School can be a very overwhelming and often frustrating experience, there are certain steps that a parent can take to relieve some of the stress and make their children’s schooling experience a more enjoyable one.
Below are 10 simple tips that will help your child have a good day at school
- Be strict about a regular routine.
- A good night’s sleep is key. A grade 1 child should be in bed by 19:30, lights out at 20:00.
- Insist that your child eats a good breakfast, avoid sugary cereals and provide a protein-rich breakfast that will sustain your child for longer.
- Pack water, a decent snack and a protein-based lunch. We’ll talk more about healthy eating in my next blog.
- Pack your child’s school uniform out the night before.
- Prepare your child’s lunch box and school bag together, put this in a designated place.
- Make sure to set the alarm early enough so the mornings run smoothly and calmly.
- Make sure there is sufficient time for a goodbye hug, keep in mind that a chaotic morning will lead to a chaotic day.
- Be punctual, don’t drop your child off late for school, this models respect for others time and fosters a good work ethic.
- Model a positive attitude towards school.
It is also important to become a part of your child’s day by asking questions; this way you will know if something is bothering your child as well as highlight good parts of their day. It is also a great way of keeping communication open with your child.
How was your day questions?
These questions will avoid “OK” and “FINE” answers.
- Tell me about the best part of your day.
- What was the hardest thing you had to do today?
- Did any of your classmates do anything funny?
- Tell me about what you read in class.
- Who did you play with today? What did you play?
- Do you think maths [or any subject] is too easy or too difficult?
- What’s the biggest difference between this year and last year?
- What rules are different at school than our rules at home? Do you think they’re fair?
- Who did you sit with at lunch?
- Can you show me something you learned (or did) today?
At Shelanti Private Remedial School our main focus is to create a positive teaching environment for your children.