My son, Kevin is starting his school this year and I am very excited and proud!
I cannot believe that my little guy is growing up in leaps and bounds and is almost ready for his first day at school. Isn’t just yesterday, I was holding him in my arms for the very first time? Where did all the time go?
When I think of the routine we have to follow for his school term, I am not even sure how and where to begin.
Because, like him, all this is new to me as well.
But I know for sure that the first challenge out of many in this regard, is to help him adjust to the school atmosphere and ensure his success in getting used to the routine. Well, I have done my research on the topic and I have realized that this can be achieved by paying attention to some tiny details that we usually take for granted. Teachers have upwards of twenty children to take care of during the day. They do the best they can, but good students are born at home. There are a lot of things we can do to help our children succeed in school that have nothing to do with reading, writing, or arithmetic.
5 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in School
Make sure your child is ready for school each day
This sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s not always easy to get your child out the door with a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast. There are a few things you can do ahead of time to make the mornings smoother. Do as much at night as you possibly can. Make lunches, set out clothes for the morning, and plan breakfast. Put homework in the backpack ready to go and check the weather. Spending precious minutes in the morning trying to find the other rain boot is stressful and not good for anyone. All of those things can be taken care of ahead of time.
Teach your child how to listen
Have you ever walked into a room full of people and had to talk louder than the next person just so you’ll be heard? That’s the way many classrooms are. One child talks over the other who talks over the next. If you teach your child listening skills from the beginning, they’ll be better prepared to learn when the teacher is giving instructions. Communicate with your child on a regular basis. Show them that there are rewards for doing what they’re supposed to be doing and consequences for when they don’t. Limit screen time and encourage your child to have actual conversations that don’t require electronics. A child who is able to tune out background distractions will do better in school than one who doesn’t know how.
Support your school
Lots of schools have “stupid” rules. So does almost every job your child will have as an adult. His or her first impressions of work come from school. If you teach them that they don’t have to follow the rules if they don’t agree with them, they learn that they can just go around doing whatever they want. That strategy doesn’t work so well in the adult world, and it’s likely to get your child in trouble in school as well. Saying something like, “We may not understand why this rule is in place, but it’s important that we follow it” is a lot better than “That’s a dumb rule. Tell them your mom said you don’t have to do that.” Imagine the crazy society we would live in if no one felt the need to follow rules.
Spend time in your child’s classroom
This is easier said than done sometimes. Even if it’s only one day out of the entire school year, it’s important for your child to see that you support them and their education. If you show a genuine interest in what’s going on in school, they’ll be more interested as well. It’s also helpful to talk about school when they come home. “How was your day?” isn’t a tough question to ask. Take five minutes and talk about what went on in school without distractions from the television, other siblings, cooking dinner, etc. Your child will likely be excited to tell you about their day, and that conversation also gives him or her a chance to work on those listening skills. If you have more time, consider chaperoning field trips, helping with class parties, and getting involved in your child’s school life in any way that you can.
Set a good example
If you don’t care about your work, your child won’t care about theirs either. Don’t come home complaining about how your boss is an idiot, you’re tired of working, and how you don’t make a difference no matter what you do. Real life can be disappointing, but your attitude is what your child will see and emulate. It’s imperative that they see that even though it’s not always fun, it’s important to always be the best you can be.
I know I am missing zillions of other ‘tiny details’ here which are very crucial to the topic we are discussing.
It might pop up later.
In the mean time, Can you think of any other important points to help your child adjust and succeed in school?
Go ahead and use the comment section to contribute!
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You, have done a GREAT Job summing this up. I am a teacher, and I get nervous on the first day of school every year! By the way, I am hopping over from SITS! Enjoy the First day of your son’s school it is very important!
Sharm’s Outlet recently posted…Our Garden under a heat stroke…
Thank you for the kind words 🙂 School doesn’t start for another month. But I am a nervous wreck already lol I will make sure Kevin’s first day at school turns out to be very special to him and every way. very excited 🙂
Momless Mom recently posted…5 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in School
Good tips! And I love the last one! In real life everything is not always going to go their way and the sooner they learn that, the better off they are. You don’t always have to like everything you have to do but respectfulness is important.
Michelle recently posted…Garlic Scape and Basil Pesto
I couldn’t agree more Michelle. I think teaching our children how to respect others and themselves early on really goes a long way in helping them shape their personality to the future.
Momless Mom recently posted…5 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in School
They grow up so fast! My daughter is starting college!! And my son is going into 10th grade! These are the best days of your life 🙂 Enjoy! He is adorable!
Christy Maurer recently posted…Bulu Box Weight Loss Box Review
I think you did a great job, especially on making your child understand why rules are in place. As an educator, I get frustrated when parents automatically believe a child’s story over a teacher. I have no reason to lie about something that happens in the classroom. I want to work together with parents to make sure their child has a great educational experience. Thanks for posting!
Jen recently posted…July Bloggers’ Challenge #26- Pinterest
These are great tips. I understand your point about supporting the school and agree we don’t want a society full of rebels. However, I do look into those “stupid rules” and I speak up directly with the teacher, principal, school board etc. when I disagree. Just as we don’t want our kids doing whatever they want, I also don’t want my children thinking they have to accept things the way they are. They can be advocates for change, as long as they go about it the right way.
Corinne recently posted…A Wicked Kind of Dark – Reveal and Giveaway
I love your tips, especially spending time in the classroom. That made such a difference for me and my youngest last year! His learning really did increase when I was making very regular appearances as a volunteer in his room.
Rosey recently posted…Teespring (an EXCELLENT service for fundraising and the like)!
Great tips….. 😀
Andi recently posted…Get Paid For What You Do!
I love this advice. I have one starting her first year of high school and I think I am more nervous than when she started kindergarten LOL
Jennifer Pierce recently posted…1 ~ 2 ~ 3 Omelet
Great tips, not only for school but daycare too. My little one will be moving from the infant room to the toddler room this fall and I’m stressed about that!
Kristy O recently posted…The day I wished C wasn’t with us
These are some great tips! My daughter will be in the 1st grade this year.
Malia recently posted…weeSpring – A social review site for all baby products!
There are some very good points here that I’ll keep in mind for later. Good post!
TK recently posted…Toddler Tales (14): The Acrobat