Glad to see that parental involvement in supporting their
children’s education is once again in the news. The question is as always what
sort of help should be given?
The importance of providing the right environment is highlighted
by Hilary Wilce’s article in The
Independent.
This echoes what I said in my Help
Your Child With Numeracy books
and on my website about the most important help – providing the right
environment. Make sure your child has a good diet, gets enough sleep and has a
mixture of social activities. Have a laugh with them! Having this balance is
very important, especially during exam times when they are older - and parents
are generally much better equipped than teenagers when it comes to keeping
things on an even keel!
It is also so important to realise that we learn in different
ways, and to respect that. Nor should we make assumptions too readily: not all
boys are outspoken or disorganised, neither are all girls quiet and subdued.
Parents
do have an important role in helping to give the right balance. Being
aware of what is going on in schools today with maths means they can also
support their children’s learning without confusing them.
