A love for learning
START EARLY: PARENTS MUST ENGAGE FROM GRADE ONE
Encourage your child to develop a growth mindset.
It’s crucial to remember that although most parents want their children to perform well, it’s more important to help them develop a love of learning and a growth mindset than to apply too much pressure on marks only, says Kassandra Strydom, academic advisor: foundation phase at AdvTech, Africa’s leading private education provider.
Parents and guardians are widely acknowledged as the primary educators in a child’s early years and the significance of their role cannot be overstated.
Cultivating a child’s independence and self-assurance begins with fostering a sense of belonging and security in the family unit. This provides children with the confidence to explore, learn and grow, knowing they have a supportive home base to rely on.
“Research consistently underscores the pivotal role that parental involvement plays in shaping a child’s educational trajectory,” says Strydom.
“When parents actively engage in their child’s schooling, the impact is profound: improved academic performance, enhanced social and emotional development, and a stronger foundation for lifelong learning.”
Helping young children to adjust and navigate their educational journey begins in the formative years and Grade One emerges as a pivotal transitional period, adds Strydom.
“In this stage, children benefit from additional support and reassurance as they embark on new academic endeavours. By nurturing and guiding them through this phase, stress levels can be minimised while simultaneously fostering the development of a growth mindset and nurturing a child’s self-esteem, instilling in them the belief in their own capabilities,” she says.
Crucial to remember is that the parent-child relationship is paramount here.
READING
Parents can foster a love for learning and strengthen the parent-child bond around the shared joy of reading together, talking over school issues, what was learnt that day and encouraging independence.
“Learning to read is a pivotal developmental milestone for children, shaping their future academic success and overall life trajectory. As parents, we play a crucial role in fostering a love of reading in our little ones.”
ROUTINE
It’s also important to start developing healthy routines from early on, says Strydom.
“Even though there won’t be much homework in the earlier grades, it’s important to start developing routines, especially on school days. This might include talking over what was done in school that day, what tomorrow might look like, what needs to be packed and so forth.
“For instance, if there is a school project due in a week or two, spend a little time on it every day. This will help establish a mindset associated with gradual and compounding gains rather than one characterised by procrastination, which can become a burdensome habit that’s hard to break in later years.”
MATHEMATICS
“One aspect often overlooked in the early years of schooling is the importance of a robust foundation in mathematics. It’s a concept-based subject and... demands a deep understanding of fundamental principles and the ability to apply them in various contexts,” says Strydom.
“So it’s crucial for parents and teachers to ensure that children grasp the foundational concepts from the outset rather than rushing through the curriculum.”