Supporting Your Child's Learning
There are many ways in which you can support and encourage your child to do well at school. This may include:
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Play with and talk to your child. Ask them about their day, what they did and what they enjoyed. Talk to your child as much as possible. It is very important to talk in your own ‘mother-tongue’, even if this is not English. This will enhance your child’s capacity to learn other languages and learn difficult concepts later on in life.
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Read bedtime stories to your child as often as possible. Talk about the pictures and the stories with your child.
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Regularly visit your local library and select fun books to read with your child.
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Limit the amount of time your child watches television. Research has shown that children who watch a lot of T.V. have a less developed vocabulary and do less well at school.
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Take your child to parks and museums. Many are free!
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Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Children up to 10 years may still need up to 10 hours sleep a night.
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Support your child with their homework. If you are unsure about a task yourself, please do not hesitate to ask for help at school.
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Make sure your child eats a healthy diet. If your child takes a packed lunch to school, ensure it contains appropriate food, such as sandwiches, yoghurt and fruit. Please do not give them chocolate, crisps, biscuits or cakes.
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Walk to school if possible; ensure your child gets regular exercise.
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Make sure your child attends school every day, unless they are unwell.
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Make sure your child is dressed appropriately for school, this includes a warm coat in the winter and suitable footwear. Sandals and high heels are a health hazard, as is any type of jewellery.
Other helpful resources include:
