Ten practical tips for getting involved with your child's education

You don’t have to be a teacher to improve how your child learns. Even if you didn’t enjoy school yourself, there are simple ways to make sure your child stays motivated.

1. Show them you’re interested. Get to know their timetable and talk about what they’ve learned that day. If you’re not familiar with a subject, get them to teach you so that they are putting their new knowledge into practice.
2. Give them a quiet place to do homework. If you think there’s not enough room in your home, what about clearing the kitchen table for an hour or two in the evening?
3. Help with homework, but don’t do it for them. Be there to help your child find answers to problems. If your child needs to research a particular subject, go with them to a library or use the internet together. Make sure they meet homework deadlines.
4. Make the most of TV. Choose programmes that are related to what your child is studying. Ask your child’s opinion about what they’ve watched. Even soaps will cover topics that are relevant – such as bullying or sex and relationships.
5. Take days out that are relevant to schoolwork. Plan family visits to places of historical interest, museums, galleries or even the beach. These can bring lessons to life.
6. Have a handy ‘toolbox’. Keep a box of pens, pencils, rubbers, and so on. Buy a dictionary so that your child has all the ‘tools’ they need to do their homework.
7. Get a good attendance record.  Any time off from school affects your child’s progress. Make sure they arrive on time, and give them a healthy breakfast before they leave home. It helps their concentration.
8. Stay in touch with the school. Your child’s teacher is a great source of help and advice – not just if your child is having problems. They will be able to suggest other ways in which you can help your child with their schoolwork.
9. Get to know the National Curriculum so that you know what your child will study every year. If you have access to the internet at home, find out which subjects your child will study. Or visit a library, where you will be able to use the internet.
10. Don’t forget to say ‘well done’. We all need praise now and then, but it’s particularly important for a child. Congratulating your child will encourage them to do well next time and show them you genuinely want them to succeed at school.

A group effort

Of course, you’re not the only person who can support your child as they move through school. Older children, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and friends of the family can all play a part. Showing people this information will help you encourage those close to your child to get involved, so that they can make the most of their time together.