Tips to Help Your Child Succeed In School

Schools have become more advanced in their teaching practices and expect more from their students than ever before. In order to help your child succeed in school, it's important to understand what it is they are learning and what kind of learning style they possess. A little time and guidance can make the world of difference in helping your child do their best in school.

Step1--Ask your child what they learned in school each day. Sometimes this is a difficult task because many children will say "nothing" or "not much". In order to dig deeper, try asking specific questions like..."how was Spelling today? Did you learn any new words?" This will prompt your child to explain his subjects. It will also show him you have an interest in what he is learning. This is important for helping him to value school as well.
Step2--Prompt him to do homework before play. Once children sit down to play games or other hobbies, their interest in school is out the window. Catch them when they are fresh from learning and still have a little energy for it. They may complain a bit, but getting them to do homework later will be harder because they will be into other things and have schoolwork out of their minds. Sit and do homework with them as well. This helps children to feel more focused because you are also doing the same thing they are.
Step3--Have homework items readily available to work with. Have a notebook handy for writing spelling words, have crayons available for practicing shapes and colors (if they are young), and have writing supplies such as pencils and erasers on hand to prepare children for work. This way, there will be no interruptions to get supplies or a way for your child to procrastinate in doing homework. It will also keep the transition from school to homework flowing smoothly so that children understand they must do their work before play.
Step4--Be creative. Help your child have fun with homework. Work doesn't have to be dull. If it's done with enthusiasm on your part, children will be more apt to want to participate in their own learning experience. For example, when helping your child do math problems, keep a box of Cheerios on hand to act as numbers and add, subtract, multiply, or divide the Cheerios to teach children problem solving. Let your child do it also. You can use cereal, animal crackers, gumballs, gummy worms, or whatever you like. Just make it fun!
Step5--Keep contact with your child's teacher to find out how he is doing in the classroom. Discuss any issues you may have by observing his learning at home and allow her to communicate any troubles he may be having in school. It's important to keep an open mind when listening to your child's teacher's comments. No parent wants to hear that their child has been misbehaving or has trouble learning. But listening with an open mind can help your child overcome obstacles he may have and help him to be a better student. Good teachers will happily suggest and listen to ideas on how to help your child. If you are faced with a teacher that won't listen or communicate with you about your child, then it's time to take issues to the principal. Step6--Last, but not least, praise your child for his accomplishments, but don't dwell on his limitations. If he received all A's and B's and a couple of C's, tell him how proud you are of the higher grades and that you two together can work on the lower ones. Let him know that you understand school can be tough and tiring and that you are there to help him. You can explain that you are disappointed in his lower grades, but also support him by telling him you know he can bring them up with a little help. When a child senses that a parent can be understanding, it helps him to open up about things that may be troubling him at school and can later lead to a very important open communication during his teenage and adult years.

Tips & Warnings
Always try new things. If one idea for helping your child advance in school does not work, try another...and keep trying until he succeeds.
Not all children learn the same. Understand that your child may be a visual learner while his friends may learn by sound.
Offering constant support will help a child succeed in just about anything he does.
Don't be afraid to go above a teacher's head if you or your child are having trouble with that teacher.
Talk to his principal and explain the situation.
Try to be positive with your child, even when you are disappointed. He wants to please you just as much as he wants to do good in school for himself.
If your child is not succeeding in school due to a bully, peer pressure, or other issues in school, consider getting help from the principal or a school counselor who can tend to these issues appropriately.