Secondary school is one of the most crucial stages in the student’s educational journey. This is where they face new challenges, increased academic demands, and growing responsibilities. And as parents, you also play a pivotal role in supporting your children during this transitional phase.
To ensure proper help from your side, you will have to provide them with proper guidance and study resources. This includes fostering a positive mindset, teaching them time management skills, and promoting healthy study habits.
Read this comprehensive guide to find out everything you will need to help your child succeed in secondary school.
- Set Clear Expectations
Setting clear expectations from your children helps them understand what is expected of them academically, behaviorally, and responsibly. When they know this, they are better equipped to meet those expectations. The only way your child can understand your expectations is when you’ll communicate with them.
Make sure to tell you what you expect of them regarding homework completion, study habits, attendance, participation, and behavior. Discuss the importance of taking their studies seriously, being organized, and demonstrating a positive attitude towards learning.
Just ensure to make it clear that you value their education and believe in their potential to excel. This will help them understand their responsibilities and motivate them to strive for success. Moreover, they will be able to prioritize their time and make informed choices that align with their academic goals.
- Prepare them for 11+ Entrance Exams
11+ entrance exams are designed to assess their academic abilities and provide an opportunity to gain admission to selective schools that offer advanced educational programs. Getting your child admitted to one of these schools can ensure that they get the best quality education
To prepare your child for 11+ entrance exams, create a structured study plan that covers all the necessary subjects and topics. Familiarize them with the exam format, question types, and time constraints through practice papers and mock exams.
You can find some of the best 11 + practice papers on the online resources that align with their exam syllabus. In addition to academic preparation, focus on developing their critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management skills to make them perform best in the entrance exam.
- Foster a Supportive Study Environment
Your child can only perform better in studies when they have enough attention span and study time specifically dedicated to studies. To ensure all this, you will have to provide them with a supportive study environment that can impact their focus, productivity, and overall academic performance.
Start by creating a designated study area that is quiet, well-lit, and distraction-free. Also, ensure they have a comfortable chair, a clutter-free desk, and all the necessary study materials within reach. This includes pens, paper, computers, and other study materials they will need during the session.
Make sure you help them maintain this routine for a longer period and establish set study times to make it a habit.
- Offer Help while Studying
Your child can’t have a better tutor and mentor than you. So, make sure to sit down with them whenever they are studying and be available to answer questions or clarify concepts they find challenging. Encourage open communication, where they feel comfortable approaching you for help without hesitation.
Take the time to review their assignments, provide constructive feedback, and offer suggestions for improvement. Help them break down complex topics into manageable parts because this will aid their comprehension and build their confidence.
You know better than your child about their books and course material, so if you find any additional study resources related to their course, make sure to share them with your child. This can include reference books, online materials, and educational apps that will assist them in their studies.
- Have Regular of Parent-Teacher Meetings
Parent-teacher meetings provide an essential platform for open communication, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of your child’s progress and needs from the point of view of their instructor. Make sure to have regular meetings with their teachers to stay informed about their academic performance, behavior, and overall development.
These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns, address challenges, and gain insights into areas where your child may require additional support, so you can help them out.
During these meetings, actively participate by asking relevant questions, seeking clarification on grading criteria, and discussing strategies to support your child’s learning journey. You can also share some information regarding your child’s interests, strengths, and learning preferences. It will help teachers teach your child more effectively.
- Encourage Regular Revision
Revision plays a crucial role in reinforcing learning and deepening understanding, so they don’t forget things they learned a week or month ago. Encourage your child to set aside dedicated time for revision on a consistent basis.
Help them create a revision schedule that allocates specific time slots for each subject and topic. This ensures comprehensive coverage of the curriculum and prevents last-minute cramming. You can also set aside specific time to review different study materials.
For example, there can be different time slots for reviewing class notes, creating summary sheets, and practicing past exam papers. You can also get yourself engaged in discussions about the subjects they are studying and ask them questions to know how much they actually understand their course material.
- Encourage Active Participation
If your child is active in class, they are more likely to grasp information and complex concepts quickly. However, if you think your child is lacking in this aspect, encourage them to ask questions, share ideas, and participate in classroom discussions.
Emphasize the importance of active listening, note-taking, and critical thinking. Make them understand that seeking clarification when they don’t understand a concept will only strengthen their knowledge. Also, make sure to support their involvement in extracurricular activities, clubs, and teams.
These activities provide opportunities for them to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and a well-rounded perspective. By doing these things in their secondary school, they will be able to tackle challenges on their own and seek guidance when needed.