Back to school is just around the corner! Transitioning into this school year might be more difficult, as most students will be returning to entirely in-person classes for the first time in over a year in a half. However, you can help your student succeed in school by ensuring they start the year strong. Let’s take a look at five ways you can support your child and set them up for success at the beginning of this school year!
#1: Connect With The School Community
Connecting with your child’s school community is a great way to have a more active role in their education and set them up for success. When parents take part in the community, they gain a better understanding of their child’s learning experience and can better assist and support them with their schoolwork. Additionally, being active in the school community can help your child’s sense of belonging, fostering academic and social-emotional success. If given the opportunity, establish a connection with their teachers at the beginning of the year through attending back-to-school nights, open houses, and fall parent-teacher conferences. Furthermore, you can join the parent-teacher organization (PTO) or look into when the school needs parent volunteers.
#2: Establish Routine
Especially during the school year, students thrive off routine. Routines help students with their stress levels and feel more in control of their day. For younger kids, parents can take a more hands-on approach. Set specific times for homework, dinner, activities, and bed. With middle and high school students, give them more autonomy with their schedule and let them establish a routine for themselves. Simply encourage and model a daily routine and help them figure out what works best for them. This helps your older kids develop consistency and time management without stepping on their toes.
#3: Provide the Right Resources
To make sure your student starts off the school year strong, make sure they have all the resources they need to be successful. Prepare them with the standard school essentials like notebooks, an electronic device, a calculator, and books. Additionally, they should have a comfortable and distraction-free location in the house to complete their homework. Having a designated learning area helps students stay focused and separate their schoolwork from their personal time.
#4: Get Ahead At The Start
Once a child falls behind in school, catching up becomes a slippery slope that is exceedingly difficult. This is especially the case in courses like math or foreign language where the concepts build upon one another. At the beginning of the school year, keep a closer eye on your child’s learning. Help them identify academic gaps and establish good homework habits from the start. Many teachers will provide a syllabus or take-home packet that outlines the curriculum and additional resources. Keep forms like this handy so you know what your child is learning, and what extra resources you can turn to if they need additional assistance. Help your child get ahead before they fall behind.
#5: Promote Self-Efficacy
One of the biggest things you can do to support your child’s learning and help them have a successful start to the school year is to promote self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is essentially the belief in one’s ability to accomplish tasks. If helping your child with homework, study for a test, or work on a project, it is vital not to take over completely. Taking over not only prevents them from learning as effectively but can also diminish their self-esteem. When your child is struggling with a concept, make sure you encourage them of their abilities. While sometimes the extra support is needed, letting children figure things out for themselves pushes them to be critical thinkers and better problem solvers. Always provide your children with the support they need to successfully complete their work, but never doubt their ability to figure out difficult assignments.
As a parent, it can be difficult to help your student with school without discrediting their abilities. However, finding the right balance and discovering other ways to support their learning will help foster a positive relationship and ensure they can succeed academically. The biggest thing you can do to support your child’s start to the school year is enrolling them in the school that best meets their needs. Schola can help you discover, connect, and enroll your child into their ideal educational setting, so they can experience student success!