Education Here

Top Tips to Help your Child Achieve Success and Happiness in the First Years of our Education System

1. Talk, talk, talk to your child.
   There is no substitute for talking to your young child and for encouraging your child to talk to you. Talk in sentences and, as your child matures, talk in sentences of greater length. Show your child interesting things.
2. Read to your child. From about the age of six months, a baby can look at a simple picture book. Join your local library, if it remains open.
3. Start reading short story chapter books to your child early on, from about the age of three or four. This means your child will be making their own pictures in their head.
4. Help your young child learn the sounds of the alphabet. This can be done in a fun way.
5. Show your child how to hold a crayon or pencil correctly. The crayon or pencil should be gently pinched between the thumb and index finger, resting on the middle finger. (See the video under Holding a Crayon and Pencil Correctly)
6. Keep reading to your child even when your child can read! This continues to be enjoyable and important.
7. Listen to your child read the reading books sent home from school regularly. When your child can read, help your child to read good quality books.
8. Always talk to your child’s class teacher about anything that concerns you or if you have something you wish to share. If you feel your child has special or additional needs, it’s always important to talk to the teacher, Head Teacher or SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator). Keep a rough note of any meetings you have. It’s so easy to forget! I find that the area of speech and language development is an area which can be overlooked, as needs can be quite subtle. Be aware, be determined, trust yourself, talk to others and contact help groups.
9. Aim to have some children home for tea and play when your child is in Nursery or Reception Year. This will help to develop friendships. Also, parents of other children often become life-long friends.
10. Develop your child’s memory by talking about things you have done or places you have been. Then revisit it by talking about it from time to time. A good memory is an important factor in education.
11. Always clear your child’s book bag. There will be pictures or things they have made to keep at home and the reading record book to fill in.
12. Think about getting a teacher (sometimes called a tutor) to give your child some 1:1 or even small group work. It can be invaluable! This could be purely for the 1:1 individual attention or if your child needs extra support or extension.
13. Get your child’s vaccinations done – I firmly believe in that for their sake and that of others.