How to prepare your child to go back to school in September

TUITION FIRM KIP MCGRATH EXPLAINS WHY PARENTS SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS

THE coronavirus crisis has impacted the education system in ways we’ve never experienced before. For a few months, school life mostly shifted to an online learning experience and homeschooling became a necessity.

Now, as the summer break approaches, parents will be looking towards September and this year there are more concerns than usual.

However during these uncertain times, there are people who can help.

Kip McGrath provides live and interactive lessons online or in-centre and it is based across Wales, including Caerphilly, Pontypridd, Cardiff, Bridgend, Penarth and Swansea.

Founded in 1976, Kip McGrath has helped thousands of children from reception class up to GCSE level with their literacy and numeracy skills, by complementing the work that is being done in schools. This has continued during the pandemic, and it has helped children who might have fallen behind with their studies.

Here, Kip McGrath explains how parents can prepare their child for September so they have the best start possible.

1. KEEP YOUR CHILD’S BRAIN ACTIVE

During the summer holidays, try to plan fun, flexible and affordable ways of keeping young brains active. For example, ask them to design a new superhero comic book or encourage them to make a scrapbook based on their summer adventures.

2. DON’T FORGET ABOUT STRUCTURE

Children like structure and after months of change, going back to school in September might be difficult. Try to arrange a structure during the summer so the transition of going back to school is smoother.

3. READ, READ AND READ SOME MORE

Reading is incredibly important and it should continue during the break. Read with your child for some quality time together and this will also help with your child’s reading level. Alternatively, you could also create a competition with your family and friends to see who can read the most during the summer.

4. KIT THEM OUT

A new school year is normally the time to buy school supplies, so try and keep this tradition if possible. Shopping for school supplies is a fun way to give your child responsibility and allowing a child to pick out a new lunch box or pencil case will encourage excitement about going back to school

5. HAVE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SCHOOL REGULARLY

It has been a strange time for us all, and children will be confused about why school closed and is now reopening. Take the time to have regular conversations about the situation and see whether they have any questions to try and ease any worries.

6. DON’T AVOID NEW YEAR ANXIETIES

Speaking of worries, it is normal for your child to be anxious about a new school year, but this year it might be heightened due to the current situation. If your child is anxious about going back to school, keep a positive attitude. Talk to your child about the fun adventures they’ve had at school previously and discuss the new opportunities in the upcoming year.

7. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXPERTS

If you have noticed that your child is struggling with maths or English and concerned about their progress, the summer break is the perfect time to catch up. All Kip McGrath tutors are qualified, experienced and talented teachers who employ an empowering philosophy that not only impacts positively on how children view themselves but also what they can achieve. Kip McGrath offers a free maths and English assessment and based on these results, it can offer an individual learning programme to cater for a child’s needs.