Our past experience as students tells us that school life can be tough. If not properly guided, one can easily get lost, distracted or disillusioned. While the eagerness to learn is innate in everyone, it can wear off, especially in a school system where grades and teachers expectations of meeting the standards are strongly emphasized. How we wish that our children would carry on the same perseverance with schoolwork as they did when they were just first learning to walk!

          Perhaps the best way to keep the children on the right track is to instill the proper attitude, preserve their natural curiosity and love for learning. To do this is not easy; nevertheless, it can be done. The following are some ways to help the parents get started.

Be Supportive

          Get involved with your child’s daily activities and school functions. Regularly check his work and assignment. Ask him about his day and discuss with him his difficulties.

Avoid using tangible rewards

          Do not bribe your child with money, toys, or special priviledges in exchange for good grades. This may be the quickest way to lure him to work hard. However, you run the risk of instilling false values and breeding a materialistic and manipulative character.

Make your child’s learning relevant

          Show that learning extends beyond your child’s classroom and report card. Assist him in making sense out of the new skills and concepts he has acquired by providing hands – on experiences.

Be a positive role model

         

          Take notes of your attitudes, values and consistent which those you intend your child to imbibe. Examine the way you build your career and carry out its responsibilities.

 

 

 

 

Allow room for mistake

          Understand that a good dose of errors is healthy for your child’s psychological well being. Mistakes can make your child leam to cope with frustration, persevere in his work, and motivate him to improve.    

Emphasize competence and hard work

 

           Show that you are happy not because your child earned an “A” or a medal but because of what this recognition signifies. Congratulate him for his competence and hard work.

Inspire him with real – life success stories

          Encourage him to read books about the lives of successful people or stories that impart lessons on responsibility, diligence, and competence.

By: Desiree C. Cawigan | Master Teacher I | Lamao Elementary School | Limay, Bataan