Success at school is about more than just what takes place in the classroom. How kids spend their time after the bell rings also matters.
Here are four New Year’s resolutions you can make at home to help kids excel at school:
1. Unlock their musical creativity. Music education has strong links to academic achievement. Fortunately, it’s easy to fill your child’s world with music. With a compact keyboard, they can express themselves and hone their skills anywhere and anytime, with no set-up or storage hassles. Some models have a slim, minimalist design that fits in any space easily, and pairs with a smartphone or tablet so your student can play along with their favorite songs through the keyboard’s speaker system. You also can check out local music lessons, such as Northeast Iowa School of Music or Centrally Rooted, both in Dubuque.
2. Get them active. Physical activity is good for the brain, improving memory and problem-solving skills. Unfortunately, only 21% of U.S. kids and teens ages 6 to 17 meet the guideline of 60 minutes of physical activity every day, according to the Physical Activity Alliance. Participating in competitive sports is a great way to build leadership and teamwork skills while staying active. If that’s not your kid’s thing, no worries. Family bike rides, weekend nature hikes, and even yoga and dance classes are all great ways to get them moving – and have them gain the many physical and cognitive benefits of exercise.
3. Simplify tough subjects with the right tools. Math often is the toughest subject in a student’s course load. The right tools though can foster better engagement with the material, simplify homework routines and better prepare your student for class each day. A learning companion, like a graphing calculator, can help sharpen STEM skills.
4. Prioritize a regular schedule. Sticking to a regular schedule can foster higher-quality sleep, improving alertness and mental clarity during class time and throughout the day. Enforce a bedtime that allows your child to get the recommended 9-12 hours of sleep if they are 6-12 years old and 8-10 hours if they are 13-18.
Academic achievement begins at home. In the new year, provide your child with tools that boost creativity and learning and encourage habits that support their health and well-being to help them thrive in all their endeavors, inside and outside the classroom.
