How to Support Your Child’s Learning at Home
Children need parental guidance in all aspects of their lives. As a parent, you can play your part at home in strengthening family- school partnership. To help contribute to your children’s academic success by promoting school readiness, staying involved in their education and expand their learning opportunities.
Parents play a crucial role in a child’s development as they are the child’s first teachers and the home serves as their first classroom. They help shape a child’s social, emotional and physical growth, which can impact their success in school and beyond. Supporting your child’s learning at home can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for both you and your child.
- Set up a daily routine
Ensure that your child has a timetable and help him or her stick to it. Make sure the timetable allows time for learning, meals, play-time and breaks in between. Following up a daily routine implements a habit and the child will naturally do the right thing. At the of the day, your child should find a routine enjoyable and easy to follow.
- Create a learning-friendly environment
To support your child’s learning at home, set up a specific area in your home where your child can focus on their studies. This space should be free from distractions and should have all the necessary learning materials such as books, stationery, and a computer. This will help your child concentrate better and also create a sense of personal space.
- Stay in touch with teachers
Stay in touch with your child’s teachers and communicate regularly about their progress and any challenges they may be facing. This will help you support your child’s learning more effectively.
- Limit social media consumption, TV watching, computer and gaming time.
Heavy consumption of social media and TV watching is a main factor as to why children forget to do their assignments. Therefore, parents are meant to limit their children’s exposure to social media, TV watching, gaming and computer time.
- Check on homework, assignments and projects
It is important for parents to check on assignments, homework or projects that their children have been given. This helps to monitor their weak and strong areas.
- Set goals and track progress
Work with your child to set goals for their learning at home. These goals should be achievable and tailored to your child’s individual needs and abilities. Help your child set weekly or monthly targets for reading, math or writing. You can also monitor their progress by tracking their time on specific daily tasks like doing their chores or completing their homework assignments.
- Don’t push too hard
Encouraging your child to do their best and setting high expectations are essential strategies for supporting learning at home. However, it’s also important not to push too hard or micromanage their efforts. Don’t focus solely on grades and performance, as a parent you should also try noticing your child’s effort and persistence in their work.
- Set a good example
Leading by example is a highly effective way to support your child’s learning. When parents actively engage in learning and demonstrate a love for it, their children are more likely to follow suit.
- Take advantage of technology
Use technology to supplement your child’s learning. There are many educational websites, apps, and online resources that can help your child learn and reinforce what they are learning in school.