whether it’s getting their pen license, or getting a high score in a test later on in their childhood. Even if it is as simple as letting them have an extra scoop of ice-cream with dessert, rewarding them with a new book, or letting them borrow one from the local library, children will appreciate your recognition of their achievements, and it will encourage them to continue learning.
Make The Most of Technology
Laptops and Ipads are popular among children of today, especially for downtime gaming. These powerful tools don’t serve as entertainment, but can excel your child’s learning. BYOD Childrens laptop rental company directappliancerentals.com.au state, “While some schools start their BYOD programs as early as year 7, year 11 and year 12 student’s laptop requirements are often the most demanding and most expensive. If your child needs a device that will grow with them, it makes sense to look for more powerful options outright. Because getting yet another device after finding out the old one isn’t capable enough anymore can be an unpleasant surprise”.
Every Child Is Different
Full Time dad and part-time entrepreneur Richard Davidson from BalloonsSydney.com.au say’s, “try not to compare your child to other children, and encourage his/her to reach their potential, not other students potential. Chances are there will always be someone who is better than your child at something. Encourage your child to improve but don’t pressure them, as they may already be working their hardest. If your child needs to improve on their hand writing, help them by working on one letter at a time. Encourage them to try and improve their last score, rather than encouraging them to achieve the best score in the class on the next test. Don’t forget, if you are unsure or worried about your child, do not be afraid to ask someone for advice!
