ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO LEARN
Be a role model. If you want your child to be an active learner, be active yourself. Let him or her see you reading books, watching educational programs and discussing current events. Think out loud about scientific ideas and play educational games together.
Hold high, but realistic, expectations. Children won't believe in themselves if no one else does. Let your child know that you are confident in his or her ability to learn. Positive feedback strengthens self-esteem.
Take a non-threatening interest. Criticism has a time and a place. Set aside regular times to talk with your child casually about his or her school projects. Listen openly and don't demand improvement. If your child perceives disapproval every time you talk about schoolwork, he or she will shut you out.
Get involved at school. Parent-teacher conferences offer perfect opportunity to be active in your child's education. Talk to your child beforehand to identify his or her concerns. Make notes about your own questions. Arrive on time and remember that you and the teacher have the same goal---your child's education---even if you disagree on methods.
Hold high, but realistic, expectations. Children won't believe in themselves if no one else does. Let your child know that you are confident in his or her ability to learn. Positive feedback strengthens self-esteem.
Take a non-threatening interest. Criticism has a time and a place. Set aside regular times to talk with your child casually about his or her school projects. Listen openly and don't demand improvement. If your child perceives disapproval every time you talk about schoolwork, he or she will shut you out.
Get involved at school. Parent-teacher conferences offer perfect opportunity to be active in your child's education. Talk to your child beforehand to identify his or her concerns. Make notes about your own questions. Arrive on time and remember that you and the teacher have the same goal---your child's education---even if you disagree on methods.
