Parents are responsible for academic success of their children. Since we offer a “Raising a Superlearner” course on Udemy, we also accept guest posts about the subject. The main challenge we had to face was building a consistent course from hundreds of potential tips for the parents. There Stepheny from FeedFond shares 10 points of her own.
Most days, we parents just command our children to their tables for study time while we are busy doing something else. It can be confusing for parents when it comes to comprehending how much involvement they should have in their child’s studies.
Believe me, there are a lot more responsibilities of parents than just ushering their child away from the TV to their tables. Parents have the power to revolutionize this dull obligation for children into an interactive and fun learning activity.
Here are 10 ways you can help your child do better in school starting today.
Structure a Great Routine for a Great Start
The beginning of a new school year can be very overwhelming for a child. Tests, assignments, socializing and taking time out for hobbies- so much to do, but so little time!
Without a routine, things get far more complex. So, before anything else, learning the art of organization is very important.
Sit your child down and create a routine so he or she can fit in all his activities within a suitable time frame.
Be sure to ensure your child consistently follows the routine. A good routine will help him manage his time better and ingrain good habits.
Get the Study Guide for that Particular Semester
Teachers almost always provide students with a comprehensive study guide at the start of the semester. The details include the topics to be taught, the assignments that will be given and the grading criteria.
Ensure that your child gets a hold of it as early as possible so he or she can begin preparing a study plan. Knowing the contents of a study guide is essential for scoring a good grade in the class.
Give Your Child the Right Environment to Study
All children are different so as a consequence the places they prefer to study differ as well. You can ask your child his preferences regarding this to give him the ideal environment.
However, there are certain things that must be provided to ensure maximum information retention during the study session. Make sure the room your child studies in is well lit (you can add an overhead table lamp), and is electronics & noise free.
Do not watch the television or use your mobile phone if you are in the same room with your child who’s studying. This may create distract and disturb him.
Instead, take the time to get some of your work done like make the grocery list or calculate bills. Your child will be inspired to concentrate by seeing you as an example.
Create a Feasible Study Plan
From the onset of the semester, when study related pressure is at an all-time low, students naturally procrastinate. This can lead to your child neglecting schoolwork right until the exam week and thus ensures the dreaded night-before-exam cramming.
Not only will this cause your child to study the bare minimum to pass but also staying up late nights can cause health problems and mess with his routine.
Buy those huge academic calendars from the stationary shop and ask your child to mark dates of assignment submissions, tests, and exams.
You can also print weekly planners so your child can write down the topics he or she will be covering each day.
This helps your child to effectively manage his or her time and ensures that he or she isn’t missing an assignment submission or cramming before an exam.
Promote a Positive Attitude Towards
Studying and don’t be Grade-Obsessed
Don’t let your child stress about school. Listen to your child and assure him or her that as long as they’ve tried their best, grades come in secondary.
Remember, that more than grades, your child’s learning is what matters most. Don’t make everything about grades because this may impose unwanted pressure on your child.
Lighten up the Mood!
Try to let your child have fun by lightening the study sessions with colorful flash cards to help them recall spelling or math equations.
Encourage taking attractive notes by using colorful highlighters, markers and so on to stimulate interest.
The session need not stretch for hours. Divide a large session into smaller parts at two different times in the day say morning and evening.
Give them breaks and reward them with food or TV time. This lightens up the mood and studying seems less like a chore.
You can also encourage your child to play games or play with toys that improve concentration during breaks.
Find Your Child a Study-Buddy
Some children do better in groups. When your child has a partner to quiz and explain topics to and vice versa, it becomes for them easier to grasp a concept.
His partner may be better at math and your child may be good at English. Each one of them can take turns to help each other.
You can propose to the parents of your child’s friend to arrange study sessions in your house or theirs. Make sure to check in from time to time to see if they are studying. Additionally, you can make them sit in an area of the house where you can oversee them without being sneaky.
Instill the Habit of Active Listening in Your Child
Children by nature can be very hyperactive due to their curiosity so often times it may be hard for them to concentrate during class. Fortunately, listening is a skill and skills can be taught.
You can do exercises with your child where he or she listens to recordings of stories and answers questions regarding the story. This is a fun activity that encourages your child to master active listening.
When studying, give your children a worry pad where he or she can write down the problems that are distracting him or her while studying. After the session is over he or she can begin taking care of the problems.
Encourage Your Child to Read
Reading is a great activity that’s double the treat as it’s both fun and educational. Instilling the habit of early reading in children teaches them to spell better, learn new things and improve reading comprehension.
To ensure that they are learning and not just skimming through the pages- ask them to list down the main points in the chapter. This also helps them understand concepts and retain it.
Help Your Child Reach Future Success
College may seem far away especially when your child is in school. However, help them get a head-start. Admission season can especially be tough for a graduate.
Having a goal university and preparing according to that can alleviate a lot of stress. Stay updated on your child’s school progress and help them whenever you can. Encourage them to find an aim and work towards it.
Conclusion
Studying seems like a dull activity for many kids all over the world but it doesn’t have to be. Much of studying depends on how it is done that decides whether it is fun or not.
You as a parent can help your child work towards better grades and reach his goals. Hopefully, reading this article has enlightened you on how to be actively involved in your child’s studies. Best of luck!
Author Bio:
Stepheny is a content writer at FeedFond. She’s an avid reader and doting mother to her two children. Read about her experiences at FeedFond.com.
