One of the most important ways for you to help your child is to become actively involved in their education. This may involve taking a simple day-to-day interest in what they are studying and taking part in at school, encouraging their reading habits or making the most of parents' evenings and school reports.
Taking an Interest
- Find out the subjects and topics your child will be studying each term by talking to teachers or looking at the school's curriculum plan.
- Ask your child about their homework; when work is due and whether they need any help. Make sure that you provide them with a quiet, uncluttered space in which to work.
- Check the school newsletter for upcoming events; mark down any activities that will include your child on your calendar straightaway.
Encourage their Reading
- Although your pre-teen or teenager may be too old for bedtime stories, you can still help to support their reading habits. Here are a few tips for developing their interest:
- Buy books for presents; those that tie in to a favourite TV show, music group or computer game are usually a hit.
- Encourage your child to read comics, magazines and newspapers as well as books.
- Read together; choose material on subjects you both enjoy, such as a holiday destination, band or sports team.
- Read the books or plays that your child is studying in school, such as a Shakespeare play, and discuss with your child what you've read.
School Reports
Once a year you will receive a school report for your child, read through these tips to find out how to get the most from it:
- Read the report carefully.
- Note your child's strengths and weaknesses.
- Compare the report to previous years to highlight areas of improvement and concern.
- Give your child plenty of praise for the areas they have done well.
- Work out what they need to do to improve any weak areas and agree these with your child.
Parents' Evening
Once a year, you will get the opportunity to meet up with your child's teachers to discuss their progress. You may only be allocated a short time with each teacher, so it's important to ensure that you are well prepared beforehand.
- Before the meeting, spend some time with your child discussing their strengths, weaknesses and any problems they might be having at school.
- Compile a list of questions to ask teachers about your child's work, how they get along with the other children in their class and their general attitude toward school.
- When meeting your child's teachers, be prepared to listen, even if they involve criticism of your child's work or behaviour.
- Make sure that you ask questions, especially if you don't understand or agree with something.
- Try to come away with some positive steps that you, your child and the teachers can take to help your child succeed.
More tips on making the most of parents' evenings may be found in the section on Getting Involved.
