What Parents Can Do to Help Their Children Succeed
As a teacher, people often ask me what they can do to help their child be successful in school. The answer, I think, is surprisingly simple. Preparing your child for school doesn’t begin (or end) on the eve of Kindergarten. It is a continual process beginning in your child’s infancy and continuing on throughout their schooling.
Essentially it’s being an enthusiastic, life-long learner. This needs to be modeled and encouraged. That means by you. It’s not as intrinsic as you might think and, if it is, then it can be very easily discouraged in our fast-paced lives that are frequently saturated with “educational” television shows and dvds.
So, a few ideas that I think are both critical and simple . . ..
Read, read, read. Read to your child and discuss with him/her the books they are reading. The learning and bonding opportunities are endless. Rereading the same book dozens and dozens of times might drive you crazy, but they’ll love it.
Talk to your child about everything and anything. Even the youngest child can participate in a conversation. When they’ve started school, ask them about the details of their day and really answer them when they ask you about yours. Starting the habit at a young age will pay off when they’re older.
Encourage questions. The more your child wonders, the more their brain is expanding. And, realize there can be more than one answer.
Take trips to a variety of places and be observant when you’re there (and while you’re getting there). The discussions that can develop from some place simple like a park, grocery store or post office when you really paying attention to your surroundings can be startling. Botanic gardens, museums, concerts, and the outdoors provide wonderful learning opportunities.
From a solid foundation, anything is possible. Some parents feel more secure when working with their child if they are creating flashcards or using workbooks. If it’s enjoyable and productive—great! Other parents prefer a looser approach and will work on counting, the alphabet, and science during their daily activities. Finding what works best and is the most enjoyable for both you and your child is what is important.
