Children are always at the mercy of their environment, which can be especially true regarding school. Some kids are bored and uninterested because they’re not challenged enough. Others feel like outsiders or lack the motivation to learn. Whatever your child’s reason for disengagement, there is always a way to remedy the situation. The following are six ways to get your kid engaged with school.
1. Create a Routine
When children feel like they’re in control of their lives, they gain a sense of independence and self-confidence that can help them excel at school. You can create this feeling by helping your child develop a routine just as you would for them follow at home, allowing them to feel more comfortable and secure in the classroom setting.
A routine can also help children feel more connected to the school and give them a sense of belonging. For example, preparing for the day by washing up, eating breakfast, and packing their lunch could be a great way to encourage your child’s school engagement. On the other hand, by creating a routine that helps your child wind down from the day at home, you’re helping them transition into a state of mind that’s more relaxed and willing to learn.
2. Identify Your Child’s Interests
Since many kids are especially interested in the topics they learn about in school, this is a great opportunity to help them better understand those subjects. Use your child’s interests as a springboard to talk about other things they’re learning at school. For example, if your kid loves learning about animals, you can start using this as an opportunity to read more books at home together. If your child is interested in health science, you can buy your children books that will help them learn about anatomy for kids. This will help them know their own body better and drive them to stay engaged with the school.
3. Support Your Child’s Learning Styles
Many children have different learning styles, which can significantly affect how they interact with and absorb the information they’re being taught. For example, some kids understand things better when working with their hands. These kids may be more engaged when they can do projects and work on crafts. If your child is a visual learner, you can use technology like educational apps to help them learn about math, science, or reading.
4. Encourage Your Child’s Independence
Children are frequently at the mercy of their parents, which can significantly impact their school engagement. When you’re not supportive of your child’s true independence, you’re more likely to cause them to feel like outsiders or even more bored in the classroom setting.
It’s important to ensure that they develop a sense of independence while they’re young so that they’ll feel empowered as they get older and begin to handle more responsibility on their own. You can encourage your child’s independence by allowing them to choose their clothing, prepare their meals, and ensure they get to and from school on time.
5. Help Them Handle Their Homework
Another way to help your child feel engaged with school is by helping them manage their schoolwork. For example, if they’re struggling to organize their assignments, you can help them develop that skill by offering suggestions. This will show that you care about their schooling and want them to get better at it. You’re helping them feel more confident and likely to be engaged with learning at school.
Also, if your child struggles to build good study habits, you can set aside time each week to review what they’re doing in school. For example, you can sit with them and look over their class notes together so that you can explain the concepts in a way that’s easy for your child to understand.
6. Get Involved at School
Getting involved with the community of other parents and educators can go a long way in helping your child feel more connected and engaged with school. You can get involved at school by volunteering to help with your child’s class, joining the PTA, or even donating to the school you’re interested in attending.
Conclusion
No matter what your child’s reason for being disengaged is, there are always steps you can take to help them feel more connected and engaged at school. You can create a routine, identify your child’s interests, encourage independence, and even get involved with their school. By taking these simple steps, you can help your child better understand what they’re learning in school and use that knowledge to help them excel.
