Handling your child's learning this Summer term
Parents and guardians, as you wave goodbye to the Easter break, you’ll more than likely find yourself coming up against another challenge. Tackling learning over the Easter holidays can be tough but incorporating additional study into your child’s regular school day can feel like a fight waiting to happen.
Whether your child is studying for classroom tests in place of the scrapped exams, or simply just working towards getting back up to speed with their academic abilities, extra learning time is something that every one of us should be considering. Typically, the last thing many children want to do when they get home from school is more work, so here are a few pointers to help make it as stress-free as possible.
1. Establish a study area. This is probably the most crucial part of the entire learning process. It might be in the office or in a quiet spot in the house, but creating a specific area for a child to learn can make all the difference. That way, they can utilise this space to help them learn in the best way possible – putting up post-it notes, reading through content out loud etc.
2. Create a schedule. This shouldn’t just include their study time, as it’s important to factor in downtime too. Maybe you reward them with social media or TV allowances or being able to play on their favourite video game – whatever it is, write down the requirements needed to help them unlock that treat to establish a proper routine.
3. Get involved. Many of you will probably shake your heads at this, as getting involved doesn’t usually go to plan but there are many different ways you can help. Poor organisation or becoming overwhelmed by the volume of work is so often where students struggle, rather than with the subject content. So, instead of trying to get your head around the latest way of solving an equation or getting to grips with the periodic table, you can benefit them greatly by bringing valuable life skills to manage their learning time.
4. Know where to go for help. And I don’t just mean for your child either – you too are entitled to support during this stressful time. You might find solace with a school form teacher, a subject teacher or other parents. Whoever it is, reach out and support one another. It doesn’t have to be a lonely time for anyone following what has been the most challenging year for families.
No matter what Key Stage your child is going into in September, there will be added pressure to be up to scratch with their learning. Teachers do a brilliant job, but it’s important to supplement what they do with support outside the classroom. Think of it as a partnership, one where you both have your child’s best interests at heart. Then, as the Summer holidays roll around, you will be much more prepared for the fight.