Learning to like school

As a parent, you have an important role to play in helping your child enjoy school. Every day, with the little things you do, you can instil a thirst for learning and help your child adjust to kindergarten.

Starting kindergarten marks the beginning of a whole new adventure for your child. It’s important that this first school experience be a positive one. If the transition to kindergarten goes smoothly, a child is more likely to be motivated in class and perform well throughout elementary and even high school.

As a parent, you play a major role in nurturing a positive attitude about school. Studies show that parent commitment is a key element in a child’s performance and motivation in class.

This starts at birth and continues throughout your child’s academic career. For example, by being loving and attentive to your child, by answering their questions, establishing routines and helping them become self-sufficient, you’re preparing your child for school without even knowing it.

Sparking curiosity

You can also help your child develop a thirst for learning and discovery. For example, it’s important to encourage your child to ask questions about different subjects (e.g. plants, insects, rain, airplanes, etc.) and to find the answers with you by searching on the internet or borrowing a book on the topic at the library. This is a great habit to get into, since children who are curious and want to understand things are more motivated in school.

Reading stories to your child is another good habit. When you read with them, they discover the joy of reading and look forward to learning to read on their own. This is important because reading makes all learning easier — not only for language and literature, but also in math, history and geography. A child who reads well usually obtains better grades.

It’s also essential to get your child to talk. For example, ask them to tell you what happened during a show they just watched, how they would solve a hypothetical problem, what they would do if they were the character in a story, what they think about a given situation, and so forth. You will get your child used to thinking and to saying what they think and build their confidence and critical thinking skills, which are assets in school.

Lastly, talking positively about the school and taking an interest in what your child does in class is another way to help them develop a positive attitude. Going to parent-teacher meetings and taking part in school activities is also a good way to show your child that school is important to you.

Actions that count

You can help your child enjoy school through small everyday actions. Here are a few examples.

Things to avoid

Of course, you want your child’s entry into kindergarten to go as smoothly as possible. But sometimes, without even realizing it, you can do or say things that can give a negative impression of school or that add to your child’s stress. How can you prevent this from happening? Here are some tips to guide you.

• Don’t push your child too hard or have expectations that are too high.
  Before kindergarten, you can answer their questions about letters and words, and draw their attention to the letters in their name. You can also teach your child to count groups of objects. However they don’t need to know the entire alphabet, or how to count to 100.
  
  Putting pressure on a child to learn things they’re not ready can cause them stress and make them feel as though they’ve failed. They may lose confidence in their abilities and be less motivated to learn. They might also start not wanting to go to school or being afraid of disappointing you.
• Don’t use school as a threat. For example, avoid saying things like: “You’re going to have to listen at school! They’re not going to put up with behaviour like that for very long!” These types of statements give a negative impression of school, and your child may no longer want to go — before they even get to kindergarten.
• Don’t let your emotions show. It’s normal to feel worried or upset when your child starts kindergarten, but it’s best not to let them see this. It will only make them worry for nothing.
• Don’t speak poorly of the school or the teachers. A child needs to feel that his parents trust the school and their teacher. If you don’t agree with something, make an appointment with the teacher or administration to discuss it rather than speaking about it with your child.

Things to keep in mind

• Parents play an important role in promoting a positive image of school.
• Taking an interest in what your child does in class and speaking positively about the school will motivate your child to go.
• Avoid putting too much pressure on your child to perform in school.

Scientific review : Annie Lamontagne, Kindergarten Teacher Research and copywriting :The Naître et grandir team Updated : December 2023

Photo : Nicolas St-Germain