Every parent wants to know the ins and outs of their child’s education so that they can help their child thrive and learn as much as possible. However, aside from parent and teacher meetings, it’s easy to feel like you’re shut out of your child’s learning process. It’s understandable that you want to make a concerted effort with your child’s teacher into encouraging their learning and abilities. But how can you make it so that you’re more involved with your child’s learning? Check out these fabulous ways so that you can take pride in watching your child learn and develop.
Teach them at home
While it’s important that your children have time to play and relax after a long day at school, there’s no harm in exercising their brains further with some fun teaching at home with you. Activity books and learning guides are easy to pick up at stationery shops and you will be able to see your child’s progress as they work through their age intended workbooks. You might find that a simple reward like picking a movie for the evening or choosing dessert gives them that little bit of motivation. Teaching them at home also gives you a better view of anything they might be struggling with which you can share with their teacher so they can get the extra support they need.
Support language learning in a fun way
Another great way to stay involved in your child’s learning is by helping them explore another language together. Children absorb new sounds and patterns quickly when it feels like part of everyday life rather than a chore. You could watch simple cartoons in another language, label a few objects around the house or use an All-in-one English learning app if English is the language they need to build confidence in. Even spending ten minutes a day learning new words together can become a really lovely routine. It shows your child that learning is not just something that happens inside a classroom. It is something you can share with them and enjoy as part of normal life.
Offer a helping hand with the school
Like with most professions, there is always a shortage of staff at some point, especially when it involves supervising children during school trips. Offering a helping hand and becoming a volunteer for a day can make such a difference. If you attend one of their educational trips for science students, you will get the chance to see how your child works in a group and how well they manage tasks on their own. You might not be allowed to sit in the classroom and observe them directly, but going along on a trip gives you a better picture of their learning style and how they interact with the world around them.
Make reading part of your daily routine
Reading together is a simple way to feel closer to your child’s learning without making it feel like homework. You can take turns reading pages, talk about the characters or even ask them what they think will happen next. It encourages imagination, builds vocabulary and gives you a clearer idea of the subjects they enjoy. When reading becomes a normal part of your day, they begin to see books as something comforting and fun rather than something they only pick up because a teacher told them to. It also helps them relax after school which is an added bonus for everyone.
Create a calm space for homework and creativity
Children work better when they have a place that feels their own. A calm corner in the living room or their bedroom can make such a difference to how well they focus. You do not need fancy furniture or expensive organisers. A quiet table, some colourful pencils and a little basket for their school bits can turn it into a space they look forward to using. When your child sits down somewhere that feels safe and peaceful, they settle quicker and find it easier to stay on task. It also gives you a chance to sit with them and talk about their day which naturally opens the door to conversations about what they are learning.
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Get involved in small school events
Schools often run book fairs, themed days and fundraising events that need an extra pair of hands. Volunteering for something small now and then helps you stay connected and shows the school that you are happy to support their efforts. Even helping to set up tables for a reading morning or handing out juice at a fun run gives you a gentle window into what goes on behind the scenes. Your child will also notice and feel proud that you are part of their school world which can boost their confidence.
Prepare questions for parent’s evening
A great way to get the most from parent’s evening is to walk in with questions already in mind. Asking how your child is doing with handwriting or how confident they are in group work gives you helpful insight into what you can support at home. Teachers usually appreciate it too because it shows that you care about sharing the responsibility of learning. It also helps you leave the meeting with a clear idea of what your child is doing well and what they might need a little more time on. Remember to celebrate every achievement no matter how small because these moments keep them motivated and proud of themselves.
Celebrate progress in everyday moments
It is easy to wait for big milestones, but the small everyday improvements are just as important. When your child reads a new word without hesitating or solves a tricky maths problem after trying a few times, make a point of noticing it. These little celebrations help them see learning as something exciting and rewarding. You can turn it into a special moment with a hug or a smile or even a silly victory dance in the kitchen. When children feel proud of their efforts, they become more confident and more willing to take on new challenges.
