Supporting Learning at Home

The good news here is that you do not have to do the work with your son/daughter to be able to help, you do not even have to understand it! In fact, research states that it’s often better if you don’t try to help as your methods may be different and it risks setting up conflict that you don’t need to have. 

Instead we have some simple strategies to be used by parents that will make a difference to your son/daughter’s success in school. Should you wish to ask something further about any of these strategies or alert us to a challenge in your circumstances, please click here to access a form that will allow you to do so.

SPUR them on to success!

SPACE & TIME
They need space and quiet to work. A routine set time when home work will be done, with a well-lit study space to be in “work mode”- without siblings or other distractions like phones, TVs or even music. This works well when you agree the timescales together, create a schedule they commit to and ensure it also allows them space to do the things they want to do for fun. A regular bedtime and space and time away from screens to relax are important for health and wellbeing.
PRAISE & POSITIVITY
Be positive about school, be positive about learning – acknowledge work is sometimes hard but it’s worth it. Celebrate when they have achieved what they agreed to do. When adults show an interest and are positive about what children achieve they are more likely to stick to it – even when it is difficult.
UNDERSTAND & ENGAGE
  1. Use the school systems (Arbor) to make sure you know
    • What home learning they have and when it’s due in
    • Check that they have done it
  2. Use the information available to understand what topics they are studying and discuss it with them, talking about their lessons and topics makes a big difference to understanding. If you show you are interested, they will value it more too.
  3. Attend and engage with school events when you can. Children are more motivated to commit to something they feel all their adults value.

READING
It is well proven that those who read more do better at school. As teenagers get older it can be a habit that drops off, but if we can keep them engaged with reading outside of school it gives them better vocabulary and wider knowledge. Because it is something they are doing for relaxation, it can be their choice, even better if you model reading as something of value too.