Behaviour - My Child Is Not Well Prepared for School

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     Being well prepared is an essential life skill for both school and work.  Students, who are not well prepared for classroom assignments, projects, and tests, generally receive lower grades.  As a teacher, I perceive these poorly prepared students as lacking motivation, initiative, and interest in their studies (sometimes it’s also called ‘laziness’).

     Fortunately, you as parent, are at the front line with regards to helping your child be better prepared for school.  Here are some tips that you can follow at home.  See which ones work best for you and your child.

1.    Set up a schedule (post one on the fridge or get a large wall mounted calendar) so that you and your child can create a homework schedule and post due dates for projects, tests, and assignments.

2.    Create a reward schedule with your child.  For example, when he/she finishes homework, assignments, or projects that are due the next day or week, decide together on a reasonable reward.  You know your child best.  Find a positive reinforcer that is meaningful to your child.

3.    Establish household rules for school assignments (e.g. no television or play time until homework is done, your child will show you his work when he is finished etc…).

4.    Teach your child that there are natural consequences for not handing in school assignments on time and with care.  For example, you can explain to your child that if an adult does not do his job properly, he can get fired.  Your child can lose his video game system for a month, or not participate in certain activities if he fails to hand in assignments.

5.    Create a system whereby your child receives recognition for handing in assignments (e.g. stickers or check marks on a sheet) and can receive a reward for a specific number of stickers.

6.    Know your child’s peak times!  If your child gets tired after school, let him relax.  Save homework time for after dinner.  Or perhaps your child has extra-curricular activities after dinner, then after school would be the best time to do work.  The key is, find the best time for your child to do work so that he maximizes his effort.

     There are many ideas here you can use.  Start off using a few, see what works best for your family, and you will be able to help your child be well prepared for school work.

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