Parenting is no joke, especially in a competitive world like ours. Children excel in school mostly when their parents play a huge role in helping them study. Being a homework hand holder won’t cut it. You have to do more.
According to education experts and other education stakeholders, the teacher-parent partnership is essential in improving students’ academic performance. In fact, parents are considered strategic influencers when it comes to the development of the child’s personality and self-esteem. These include some of the most crucial factors that contribute to the academic performance and overall growth of the child. If you are a busy parent, your best bet is to find a private tutor who will play the role of the parent. It is a lot better than leaving a void in the child’s academic success.
For the most part, educating a child is a team endeavour. All the stakeholders—tutors, parents, pupils and community must play their respective roles. Research studies have shown that the child’s education can be negatively affected if any of the stakeholders fail to play their roles.
Nonetheless, parents can make the most of whatever opportunity they have to improve the child’s academic performance. Most parents are beginning to realize that children mustn’t always be with stationary and boards to learn. Learning as we know it has changed. Parents are finding more creative ways to educate their children. They have found ways to revolutionize learning by making it a part and parcel of family life.
Think about it. Children do sums in the shopping malls, they read signposts, analyze news reports and question the rationale of world leaders’ decisions. This way education is more interactive, interesting and effective.
Caregivers must learn to expose children to learning situations. Not only will this help broaden the child’s knowledge base, it will inevitably improve academic performance.
Below, I shall discuss the six most effective tips parents can use to improve their children’s academic performance. These tips will focus on techniques that won’t involve the use of workbooks or textbooks. If you want to learn interesting ways to help your children learn outside the classroom, scroll down.
1. Incorporate A Lot Of Reading Into Your Daily Routine
Every education expert agrees that reading is one key activity that can improve the child’s academic performance. While it is commendable to buy lots of books for the children, learning is more effective when the parents take out time to read to the children. As much as possible, arrange for an adult to read the children bedtime stories. You can also go further to read them stories whenever you’re waiting in a lounge or taking a road trip.
After each reading exercise, discuss the texts with your children. Ask them questions and reward correct answers. This way you’ll improve their comprehension and critical thinking skills. Make sure they understand the moral of each story. Little children who start reading early are more likely to learn about choices and consequences. Isn’t it wonderful to see that reading does more than one thing for the child?
If you want to guarantee your child’s academic success, make a habit of reading to them. Not only will the reading activities improve their vocabulary, it will also increase their interest in books.
2. Teach Children From Daily Experiences
As a parent, I see learning opportunities in our daily experiences. A trip to the store is an opportunity to get children to do sums. Listening to news reports provides an opportunity to learn aspects of civic education, government and history. A visit to the gym is an opportunity to learn about health and fitness. A trip to the museum is an opportunity to learn about our history. Children are often open to learning new facts.
Parents are recommended to take advantage of practical learning opportunities whenever they present themselves. Be willing to answer every additional question they may ask. Do your best to promote curiosity in your home. As one research study showed, parents make a big difference just by conversing with their children That’s how scientists are made.
Back on the importance of parent-teacher partnerships. Good teachers are often generous with tips for parents. So if you are in doubt about the best way to spot learning opportunities in your daily routine, ask your ward’s teacher. Find out what they are learning and how you can help them learn from daily activities.
Part of the teacher’s training involves being creative. Parents can learn a lot of tips and trips if they are open to new ideas.
3. Sleep, Healthy Diet and Exercise
Education experts recommend at least eight hours of sleep for every child of school age. In addition to adequate sleep, they recommend a nutritious diet and an active lifestyle for the child. Not only will this boost their physical health, it will go a long way to improving the child’s academic performance.
This outside-the-classroom tip is one key thing most parents fail to take advantage of. If your child isn’t excelling in his/her academics, perhaps it is time to ensure that the child is getting enough sleep and rest. Also, parents must pay attention to the child’s diet. Are they getting enough exercise, rest and Medicare? Don’t forget that sick children are at a significant disadvantage.
Increase your child’s brain function, classroom concentration and cognitive functioning by ensuring that they have the basics they need to thrive.
4. Discipline Your Child At Home; Teach Them About Mutual Respect
Back in the day, it was assumed that children learned about respect, self-control and general good behaviour at home. These days, most parents leave these key aspects of learning to the teachers. This rarely ever works.
As the old saying goes, charity begins at home. Parents should take be courageous enough to take on the herculean task of teaching their wards about discipline and respect. Children often act as they do at home. Command respect at home and teach your children to earn respect. Show good examples to your children. If you mistreat your staff, spouse, neighbours or children, your children will learn to disrespect those they come in contact with.
Teach your children to build their social capital by learning respect and discipline.
5. Teach Your Children The Essence Of Time Management
Teachers often complain about children’s inability to manage their time effectively. Parents have a duty to help children manage their busy schedules.
The best way to do this is to encourage the children to draw up timetables however informal. Once the children learn to manage their time in the classroom, after-school and at home, they are likely to better manage their spare time. As their daily routines change, encourage them to visit the drawing board to reschedule their time.
When children learn to independently manage their time, they are less likely to be overwhelmed by schoolwork and house chores. If you want to help your child maintain a more organized schedule, then teach them the basics of time management. To learn more about time management tips that work, click here.
A committed tutor can step in to help the student to draw up a timetable that effectively gives children enough time for study, homework and skills development. This will go a long want to reduce the child’s level of stress and anxiety.