How to Teach Your Kids Tips (Part 4)
Still more reminders when tutoring our kids from Vicky Tantoco:
10. Develop good study habits: This cannot be over-emphasized. Have a quiet place and a set time for studying every day. Establishing a routine early on will allow you to spend less time tutoring your child when he or she reaches Grade 5 or thereabouts. In a study conducted by the Ateneo of kids considered as “high achievers,” the study showed that these kids did not have “professional tutors.” The kids were those whose parents spent time with them in their early years and made them “tutok.”
When you spend time tutoring your child, you will see what technique or style works best for him. In my case, my son takes a short break from school when he comes home by eating merienda (his afternoon snack). After resting for awhile, he starts doing his homework. He can take short breaks but is usually done with his homework by dinnertime. After dinner, I review his work and just spend time on subjects where he needs help, namely: Filipino, Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies), and at times, Science. The rest, we just breeze through — especially Math. =)
11. Set your rules regarding TV, X-box, and other such devices or games: It is up to every parent to decide how to handle TV watching and other games which can distract your child from studying. In our case, it is usually “No TV” and no Xbox on school nights and so such devices are only allowed from Friday to Sunday, generally. In this way, we noticed that my son stays more focused on his homework. On certain days, as a reward for good performance or if all homework is done and done well, there may be a day when the TV is allowed even on a school night. But that is always given only as a privilege.
12. Teach your kids through other activities: Kids don’t only learn by doing their school work. An example that Vicky Tantoco gave is cooking. Cooking instructs your kids in following instructions, sequencing (if you don’t get it right, the food will not taste right), and even math (fractions and measurement). So always be on the look-out for fun activities that you can do together and which will teach your kid a thing or two.
13. Communicate regularly and well: Tell your child stories about your own school work and school experience. Talk to your kid about your life. Having the lines of communication open will allow your child to put his or her trust in you and confide in you. This will allow you to always be updated on his successes and problems.
14. Encourage your child to read for leisure: Expose your kids to different kinds of books and magazines and allow them to read other things than those related to school work. On special occasions, make it a habit to give a book as a gift. I personally believe, that we should never scrimp on books and food.
That ends this series on How to Teach Your Kids. I hope the tips were useful and served as good reminders. Good luck with your kids’ schoolwork!