Supporting Your Child`s Learning

Taking an interest in your child's education is a great supportive strategy that will help them manage their school work. Knowing that their parents and family are taking an interest in the work they do in school, celebrating their successes and supporting them when times are hard, makes a huge difference to a young person.

Here are ten simple things you can do that will make a difference:

1. Ask your child about their school day and their homework - take an interest in what they do. 2. Find out from teachers at parents' evenings what topics your child is studying in school so that you can talk with them about what they are learning. 3. Read the books they are reading in school - by discussing them with you your child can explore what they think about them. 4. Reading is vital in all subjects so read with your child when you can. 5. Buy them books and magazines, and let your child see YOU reading. 6. Praise their successes and reward them for achievement. Show them that their hard work is worth the effort. 7. Attend school events - parent consultations, school performances, sports activities. 8. Encourage them to take part in after-school clubs and activities. 9. Support them when they struggle - they go to school to LEARN and they will not always 'get' everything immediately. Sometimes learning takes time. 10. Encourage them to make friends and enjoy school - it's not all about the classroom experience!