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Setting your child up for a year of academic success
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As the relaxing days of summer come to a close, it’s time for families to set their sights on the fall, and for children of all ages to gear up for the coming school year. International families preparing for school in Shanghai have plenty to be excited about, no matter whether this marks their first time in the city, or they have been here for many years.
According to Luciene Hang, a Parent Relations Officer at Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (YCIS Shanghai), “many parents are talking about helping their children get back to the school year routine, and about how eager their children are to see their old friends and to make new friends. All of our new parents are very excited that their children will be studying a new language, Chinese.”
In addition to encouraging the child’s enthusiasm for the year, the run-up to school is also an advantageous time for parents to help prepare children for a successful school year ahead. When child development experts look at how to set children up for academic success, they frequently highlight two key points: establishing healthy habits, and helping children understand the value of goal-setting.
Forming healthy habits
Healthy habits are important all year round, and what’s crucial during the school year are getting enough sleep, exercise, proper nutrition and limiting screen time. With these elements in place, children will have the energy and focus to tackle their academics.
Establishing goals
Setting goals is an important life skill, and parents can help children set age-appropriate objectives, and can discuss ways to achieve them with their child. Whether it’s getting a book out of the library each week to develop good reading habits, or completing a research project, students benefit from the process of setting a goal and determining the steps toward achieving of the goal.
Of course, goal-setting and the specifics of what children need for academic success vary quite a bit by age, so educators at YCIS Shanghai share some thoughts on how to support children of different ages in order to ensure a smooth academic year:
Kindergarten
In the early childhood years, parents will be preparing their child to be in the complete care of a non-family member, and to be away from family for extended periods of time, five days a week.
“For a year of academic success, there must be a strong partnership between our school and our families. With young children, knowing and understanding the learning that takes place at home really supports the learning at school,” says Elizabeth Randall, YCIS Superintendent of Early Childhood Education.
Randall adds, “We must really get to know the child, and parents must be fully informed about the learning opportunities that are available to their child.”
Primary
For Primary-aged students, it is especially important to establish routines and healthy habits before school starts, as this age group tends to be more easily affected by a lack of sleep, for example. Parents can also find opportunities to foster the establishment of some measure of independence in their student.
“Carrying your child’s school bag and unpacking it upon arrival at the classroom door may be appropriate for very young children,” cautions Elizabeth Noske, a Primary Learning Support teacher at YCIS Shanghai. “But somewhere between pre-school and university, every child need to develop the level of independence and life skills needed for success in the adult world.”
Secondary
For Secondary students, especially those who are just beginning the rigorous IGCSE and IB programs, parents can help guide their child to “Manage their time and priorities, and to keep a regular sleep schedule,” says YCIS University Guidance Counselor John Yi Liu. Students will need their energy for a busy year, and Liu encourages parents to “help their child discover what they really enjoy doing, by encouraging their involvement in school extracurricular activities.”
Most incoming Year 13 students already have a good idea of where they want to attend university, so parents should support their child to maintain their grades, and encourage volunteering through their school or in the community. Karel DeCock, a YCIS University Guidance Counselor, also advises families to “keep a journal of important dates and deadlines, and to become aware of essay questions and other requirements for applications.”
Every parent wants to guide their child on the path of success, and once there to help them learn how to maintain the trajectory. Taking the time to implement healthy habits and goals at the beginning of the school year is a crucial first step, and encouraging their child’s self-independence and development of skills and interests at school helps prepare them for the future.
Parents who help set their child up for success at the start of the school year are helping to prepare them not only for the upcoming academic year, but on into their future, as well.
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