8 ways to support learning outside school

By Laura Vida MA (Oxon)

We all have an intrinsic drive to learn. But every child progresses at their own pace, and in their own way. So, as parents, we need to try to avoid making comparisons whilst ensuring our expectations are reasonable and child-appropriate.

We parents are, ultimately, facilitators. Without forcing anything, we can create the conditions for learning. But how?

Routines

Create sensible routines for your child when they are young, and encourage older children to follow their own. For example, reading together at a certain time of day when your child needs downtime.

Fuel matters!

Make sure your child has eaten something, drunk something, and had some physical exercise before sitting down to homework, or anything that requires concentration. Also, make sure the conditions are right: a quiet room and zero distractions when practising reading, for example.

Encourage Independence

There is no point doing your child’s homework or holiday projects for them; the teacher needs to see what they can do.

Prioritise your relationship

It’s so easy to get frustrated when a child doesn’t seem to be trying. But try to stay calm and take deep breaths! Avoid hovering over your child monitoring everything they are doing. If you and your child are both struggling emotionally, consider getting a tutor, sensible older child, or university student to help.

Set time limits

Talk to your child’s teachers and be realistic about how much time should be spent on homework after school. At primary level, most schools would expect little or no homework beyond reading.

Praise REAL effort and initiative!

But choose your moments well. If you dish out 'fake' praise every two seconds, it won’t be so effective.

Take advantage of real-life, practical opportunities for learning.

For younger children: cooking, mucking in with housework, making and writing birthday cards, planning outings, finding their way using signs, games. The list is endless! An older child might help plan a family holiday on a budget.

Act!

Many children will do almost anything when in role! (Even Victorian-style learning with chalkboards!) And for young children, role-play provides endless opportunities for learning and creative thinking. If you’d like your child to practise writing their name, for example, why not make a passport together?

If you’re getting frustrated at your teen’s Maths apathy, it might also help you to pretend to be patient and understanding! Above all, don’t communicate any negativity you yourself might feel about a subject.