Edu-Blog

What do children need from home to function best at school? 

As parents, we often question the role of schools in our children's education and reflect on our responsibility in their learning journey. Recognising the importance of our involvement, I've gathered some valuable insights to share with you as parents on how we can effectively enhance our children's learning experiences. 

Ensuring the success of primary school children involves a multifaceted approach that encompasses various aspects of support and guidance from home. Let's explore some of the key factors, along with practical examples for us as parents to consider and implement:

• Positive Environment:
  Cultivating a positive and nurturing atmosphere at home is foundational for a child's academic and emotional well-being. It involves fostering an environment where children feel loved, supported, and encouraged to grow.

  • Easy tips to try:

    • Engage in daily affirmations or positive discussions during family meals, reinforcing the importance of kindness, perseverance, and self-confidence.

    • Establish a family tradition of sharing gratitude or accomplishments before bedtime, allowing each family member to reflect on their achievements and express appreciation for one another.

• Regular Attendance:
  Consistent attendance is vital for academic success, as it ensures children have the opportunity to engage with classroom learning and build upon their knowledge over time.

  • Easy tips to try:

    • Develop a morning routine that emphasises the importance of attending school on time, incorporating activities like preparing backpacks and laying out clothes the night before to streamline the morning process.

    • Create a visual attendance tracker or calendar where children can mark off each day they attend school, providing a tangible representation of their commitment to learning.

• Healthy Habits:
  Encouraging healthy habits sets the foundation for a child's physical, mental, and emotional well-being, which directly impacts their ability to focus and learn effectively.

  • Easy tips to try at home:

    • Involve your children in meal planning and preparation, teaching them about balanced nutrition and the importance of incorporating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into their diet.

    • Establish a consistent sleep schedule that prioritises adequate rest, ensuring children get the recommended amount of sleep each night for their age group. We suggest children don't go to bed later than 20:00 on weeknights.

• Effective Communication:
  Establishing open and transparent communication channels between parents and teachers fosters collaboration and enables parents to stay informed about their child's academic progress, challenges, and achievements.

  • Examples:

    • Attend parent-teacher conferences or meetings with a list of prepared questions about your child's academic performance, social interactions, and areas for growth.

    • Utilise communication tools provided by our school, such as weekly emailers, CPL groups or online portals (Ed-Admin), to stay updated on important announcements, assignments, and school events.

• Supportive Learning Environment:
  Creating a conducive environment for learning at home involves providing children with a designated space that is free from distractions and equipped with the resources they need to succeed academically.

  • Easy tips to try at home:

    • Give your child a quiet corner or study area in the home where they can focus on homework assignments, read independently, or engage in creative projects. Make sure their desk is agronomical and encourages upright posture.

    • Stock the learning environment with essential supplies, including writing utensils and paper.

• Encouragement for Learning:
  Fostering a love of learning involves nurturing children's curiosity, creativity, and intellectual growth through engaging experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

  • Easy tips to try at home:

    • Plan educational outings to museums, libraries, zoos, or historical sites, providing children with hands-on learning opportunities and exposure to new ideas and concepts.

    • Encourage children to explore their interests and passions through extracurricular activities, clubs, or hobbies that align with their talents and aspirations.

• Homework Assistance:
  Providing support and guidance with homework assignments empowers children to develop problem-solving skills, self-discipline, and a sense of responsibility for their learning.

  • Easy tips to try at home:

    • Set aside dedicated time each evening for homework, establishing a consistent routine that allows children to focus on their assignments without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

    • Offer help and encouragement when needed, but encourage children to try solving problems independently.

• Limit Screen Time:
  Balancing screen time with other activities promotes healthy development and reduces the risk of excessive screen exposure, which can negatively impact children's cognitive functioning and overall well-being.

  • Easy tips to try at home:

    • Establish clear guidelines or screen time limits for recreational activities such as watching TV, playing video games, or using electronic devices, encouraging children to engage in alternative activities like reading, playing outdoors, or pursuing hobbies.

    • Create screen-free zones or times during the day, such as during meals or before bedtime, where electronic devices are put away to promote family interaction and relaxation.

• Fostering Independence:
  Encouraging independence empowers children to take ownership of their learning and develop essential life skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and time management.

  • Easy tips to try at home:

    • Assign age-appropriate chores or responsibilities around the house, allowing your children to contribute to household tasks and develop a sense of accountability and independence.

    • Encourage children to advocate for themselves in academic settings such as class, by asking questions, seeking clarification, and expressing their needs and preferences to teachers or peers.

• Celebrating Achievements:
  Recognising and celebrating children's accomplishments fosters a sense of pride, motivation, and self-confidence, reinforcing positive behaviours and attitudes towards learning.

  • Easy tips to try at home:

    • Create a "praise board" or display area in the home where children's achievements, such as academic awards, artwork, or certificates, are prominently showcased and celebrated.

    • Organise special family outings, celebrations, or rewards to acknowledge significant milestones or achievements, such as completing a challenging project, mastering a new skill, or reaching academic goals.

By incorporating these strategies into our parenting approach, we can play a pivotal role in supporting our children's success and well-being throughout their primary school years. 

Through positive reinforcement, effective communication, and a nurturing environment, parents can empower their children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally both at home and in school.