For parents there is no greater joy than watching children succeed. You don’t have to watch on the sidelines as your school-age children founder or excel in school. There are 5 powerful ways that parents can positively motivate students to excel at school.
Read With Your Child
One of the most time honored ways of increasing academic performance is through reading. According to the Common Core State Standards research, the single greatest predictor of success in college is a child’s ability to read complex texts. Try finding a fun series of books for the whole family to read together a few nights a week. The Harry Potter series provides hours of enjoyment at an increasing level of difficulty, so the challenge grows with your kids.
Make Sure Your Child Attends School
Another great way to encourage academic success is to be sure your child attends school except for when it’s absolutely necessary to miss. Avoid scheduling vacations during the academic year. Instead, talk about positive experiences that students have at school. Keep them involved in clubs and activities, and check in on them often.
Enter a Writing Competition
To get kids really motivated, try entering a writing contest. Often these contests offer cash prizes, college scholarships, or opportunities to read publicly and be recognized. Professionals, like those at Creative Communication, know that students feel a sense of pride in their work when entering competitions, and it’s a great way to encourage a student with a strongly creative side.
Get Involved
One of the most motivating aspects of being involved in clubs and activities is the notion of a public performance. When your student has a game or show, be there to encourage participation and effort. Praise your student for their hard work, even if they lost the game or competition. Phrases like, “I noticed how hard you worked at that” and “Win or lose, I’m happy to see you trying” can go a long way toward encouraging success in the future.
Communicate Positively With the School
One simple and effective way to ensure educational success for your kids is to model a great attitude and solid advocacy skills. Join the parent group, meet your child’s teachers, and communicate your concerns when you have them. Show kids that when you have questions or feel uncomfortable you are able to work it out with other adults. And ask your kids to do the same.
