How to set your child up for learning success

February 2021 marked an interesting turn for the education landscape in South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphose informed the nation that schools will pilot the new Coding and Robotics curriculum for grades R to three. It is no secret that the foundations in most schools are not laid properly and that thousands of schools across the country do not even have access to proper sanitation and basic resources. However, parents and teachers will have to make the most of the situation and do everything in their power to help learners succeed in their academic endeavours. Here are some pointers for parents to make sure that they keep a positive outlook going throughout the year.

Create a routine and most importantly – stick to it!
With the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic that have taken a toll on us all, most parents face the difficult hurdle of making time in their busy schedules to sit down with their children to help with homework, review their work and further explain on certain topics where children might need more help. As difficult as it might be in the beginning, parents need plan a daily schedule and set out specific times for schoolwork. Whether it be after work where you can be available to assist or later in the afternoon with caregivers or nannies. Homework should never be tended to straight after school as children also need to unwind first. Consistency is key with a schedule, once it has been established, it needs to be followed!

A proper homework space is required

We have all been there – whether it was curling up on the couch to do homework or even office work… It is however very important to create a proper homework environment that children know is specifically for this purpose. ALL technology needs to be switched off and distractions needs to be kept to a minimum. The only time that technology may be allowed is for the purpose of researching or assisting with a specific task at hand.

Rules, rules, rules

There is no need to be an absolute tyrant when it comes to homework, but it must be very clear and concise what the expectations are and when and where homework should be done. This is also where parents come in and have to dedicate time to check homework. There is no use in having rules and setting expectations when they are not going to be enforced.

Incentives can work their magic!

Yes, it might feel like you will be rewarding your child for doing what they should, but that is okay. Parents don’t get offered incentives for doing their day-to-day job, but for some children it is very much needed as some of them don’t find schoolwork interesting or develop anxiety around it. No need to break the bank here, but to offer some form of reward in the form of a simple activity, going out with friends or having some extra screen time might just be the motivation they need to achieve their goals.

Stay connected to your child’s teachers

As much as most parents and teachers are hesitant around a constant base-touching relationship, it is important to know what is going on in the classroom. Staying in touch with your child’s teachers and ensuring that you keep up to date with progress in the classroom can make the world of difference. When there are parent-teacher evening, make the time to attend and be open to discussing potential issues and seeing how there can be a solutions-driven outcome. 

What remains most important is that you engage with your children about education in a genuine manner. Be interested in what they are busy with, ask questions and see where you can jump in and help. This approach to education will help your child achieve their potential and will promote long-term success, as well as assist in your relationship with your child.