Be generous with praise

Observe your child carefully and comment on the things that are done well. When you see an area that needs improvement, find a positive way to talk about it with your child.

Encourage "personal best"

Help your child by encouraging him or her to do the best in school and at home. Remember, "personal best" does not mean "perfect", and learning is not the same as high grades. Children, like adults, need the freedom to make mistakes and to learn from them.

 Make learning a priority

Your attitude toward school attendance, education and involvement in the school makes a strong and lasting impression on your child. Show your child, by example, that learning is a priority.

 Show interest in school work

• Talk about school each day.
• Ask to see class work.
• Have your child read aloud to you.
• Read to and with your child from a variety of material in your first language.
• Encourage your child to discuss new ideas and opinions.
• Show appreciation for good efforts.

Offer suggestions for success

• Read the assignment when it is given.
• Keep a list of new vocabulary.
• Proofread assignments to catch errors before writing a final draft.
• Review notes before a test.

Schedule study time

Set up an area for homework away from noise and distractions. Post a family calendar that schedules school project deadlines, after-school activities, mid-term dates, exam periods and report card dates.

 
Other ideas

• Make tonight a 'No TV' night with your family. Ask your child to help select games or stories, and spend some quality time with him.
• Help boost your child's self-esteem. Take pride in her achievements and accomplishments today and every day.
• Put on a history play with your child today. Help him learn about important events in world history or even your own family history.
• Make learning to write letters and numbers fun for your child. Roll playdough or clay into long thin worms and ask her to create letters and numbers.
• Ask your child to help make lunch today. He can pick a spot in the park so that you can share lunch together.
• Go to the park and take a nature hike with your child today. Ask him to point out different animals and what they need to survive (i.e. food, shelter etc.)
• Encourage your child to make a 'to do' list today. Help him make a list of things that he would like to accomplish tomorrow, then check the items once completed.
• Help your child make a kite. He can decorate it and fly it at the park.
• Teach your child about recycling. Show her how to recycle items such as paper, glass and aluminum.
• Visit the library with your child today. Encourage her to borrow books about a different country, and learn about the people, cultures, and customs of the country.
• On a rainy day, set up a tent with your child in the living room. He can pretend to be a forest ranger.
• Help your child practice her math skills. Ask her to add up all the change in your pocket or purse today.
• Teach your child about the importance of preserving nature. Help him plant a tree in the yard and explain how littering harms the environment.
• On a large piece of construction paper, help your child write her name vertically. Using each letter, help her write words that describe her personality.
• Tell your child that you love her every day.
• Help your child create and design his own phone book. Make a list of his friends’ names and phone numbers.
• How much does your child know about her family history? On a map trace where your family is from and help her create a family tree.
• Help your child write a letter to a grandparent or friend today. Explain the importance of keeping in touch with loved ones.
• Teach your child about textures. Ask her to find objects outdoors that are smooth, shiny, slimy or round.