Studies have shown that, if your child loves school, they’re less likely to drop out. Thankfully, this love can be nurtured! Here are a few practical tips that will help stimulate your child’s interest in education.
Children tend to develop an interest in school before they start kindergarten as they become more inquisitive and discover reading. To kindle their curiosity, try the following:
- Read stories with your child
- Encourage them to ask questions about their environment
- Answer their questions
- Etc.
Starting kindergarten is a very important step. A child who is excited and prepared for school is more likely to enjoy it. If they learn how to complete small tasks and follow simple instructions during kindergarten, the transition to elementary school will be much smoother. Below are a few tasks that you can encourage your child to do at home to help them become more autonomous:
- Tie their shoes
- Follow a routine at home
- Put away their toys
- Listen to simple instructions
- Make decisions
- Etc.
All school subjects require reading. If your child acquires this skill early on, they will have an easier time in the classroom. There are many simple ways to encourage an interest in reading:
- Take your child to the library
- Read to them aloud
- Tell them stories
- Leave books within reach
- Etc.
Completing a task is very difficult when you don’t understand why it needs to be done. It’s the same with kids and their schoolwork. A child who doesn’t understand the point of learning won’t be motivated. That’s why it’s important to explain to your children why they need to go to school. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Share school success stories
To inspire your child, you can tell them stories about real people who achieved their goals thanks to their hard work and resilience in school.
- Speak positively about school
You are your child’s role model, and everything you say has a big impact on their world view. If you paint school in a positive light, they will likely approach it the same way.
- Talk about the future
Ask your child what they’d like to be when they grow up and figure out a strategy to help them achieve their goal. Thinking about their future will help them realize that school is an essential tool in making their dreams a reality.
- Get involved
Show your child that you’re interested in their academic path. For example, you can attend parent-teacher meetings, reply to their teacher’s notes, and volunteer as a chaperone during class field trips.
Did you know? A child with healthy self-esteem is more likely to enjoy school in the long term. Discover all our articles on the topic on the Alloprof website.
Writing : Viviane Asselin
Scientific review : Émilie St-Onge, psychoeducator
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Rewriting : The Alloprof Parents' team