Tips for Parents to Get Involved in Their Child’s Learning in Elementary School


Parents play a pivotal role in their child’s academic success. Here are 9 ways to make sure your kid is on track to being a successful student:

1. Attend Back-to-School Night and Parent-Teacher Conferences

It’s important for parents to be involved in their child’s academic life. Attending back-to-school night is a great way to get to know your child’s teachers and their expectations. School administrators will likely discuss school-wide programs and policies as well.

2. Visit the School and Its Website

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the physical layout of the school building and grounds so you can connect with your child when they talk about their school day. Take note of the location of the main office, school nurse, cafeteria, gym, athletic fields, playgrounds, auditorium, and special classes.

You can also find useful information on the school website, such as the school calendar, staff contact information, upcoming events like class trips, and testing dates.

3. Set Up a Regular Homework Time and Place

Homework is an important part of your child’s education, as it reinforces and extends classroom learning, and helps kids practice important study skills. In addition to making sure your child knows that you see homework as a priority, you can help by creating a comfortable and effective study environment. Any well-lit, comfortable, and quiet workspace with the necessary supplies will do. Avoiding distractions (like a TV in the background) and setting up a start and end time can also help.

4. Teach Your Child Organizational Skills

When it comes to organization at the elementary level, it’s all about keeping track of schoolwork. This means having an assignment book and homework folder (which many schools supply) so you can keep up with homework and projects.

Make it a habit to check your child’s assignment book and homework folder every school night. This way, you’ll be familiar with assignments and your child won’t fall behind. Set up a bin for papers that you need to check or sign. Also, keep a special box or bin for completed and graded projects. As for papers that you don’t need to keep, just toss them!

5. Inculcate the ‘Study Everyday’ Habit

End-of-unit tests in math, spelling, science, and social studies can be daunting for young elementary school students. As a parent, you can introduce your child to study skills now that will benefit them with good learning habits throughout their life.

One way to help ease the stress of studying for a test is by breaking down the overall task into smaller, manageable chunks. This will help your child focus on one thing at a time instead of feeling overwhelmed by the material. Additionally, teaching your child effective study skills now will set them up for success in the future.

6. Get Involved

There are many benefits for parents who volunteer at their child’s school, whether they are just starting kindergarten or entering their last year of elementary school. It’s a great way for parents to show they’re interested in and value their kids’ education. When parents volunteer at school, they can get a better sense of what their child is learning and how they are progressing. They can also develop stronger relationships with teachers and other school staff.

7. Foster a Positive Attitude about School

Make time to talk with your child every day about school. This will help them realize how important their academic life is to you. Good communication is a two-way street, so the way you talk and listen to your child can influence how well they listen and respond to you. It’s important to listen carefully, make eye contact, and avoid multitasking while you talk. Be sure to ask questions that go beyond “yes” or “no” answers.

8. Send Them To School Ready To Learn

A nutritious breakfast is essential for kids to have the energy they need to get through the day. Studies have shown that kids who eat breakfast perform better in school, are less likely to be absent, and have fewer stomach complaints related to hunger.

To help boost your child’s attention span, concentration, and memory, provide breakfast foods that are rich in whole grains, fiber, and protein.
A good amount of sleep (at least 8-10 hours) and a very good healthy breakfast is imperative and will ensure that they will have a good day at school!

9. Make Sure They Are Getting Good Amount of Sleep

Getting enough sleep is key for children to be able to focus and retain information at school. Most school-age kids need around 10-12 hours of sleep per night, but this can be difficult to achieve with homework, after-school activities, family schedules, and other demands on their time. Too much screen time before bed can also make it harder for kids to fall asleep, so limiting devices in the hour before sleep can be helpful. Create a regular bedtime routine including winding down for 30 minutes before sleep to help your child relax and prepare for a good night’s rest.