How you can help at home

Simple things you may already know

Understand that a child will do what you do, not what you tell them to do.

Role model our school values of Share, Care, Live and Learn.

Let them see you reading, writing and using maths in your daily life. Show them that learning doesn't just happen at school. Share your mistakes with them, show them how to learn from mistakes and keep on trying.

DO NOT tell them you found certain subjects hard or difficult. You might be amazed at the effect this has on many students motivation and confidence with their own abilities in that area. Instead tell them if something is hard you need to try harder. Resilience is so important, especially when our children go on to high school.

Younger children need to learn that letters have sounds associated with them and also need to build a bank of sight words. These are words your child can read instantly and without effort. You can write them on cards and go through five or ten every night with your child. Practise makes permanent!

Read to them regularly and have them read to you. Ask them questions about what they are reading. Parents of older students may like to read an appropriate novel with their child and discuss characters and plots together. Share appropriate news articles that you are also interested in and see what they think about them.

Being able to read and write is even more important today than it has ever been. Use any opportunity to have your child write and also celebrate any writing your child does at school. Motivation is everything and we find children who regularly celebrate their writing at home are more motivated writers.