Helpful Tips and AdviceMake your conversations count!
Don't just ask "How was your day?" as your child is likely to answer with "fine". Instead, try asking open ended questions that prompt conversation. Help your child improve their literacy and numeracy skills Encourage reading at home. It doesn't matter what - novels, magazines, newspapers, graphic novels, internet blogs etc. As they get into their Senior Phase, encourage them to download free broadsheet apps to their phones (e.g. The Guardian app). Recommend an article and then discuss it with them. Your child will undoubtedly have nightly and weekly assigned homework. If in doubt, check the website. |
Use your child's Homework Diary
Check it each day and sign it. You can also use it to communicate with your child's teachers. Encourage your child to create a checklist Encouraging your child to make a checklist of all the materials required for class will ensure that they are fully prepared. Put the list up in a place they check regularly e.g. the fridge. Ask your child to talk trough their timetable
They can act as teacher and tell you what they learned in class. This is an excellent way for them to consolidate their learning. Encourage your child to use the school website This is an excellent facility, designed to help your child develop their skills and keep them informed of any upcoming events. The bulletin is updated every Monday. Pupils in the BGE should practice their French/Spanish vocabulary every day. The department have a fantastic website and recommend Linguiscope; Flashcards are also a great resource! |
The Red, Amber and Green System
Consider introducing the RAG system at home with smart phones/tablets.
Green = times when your child is allowed to use their phones/tablets freely
Amber = times when your child should not look at their devices (e.g. at dinner time)
Red = times when your child should not have their phone with them (e.g. at bed time)
Benefits of the system
- Pupils are still able to contact friends/access social media at home, but at restricted times
- Pupils will not be distracted from their revision by texts/phone calls/social media
- Pupils will have a welcomed break from texts/phone calls/social media. What happens in school will not dominate their evening/weekend and they will feel relieved at being 'forced' to unplug for a few hours!
Green = times when your child is allowed to use their phones/tablets freely
Amber = times when your child should not look at their devices (e.g. at dinner time)
Red = times when your child should not have their phone with them (e.g. at bed time)
Benefits of the system
- Pupils are still able to contact friends/access social media at home, but at restricted times
- Pupils will not be distracted from their revision by texts/phone calls/social media
- Pupils will have a welcomed break from texts/phone calls/social media. What happens in school will not dominate their evening/weekend and they will feel relieved at being 'forced' to unplug for a few hours!