If you have taken the plunge and enrolled your child in a private school, you might be standing idly by, waiting for the amazing results to show themselves. However, while private school can do a lot for your child academically, there are a few things you will need to do in order to ensure your young student is getting the very most out of his or her private school experience.
So what can you do to improve your family’s experience with the private school you have chosen for your child? Here are a few of the most important steps you can take to ensure your child is performing their best in the classroom each and every day.
Set a Strict Bedtime
Sleep plays an important role in the functioning of the human brain. When a person doesn’t get enough sleep each night, it begins to hinder their ability to focus and retain new information. Clearly, this is not a good situation for anyone looking to perform well in an academic setting, and that includes your child. For this reason, it is crucial that you set a reasonable and strict bedtime for your young student.
When choosing a bedtime, consider the fact that children need an average of 9 to 11 hours of sleep, and pick a bedtime based on both that fact and the time your child needs to wake up each day. If you are unsure of your child’s sleep needs, it is best to err on the side of caution and set an earlier bedtime that allows them 11 hours of sleep and adjust accordingly if need be.
Serve Breakfast
The most important meal of the day is breakfast. This first meal wakes up the body and gives it the nutrients it needs to properly function throughout the morning hours. By making sure your child eats a balanced breakfast before school, you are setting them up for success for the rest of the day.
It is important to keep in mind that sugar-laden foods such as sweet breakfast cereals, pop-tarts, and donuts are not a balanced breakfast and could lead to headaches, stomachaches, and a lack of focus from your child. Instead, choose wholesome options such as fruit, lean meats, and whole wheat breads.
Be Active in Your Child’s Education
The children with the very best test scores tend to be the ones with involved parents. This isn’t to say that you should be a helicopter parent, but talking with your child about their day, discovering what they are learning and what sparks their curiosity, offering homework help, and ensuring all of their homework is complete will all help your child succeed in the classroom.
Other fun ways to become involved in your child’s education involve expanding upon what they are learning in school. This could mean going on a field trip to the local zoo, making weekly trips to the library, or scheduling family outings to the science museum.
In addition to all of this, it is always a good idea to add reading to your daily routine. Whether you are reading aloud or your child is reading to themselves, reading is an excellent way to improve reading skills, reading comprehension, research skills, and writing skills, to say the least.
These are three of the most important things you can do to ensure your child is successful in their new private school. By implementing these steps in your everyday life, you are offering your child a priceless gift they will use for the rest of their lives.
Are you considering making the switch to a private school setting? If so, please contact us at The Tenney School. We would love to speak with you!