Now that December and the school holidays are drawing to a close, it is only natural for parents and children to find themselves contemplating the new school year more and more often. For children, especially the younger ones in lower primary who are more playful, the end of the holidays often also produces mixed feelings. At the same time, there is nothing inevitable about the back-to-school doldrums, and much that children can and should be looking forward to in the new school year. As parents, you have a crucial role to play in shaping your child’s mindset and perspective towards the return of school, and helping him or her to get off to a running start. Here are some suggestions from us at The Learning Lab to get your child excited and ready to go back to school in style.
1. Encourage questions and ask your child(ren) yourself
One of the easiest ways you can get your young ones to think about school reopening in a neutral or positive way is by asking the right questions, and encouraging them to ask their own questions in turn. Children are naturally curious, and you should tap that curiosity to get them excited about school. If your child will be learning a new subject or signing up for a CCA for the first time, for example, you can start off by asking how he or she feels about that, before giving a "preview" of what he or she can expect.
Or you could ask about your child's friends, and whether he or she is looking forward to seeing them again. The key lies in keeping the discussion light and not heavy-handed, as you want your child to feel anticipation, and not boredom or even dread! Do this often enough over the next week or so, and you will smoothen the transition between the holiday mood and being ready for school.
2. Find different and creative ways to explore new material
Another way you can harness your child's natural curiosity to his or her benefit is by exposing him or her to new knowledge that will be needed in the new school year creatively. Worksheets, assessment books and practice papers are tried and tested methods but are not exactly the most exciting, especially for fickle-minded young children. Instead, use the extra time available to you and your child during the holidays to explore deeper and broader.
For instance, you could choose to watch a Science documentary together with your child, or take them on a field trip to a nature reserve or museum for a dose of experiential learning. If you are not sure where or how to start, have a look at some of our suggestions for holiday learning here. Our teachers at The Learning Lab will also be more than happy to provide you with a few pointers tailored specifically to younger children. So please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
3. Set goals and targets - as well as incentives
The chances are that you will be sitting down with your child at some point before the turn of the year to talk about his or her goals for the new school term. What you say and how you say it can be the difference between galvanising your child for the year ahead, and heaping unnecessary pressure on his or her shoulders. To begin with, you will want goals that recognise the efforts your child has previously put in for their studies, and that also encourage them to challenge and stretch themselves in the new year.
By getting your child to think about what he or she wants to achieve and the specific steps he or she has to follow in order to do so, your child will develop the confidence to follow through and find success. An important part of goal-setting - and getting excited about school - lies in discussing with your child the rewards or incentives that he or she will receive if and when goals are achieved. Rewards have to be both meaningful to the child and feasible for the parents; they should also comprise a mix of short-term, smaller rewards, and longer-term, larger ones. Find out more about how you can implement a reward system for your child here.
4. Offer your shared excitement and unconditional support
Lastly, it really helps if Daddy or Mummy appear excited about school reopening too, although you do not have to tell your child the exact reason why you are so eager to have them out of the house! Children take their cue from their parents for many things, and the fact that you are looking forward to new educational or life milestones is likely to rub off on your child. Just remember that it's a two-way street: both of you have to be excited about the same things.
And if your young one is a little anxious about what is in store for the new school term, be sure to give him or her a big hug and let your child know that, no matter what happens, you will always be there for them.
Reinvigorating Your Child’s Zest for Learning
Getting into the appropriate mindset for the new school term is vital for young learners who need to build a strong academic foundation in kindergarten or lower primary. Children who are excited about school are naturally more motivated and ready to learn.
At The Learning Lab, our teaching philosophy is centered around cultivating our students’ love for learning so that they are able to work towards their goals with confidence.
The Learning Lab is now at 9 locations. Find a location that suits your needs.
If you have any questions about our range of programmes or class schedules, you may contact us at 6733 8711 or drop us an email at enquiry@thelearninglab.com.sg.
