By Nico Strydom

The preparation of a child for future academic success should start in Grade 1 and the focus should be on cultivating a love of learning.

“Parents have an important role to play in the early years regarding the development of the framework for a child’s educational journey,” says Desiree Hugo, academic head of ADvTech’s school department.

“One of the most important ways of doing this is to help your child navigate the early years with humour and enthusiasm, to make sure that the learning and discovery process creates positive associations in the brain rather than feelings of anxiety and despondency.”

By providing playful after-school home routines from the beginning children can grow and flourish throughout their school career, says Hugo. “Although there is little to no homework in the early years, time can be set aside every day to focus on the day’s activities by, for instance, talking about what was done at school that day and reading together. This will help young children to get into a natural routine where they can continue building on what they have learned.

Apart from introducing a daily routine, parents must also help children develop the skills that will be required of them later in their school career. “Children need a healthy diet, enough sleep and exercise. Unhealthy habits and routines can manifest in a child’s general attitude and academic involvement.”

Help your child keep a balance and to put things in context. “Sometimes small things that go wrong can have a big impact, especially on sensitive children, so young children have to understand that just because they have not yet mastered something does not mean that they cannot do it.”

It is normal for parents to feel a bit competitive and compare their child’s progress with others. Hugo, however, feels that this instinct should be kept in check. “Children are very fast to sense when parents think they are not making the grade against their friends and that could start a downward spiral in terms of motivation and self-belief. To master a skill may take many tries and parents must give their children time and space to do it.”

If you see that your child is struggling it could be worthwhile to talk to their teacher or a counsellor to find out whether they perhaps have a unique style of learning or special needs that require additional support. “There are many different approaches to learning and to find out what works for your child will do wonders on their learning journey.”

Source

ADvTECH: https://www.advtech.co.za/