As the back-to-school season approaches, many parents find themselves brimming with a mix of excitement and anxiety. For the parent of a struggling learner, the start of a new academic year can bring additional concerns about how to best support their child’s educational journey. With a little preparation and a lot of compassion, you can set the stage for a successful school year.
Here are 12 things you can do to navigate this challenging time and make the most of the upcoming school year.
1. Listen to Your Child
Start by intentionally listening to your child. Consequently, children who struggle at school do not feel seen, heard, or understood by their teachers or peers. It is crucial that they feel they are a person to be cherished and not a problem to be fixed.
Equally, you can infuse hope into their souls by treating them with love and respect. Make an active attempt to understand their heart, hear their hurt, and see their struggle. Provide them with hope that their learning struggle will not always be this hard.
2. Observe How They Naturally Absorb Information and Think
It is vital to observe the particular nature of the learner you cherish. That observation might explain a lot of the triumphs and trials they experience. Most students fall into one of the following categories: seeing, hearing, or doing.
THE ACTIVE LEARNER
The learner who craves fun and adventure may be starved by the traditional classroom environment. Certainly this student thrives on experiences that involve people and places. Have you ever seen a child who talks and makes a friend no matter how many times his desk is moved? It is paramount that learning be a social experience for this fun-loving, good-natured child. When it is not, the student may shut down and not excel at the level of which they are capable.
THE COMPETITOR
Another type of student is the student who sees life as a contest to compete in and win can find a place in school. These children love to have the best grades and complete the process in the most efficient manner so they can get to recess and win the game on the playground. They will pursue school activities as a way to fill their need to be on top of their peers. These students will be the captains in dodgeball, always picking the strongest to join them. Rewards motivate these students, not just good grades.
Often this type of student struggles to appreciate the diversity of others. Their social skills and learning suffers under the weight of their drive to win.
THE CAREGIVER STUDENT
For the student who naturally cares deeply for people, school is an opportunity to see, hear, understand, and befriend all the students who are alone. These students serve others and find a lot of satisfaction in school. There are many people to help. Teachers always like to have helpers assist them. The child who cares deeply notices the emotions of everyone in the classroom and seeks to meet needs as they arise. On the playground and in the lunchroom they befriend the students who seem lonely. These students learn in the context of making it relevant to the nature of people. However, sometimes these learners fail to prioritize their assignments while carrying the emotional weight of the latest cause of the underdog.
THE TASK-FOCUSED CHILD
The last kind of learner thrives in the traditional school environment. They feel good when they turn in their assignments on time. It makes these students feel good to check tasks off their list as they complete them. School is a place to feel affirmed and competent. The praise from their teacher keeps them motivated to keep working. They enjoy the schoolwork itself. When they have time to play, these are the students who love playing the teacher and love handing out worksheets to their friends and siblings who are pretending to be the students. While this student’s strengths seem to be tailored to how most schools are structured, they tend to prioritize tasks over people. This student would do well to learn from other types of learners. They miss the rich social and emotional learning that occurs in small groups and friendships.
Watch how your child likes to learn. A lot of the teaching at school involves hearing. So if your child struggles to grasp concepts, they may need additional visual or hands-on support to learn. Using multiple senses gives the brain multiple pathways for learning.
3. Foster a Growth Mindset
Encourage a growth mindset by celebrating “effort” over “outcome”. Praise your child’s hard work, perseverance, and progress, rather than solely focusing on grades or achievements. Remind them that learning is a process, and making mistakes is a natural part of growth.
Help them set realistic goals and develop strategies for overcoming challenges, reinforcing the idea that persistence pays off.
4. Support Emotional Well-Being
Struggling learners often face emotional challenges such as anxiety, frustration, or low self-esteem. Make sure to address their emotional needs by offering reassurance and a listening ear.
Encourage activities that promote relaxation and self-expression, such as journaling, drawing, or joy-building exercises. Try going outside and using your senses. What do you see that makes you smile? Listen for sounds that spark happiness. Inhale and see what you appreciate. Take off your shoes and enjoy the ground, hopefully a green, grassy comforting place!
If necessary, consider seeking support from a Life Coach who specializes in working with parents and children.
5. Celebrate Small Victories
Recognize and celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Whether it’s mastering a difficult concept or showing improvement in behavior, acknowledging their progress boosts their confidence and motivates them to keep moving forward. Celebrate these victories with positive reinforcement and encouragement.
6. Encourage Self-Advocacy for Your Learner
Empower your child by teaching them to advocate for themselves. Help them understand how to communicate their needs effectively, whether it’s asking for clarification on a lesson or requesting additional support.
Self-advocacy skills are crucial for building confidence and independence, and they will benefit your child not just in school but throughout their life.
7. Stay Involved and Informed
Regularly check in with your child about their school experience. Engage in conversations about what they’re learning and how they feel about their classes.
Some good open-ended questions to get the ball rolling are:
- What was the highlight of your day?
- Was anything disappointing?
- What did you hear today that made you curious?
Attend parent-teacher conferences and school events to stay informed about your student’s progress and any potential issues. Your involvement signals to your child that their education is important and that you are a partner in their success.
8. Open the Lines of Communication
One of the most effective ways to support your child is by maintaining open communication with their teachers and school staff. Early in the school year, reach out to discuss your child’s specific needs and any concerns you may have. Share insights about your child’s learning style, strengths, and areas where they may struggle. Building a collaborative relationship with educators can ensure that your child receives the support they need and helps in creating a personalized approach to their education.
9. Establish Routine for Struggling Learner
Structure and routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability for struggling learners.
So, set up a consistent daily schedule that includes time for homework, relaxation, and family activities. Make sure your child’s workspace is organized and free from distractions.
Specifically, establishing these routines can help your child feel more secure and focused as they tackle their schoolwork.
10. Leverage School Resources
Most schools offer a variety of resources to assist struggling learners, including:
- tutoring programs,
- special education services, and
- counseling.
Don’t hesitate to explore these options and advocate for your child’s needs. If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, review and update it as necessary to ensure it accurately reflects their current needs and goals.
11. Provide a Balanced Diet and Sleep Schedule
Basically, a healthy body supports a healthy mind. Ensure that your child gets a balanced diet, plenty of physical activity, and adequate sleep. Good nutrition and proper rest are crucial for cognitive function and overall well-being, which can significantly impact their academic performance.
12. Be Patient and Persistent
Finally, be patient with both your child and yourself. The journey of a struggling learner is often filled with ups and downs, and progress may be slow.
But, celebrate the progress made, no matter how incremental, and stay persistent in your support. Without a doubt, your unwavering belief in your child’s potential can make a profound difference in their educational experience.
YOU CAN DO THIS! As you prepare for the new school year, remember that your support and involvement are key to your child’s success. By fostering a supportive and encouraging environment, communicating effectively with educators, and celebrating their progress, you can help your child navigate their academic challenges with confidence.
Together, you can make this school year a positive and productive experience for your struggling learner. At Walking on Water Living, it would be our privilege to partner with you as you navigate your child’s unique learning path.
