Starting elementary school brings a mix of excitement and anxiety, with emotional farewells and possibly a few tears when your child goes into the classroom for the first time.
The period from kindergarten to fifth grade witnesses a rapid development in social, emotional, and intellectual aspects. Pants and coats are quickly outgrown or misplaced, while habits, both positive and negative, are developed rapidly.
Parents who have volunteered at the school library or book fair can remember the happiness and uncertainty of a preschooler choosing just one book.
By the time children reach fifth grade, they eagerly rush to pick out books as if they are on a timer; they have become better at making choices and figuring out their reading preferences, making the overall experience less exciting.
One group is starting to understand the organization and regulations of school, while the other group is likely overconfident in their familiarity – but this will all evolve when they transition to middle school.
The beginning years of education lay the foundation for future learning experiences. Your kids will start attending a classroom for six to eight hours daily with other adults and children.
As a parent, you will primarily experience this world through your child’s stories, updates from teachers, and conferences. Imagine if there was a way to have an honest conversation with your child’s teacher, to inquire about their views on what activities are essential for you to do at home to support their education and development.
1: Read Early and As Often As Possible
Engage in reading with your child, alongside your children, and in their presence.
There are many advantages of reading that’ve been extensively recorded: enhanced vocabulary, better memory, improved analytical thinking abilities, better focus and concentration and others.
A teacher from JC Economics tuition in Singapore advises, “The most effective way to assist your child in school from home is by reading with them.”
Another individual mentioned, “Parents must establish an environment of literacy within the household.”
So, have conversations with kids about the books you are reading and the reasons behind your reading choices. Demonstrate your thoughts on the themes and characters and talk about how to draw conclusions and view the book from different angles.
Assist them in linking it to their personal experiences and inquire about their emotional response. Encourage them to inquire, ask questions, and be creative.
“My colleagues and I try to make every effort to encourage literacy in the classroom, but without support at home, it will continue to be a challenging task.”
2: Don’t Solve Their Problems
Teachers advise against simply giving the answer to your child, even though it may be tempting and quicker after a busy day.
Teaching your child how to recognize solutions enhances their creativity and critical-thinking abilities. One teacher cautions against solving problems for children as it doesn’t help them learn to solve problems themselves.
Someone else remarked, “It’s acceptable for a child to face some challenges.” It is important that we educate children on the importance of facing challenges and persisting until they overcome them. When they engage in this activity, they will discover that education has occurred.
Multiple educators have recognized a correlation between problem solving skills and the cultivation of resilience, an attribute that will benefit individuals for the rest of their lives.
3: Tell Them to Take Care of Their Own Belongings
Avoid doing tasks for your children that they are capable of doing on their own.
Can you slice a carrot using a sharp blade? Nope. Remember to prepare a daily snack, pack your backpack, and bring your instruments and/or sporting gear.
Affirmative, affirmative, and affirmative. Even at a young age, children can manage taking care of their belongings by signing and submitting their work, storing items in lockers, and keeping desks tidy at school. After that, they return home and we frequently take charge.
One teacher says that by giving children this responsibility, it empowers them to believe in their ability to succeed in various tasks. “They acquire the ability to be responsible.”
Another person states, “Additionally, we often hear students accusing their parents of failing to pack their homework or lunch in their backpacks.”
A child should learn to take responsibility for their belongings at a young age.
4: Develop Their Homework Habits
Establishing a specific area for homework is a crucial initial stage in assisting your children in “cultivating strong study habits.”
According to a teacher, having a designated workspace consistently reminds the child that it is where they should focus on doing their work.
Finding a balance between privacy for concentration and public visibility for child monitoring is key. Ensure that children do not seclude themselves in their room to finish their homework.
If that is the sole area designated for work, monitor them to ensure they are focused and finishing their tasks within a reasonable timeframe.
Make sure to establish a routine time for doing homework, such as immediately after school or during dinner. Some kids prefer to finish everything quickly to unwind, while others require a rest post-school. Assist your child in determining the optimal organization that suits them best.
5: Limit Their Usage of Technology
While technology has benefited society by connecting people globally for business and education, it has also decreased attention spans and merged personal and public boundaries.
Teachers suggest that parents restrict their children’s device usage to specific locations and methods. One teacher wishes parents were aware that letting their kid go to bed with technology is not advisable. Parents should monitor electronic devices and the unfiltered online world their children access.
Another individual observed, “The younger generation is part of a rapidly-moving society, leading to the belief that they constantly need to stay occupied.”
Someone also stated that with accessible technology, children never have to experience boredom, even though boredom is often when creativity flourishes.
Allow your child to express discontent and frustration, and eventually they will come up with an activity that surprises even you, after initially complaining about boredom.
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