Healthy Habits for School Success

As foundations are to a house or the stem to a plant, a child’s development must rest on solid footings. Adopting good learning habits early on in our children’s schooling is essential to academic success. Here is a general list of such habits:

Do Your Part

Promoting education through everyday actions starts at home. General environment and parental input play an important role in child development. One of the responsibilities of parenthood is the intellectual stimulation our children during their early years. Later, responsibilities change parents should talk to their children about school (progress and difficulties), provide encouragement, promote education (through a positive and respectful attitude towards school), and of course, have high expectations for their children. This last point doesn’t mean fostering unrealistic expectations or constantly pressuring our children to succeed. Having high expectations refers to imparting the principle and awareness that success and good grades are something to be valued. Finally, never underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep. A healthy bedtime routine is crucial.

Homework Time

Homework will be part of your family’s evening routine for many years to come. You might as well make the best of it and ensure the work gets done in a favourable environment. First of all, let’s talk about your work space. This area should be quiet and spacious enough to accommodate all of your child’s textbooks. It’s also essential to teach your child about discipline during his or her early years. Experts have identified self-control as the foundation of discipline. Although doing homework may not provide instant fulfillment, the discipline it requires provides long-term benefits. Finally, maintaining the same work space and timetable will help your child avoid falling behind in school.

Literacy is a Priority

Reading and writing skills constitute a keystone of learning. However, literacy goes beyond that, it is the ability to acquire, create, connect and communicate clear and accurate meaning. This competency is useful in all school subjects and all through life; and parents can do their part to help their children develop literacy skills. An early initiation to books and reading is a great way to prepare your child for school. To do this, favour books that instantly interest your child. After all, you have to encourage your child’s general love of reading in order to nurture the skills needed to take on more demanding reading material.

Active and Continued Involvement

Children should understand that there’s more to school than just showing up and doing their assignments. The best way to succeed is to avoid the “auto-pilot” mode and take an active interest in their work. This means they should review their daily lessons at night, ask questions during class, give failed assignments a second try at the end of the week, and always seek help or explanations as soon a problem arises.