What are the best things for families to do to support learning?
During secondary school the most effective ways in which families can support children to learn are:
- Taking an interest in the topics they are following at school
- Communicating the value of education, modelling respectful relationships with teachers and helping their child feel they belong in school
- Keeping them focused on learning and homework, while also supporting their autonomy
- Ensuring that they go to bed at a regular time, have breakfast and attend school
- Communicating aspirations and celebrating achievements – powerful motivators for children at this age
- Providing an environment at home in which they can study (with no distractions)
- Encouraging children to read, including keeping up to date with news
- Involving children in household tasks, such as how to understand bills and plan trips or plan spending/saving
- Outings to museums, arts and cultural events
- Extracurricular activities, such as sports, creative and cultural activities, that help them to apply their knowledge and develop social and emotional skills