7 Strategies Parents Can Use to Help Facilitate Their Child's Learning
The role of parents in their children's learning does not end when they enroll them in school. It is your responsibility as a parent, as much as the school's, to be proactive in your child's education.
In this article, we'll give you seven strategies that you can use to support your child's learning. These approaches are based on the latest research in education and child development. Each one is aimed at helping your child succeed both academically and personally. These include creating a consistent routine to encourage your child's curiosities.
Ultimately, we understand that parenting can be challenging at times. Hence, we made sure that these strategies were practical and easy to implement. These are flexible and adaptable to your unique family situations. So choose the ones that work best for you and your child. Let's get started!
Involve Yourself in your child's education
One way to help your child's learning is by involving yourself in their education and school life. You can do this by working with their teachers and staying informed about their progress.
The benefits of parent involvement in education are well-established. Children whose parents are involved in their education tend to have better grades and stronger social skills. Also, your involvement can help build a positive relationship between the child and the school. This can lead to a more positive school experience for your child.
Here are some tips for actively involving yourself in your child's education:
Attend parent-teacher conferences
These meetings are an opportunity to discuss your child's progress with their teachers. Learn about their strengths and weaknesses, and work together to set goals for the future.
Maintain consistent communication with your child's teacher
Regular communication with your child's teacher can help you stay informed about their progress. This way, you can also stay aware of any challenges they may face. This can help you provide support at home and work with the teacher to address any issues.
Get involved in school activities
Attend school events, participate in the classroom, and volunteer in the school community. This can help you build a positive relationship with their school, teachers, and peers.
Learn and accommodate your child's learning style
Every child is unique and has their own learning style. Understanding your child's learning style can do wonders for their academic success. Moreover, considering their learning method can help them develop a love for learning. There are three main learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
Visual learners prefer to see information presented in charts, diagrams, or other visual aids. They benefit from visual cues like color coding, underlining, or highlighting.
Auditory learners prefer to learn through hearing and listening. Verbal explanations, discussions, or reading aloud are more efficient for active learning.
Kinesthetic learners prefer to learn by doing and experiencing. They may benefit from hands-on activities, role-playing, or movement.
To learn your child's learning style, observe their behavior. Also, asking them how they prefer to learn can provide helpful insights. Try out different techniques and strategies to determine the most effective ones.
Understanding and accommodating your child's learning style can help them retain information more effectively. This can also make the active learning process more enjoyable.
Create a positive learning environment
A positive learning environment can foster motivation, engagement, and a love for learning. As a parent, you must create an atmosphere at home that promotes active learning and growth.
First, it's important to establish a routine for your child. The routine must allow your child to balance their academic and daily life. This includes setting regular study times, providing healthy snacks, and ensuring they have a night of adequate sleep.
You also need to delegate a space for studying in your home. Ensure that the space is free from distractions. Additionally, provide the space with the necessary equipment and materials for studying.
Encourage your child to take breaks, do physical activities, and pursue their interests. These things are equally important to studying. This can help them manage stress, improve their mental health, and have a positive attitude toward lifelong learning.
Foster a love of learning
Fostering a love of learning in your children is one of the best things you can do as a parent. Children who love to learn are more engaged in school, motivated, and curious.
One of the best ways to do this is to encourage your child's natural curiosities and interests. Ask them what they want to learn, and find ways to incorporate their interests into their studies. You can also provide creative learning opportunities, such as going on field trips and museums.
Modeling a love of learning yourself can also be incredibly powerful. Show your child how you enjoy learning and share your own knowledge and experiences. Reading books, exploring new topics, and engaging in intellectual conversations are great ways to model a love of learning.
Make learning fun
Children have a natural curiosity and eagerness to learn. But they also have very short attention spans. That is why it is such a hack when you can make learning fun. You'll be able to hold their attention longer, and it can be more fun for you too.
One way to make learning more fun is to use games and interactive activities. For example, turn spelling practice into a game. Additionally, try using technology to your advantage. Use educational videos and other digital learning tools to help them stay engaged with learning.
Another way to make learning more fun is through hands-on activities. Try out those messy and fun science experiments. Encourage them to make arts and crafts gifts for friends and loved ones. These simple hands-on activities will help spark creativity in them.
Furthermore, relate their lessons to their interests. For example, if your kid loves dinosaurs, buy dinosaur-themed counting books.
Set realistic expectations and goals
Unrealistic expectations can lead to undue stress and pressure on your child. This will also negatively affect their academic and mental health.
As a parent, surely you don't want this for your little one. That is why you must set reasonable goals that match your child's age and abilities.
Consider your child's strengths and weaknesses when setting expectations. Communicate openly with them about their progress and goals. Set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This will give your child a clear idea of what they need to achieve.
It is also important to celebrate the small successes along the way. Avoid comparing your child's progress to that of others. Encourage your child to do their best and celebrate their progress, no matter how small. This will help with their self-confidence and give them a growth mindset.
Use positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a strategy used to encourage and reward positive behavior. Using this strategy increases the likelihood that they will repeat it in the future. It is a powerful tool for parents to facilitate their child's learning.
Start by identifying specific behaviors you want to encourage, such as completing daily assignments or studying for an exam. Then, choose rewards that are meaningful to your child, such as extra screen time or a favorite snack.
When your child displays the desired behavior, immediately praise and reward them. Be specific in your praise, and make sure your child understands why they are being rewarded. This helps reinforce positive behavior and encourages your child to continue working hard.
It is important to be consistent with positive reinforcement. You must also avoid punishing your child for not meeting expectations.
This can lead to improved academic performance and a more positive attitude toward learning.
Conclusion
Learning does not have to be a struggle for children and parents alike. With the right techniques, you can facilitate your child's learning effectively. To do this, you must make learning engaging and fun, set realistic expectations, and use positive reinforcement.
Using these strategies, you can help your child develop a love of learning. This can improve their academic performance and make learning an enjoyable part of life.
At Mrs. Myers' Learning Lab, we understand that even with the best effort, parents may need help with guiding their children to keep up with schoolwork and developmental expectations. That is why we offer innovative and state-of-the-art programs that help children from all walks of life with a variety of needs. To learn more about our services, please visit our website.
