6 Essential Tips to Help Get Your Children Through School

Parents do not want to see their child struggling at anything they do, especially if it is schoolwork. Many times children are overwhelmed by the work they are given and unsure where to begin.  Many just simply give up trying and feel it is them and there are no other contributing factors. Simply put, there is no rhyme or reason or the just feel “stupid.”  Some children become bored in class and need to be encouraged back into learning, others need a challenge, and a small minority may have an undiagnosed learning disability. These conditions may make a school environment quite difficult for a child, but can be overcome by the appropriate support in and outside of school. If you believe your child is struggling in school and with their homework, here are some tips that can help.

Have realistic expectations

You need to as a parent, set the bar high.  Your child needs to understand that you have high expectations for them.  However, make sure the bar is not unrealistic.  For some children academics does not come as naturally or as easily for them, as with others. They feel like they will never get an A in their mathematics or English papers. This is not a negative trait and many children like this have talent and expertise in other areas such as more vocational and creative subjects. Some children, given the right subject of interest and/or teacher can excel, and beat expectations, although they have not done well previously.  It is important for you as a parent to know where your child's talents lie and not to give them false hope or put them under pressure when they have little chance of reaching the goal set.

Praise Your Child

It is very important to praise your child to instill confidence in them.   However, don’t carefully word what you want to say and avoid phrases, such as, “I always knew you were the most talented kid is school!” These types of comments can put pressure on your child and will make them feel they have to live up to certain expectations. Your child may think of these as unrealistic for them, but they may want to do everything to please you, yet for them this can be unrealistic.  You may also come across as a pushy parent who has unrealistic views and opinions of your child, which won’t change no matter how well they do in school. Always praise your child.  Give them praise and praise them daily.  This will boost their confidence, increase their self-esteem, and can help them improve in school.   Praise their actions and hard work, rather than telling them how great they are.  For example, “I really see that you worked hard on your Algebra and your grade has drastically increased due to this effort and studying.”

Speak to the teachers

If your child’s grades decline, talk to your child.  Also, follow-up with their teacher.  As a teacher myself, who taught for several years in the public schools, I can say from first-hand experience that teachers value when there is parent involvement.  You may want to schedule a meeting with their teachers or even a phone call many times will suffice.  Your child’s teacher typically has a different viewpoint.  You may be surprised to learn that many times what your child tells you and what is actually occurring in class does not correlate.  Their teacher may shed light and explain things from a different perspective.  They may also have different ideas and suggestions on how you can help improve your child’s grades. They may also be able to tell you of contributing factors to low marks such as talking too much or not turning up to lessons, which your child may have conveniently left out!

Get your child professional tutoring

Get a qualified tutor/instructor.  They have specialties and areas of expertise that can help your child get on track and feel more confident.  There is no shame in asking for help.  Many bright students have a tutor.  They can provide school and homework support or work on an area of difficulty, such as reading comprehension, fluency, math, or study skills.  Make sure they are a qualified tutor.  Take them to a place, like my place Brainy Learning Center, in which it was developed as a personalized approach to learning in which students are expected to be in a cookie cutter mold.  Lessons and tutoring are taught by a teacher, with experience in teaching as a teacher.  This can make a huge difference in the learning.  Teachers have the expertise, degrees, credentials, and training that others may not have.  They can rapidly figure out plans, diagnose, and do more than tests of a result can show.  They make learning fun and it not being school all over again.  Hands-on experience in the classroom can make a big difference!  You also get what you pay for.  So don’t expect it to be $10 an hour. Sure you can find someone out there who charge that, but really inspect their credentials and what they can offer.  Teaching, more than just tutoring is the way to go.  Yes, your child may pass the exam, but without the strategies being taught, they may have the same difficulties all over again with the next exam or class.

 Ask the school or a professional to check for learning problems

Some children may have a learning disability and without getting properly diagnosed, this can affect their learning.  Once it is diagnosed, there is a huge amount of aid, resources, and help out there. Students can be given a plan at school that will help them with their learning, such as more time for an exam, modified test, or testing in a quiet location.  Learning disabilities can dent the confidence of a child who is struggling and has no idea why, but the minute they have help, learning will look far rosier for them.  Make sure you check with the right health care professional. 

Allow for free time

Children may begin to struggle in school because they are simply fed up with the daily routine of work, homework, and then bed. It is important for a child to have some free time every day, otherwise they can become frustrated.  They need a break in the monotony and routine.  Have them come home, get a snack, and unwind for 15 minutes.  Then have them start a section of their work, give them a 5 minute break after, and then do more work.  The time can be anywhere from a 30 minute homework session to 1 hour, or even less if they are younger.  The 5 minute break allows them to clear their mind and reenergize themself.  After they complete their a couple of homework assignments, give them a 15 minute break.  Once they are done, it is good to allow them a free choice activity raining form 30 minutes to 1 hour or more.  This is dependent upon age and when they go to sleep.  Allow them at least 30 minutes before bed to read for pleasure.  They can do other activities when everything is completed, such as play a video game, watching their favorite program, or even talking and hanging out with their friends to take the edge off the daily grind. As adults we need to wind down after a long day and kids are no different.

Gideon Shuster holds a Master’s Degree in Education, his multiple subject, business, and administrative teaching credentials in the State of California.  He has taught kids of all ranges, including Gifted and Talented, students with learning disabilities, and grades K-8.  He has opened Brainy Learning Center to help students with in a personalized and fun way to overcome many challenges children face in school.  He also opened it for students who want to get ahead, need some organization and study skills, and are on the road to college with his individualized SAT Prep.  For more information, you can contact him at 858-435-0205, email him at info@brainylearningcenter.com or visit www.brainyleanringcenter.com.