Backpacks, lunchboxes, notebooks are “one size fits all” items for every student. Your child’s education, however, is not.
Every student learns a little differently. Whether your child is excelling in the classroom or needs additional help with homework, it can be an adjustment for both of you.
No matter how your child learns, there are things you can do to help them succeed in the classroom and make the most out of learning. Here is some general guidance for how you can support your child’s learning—however, be sure to check in with your child’s educator about your child’s progress in the classroom and the best way to map out their learning experience moving forward.
Building Extra Support
If you have noticed your child struggling to keep up with work, getting frustrated with assignments, or not turning them in at all, they may need additional help.
The best thing to do is to remain optimistic and continue to foster a positive learning environment. Give examples of learning or work challenges that you have faced so that your child knows that everyone occasionally needs support. Reinforce progress when it’s made, and ask your child to comment on something they enjoy about a project, assignment or subject.
Check in early and often on assignments. Students who experience learning challenges benefit from real-time feedback and additional instruction.
Look into both in- and out-of-school support. Talk to your child’s educator to see if your child could benefit from support provided by your school district. Think about hiring a tutor or sitting your child down with an educator that you know. The more encouragement they have, the better they will feel about their potential.
Keeping the Momentum
What if your child keeps pace with his or her schoolwork and rarely asks for help? You notice that they achieve good grades in almost all of their classes. You feel proud—and you should!
Well, even if your child is on track, you should continue to do all you can to ensure that they live up to their full academic potential and future career aspirations.
There are things you can do at school and at home to make sure your child is receiving a quality education, and taking advantage of it.
Ask about the resources in your child’s classroom, like textbooks and computers, and evaluate the school overall. When your child gets home from school each day, make a point to talk about what they learned, any challenges they are facing, and what they are doing to reach their goals.
Additionally, you can help them to build organizational skills that will serve them now and in the future. Help them to keep a planner to stay organized. Assist them with prioritizing work, and break large projects into smaller assignments to help manage their workload and avoid procrastination.
Challenging Skilled Students
Some students learn information faster and are able to complete assignments above and beyond their grade level. Unfortunately, these students are sometimes overlooked in crowded classrooms, or limited by a lack of advanced resources. If you notice that your child is not being challenged by their schoolwork, talk to their educator to keep them intellectually curious and motivated.
Giving your child an academic experience that matches their growth is essential. Look for signs like boredom with homework or disruption in class. Are there ways to accelerate your student’s classwork? Look into advanced programs or ask about ways to fast-track their curriculum.
No matter how your child is faring in school, one thing is for certain: your active participation in their studies makes a difference. It’s also important to recognize your child’s interests and try to tie that into schoolwork, both in the classroom and at home. Your child can reach for success with you and their educator working as partners on their educational journey.
Read more about how to begin a conversation, and continue the dialogue, with your child’s educator here.
