3-11 years: Helping your child to learn

You are the most important teacher in your child's life - you can really make a difference to their learning.  the value praise from you more than from anyone else - and it gives them the confidence they need to achieve.  Sharing new experiences and doing everyday things together helps them develop skills and learn about the world.  Plenty of sleep and healthy food will help your child think and learn.

Build a good relationship with your child's school - and show an interest in what they are learning.

AT HOME

New Experiences

Join the library as a family - there are lots of fun things to do there.  Manchester has lots of free family events and activities for children and the Museums and Galleries in Mancheter also host free events.

Exercise and fresh air are good for your child's brain - do active things together.

Developing Skills

Play games with your children to help teach numbers, words, memory and social skills.  Board games, cards, singing or guessing games are all good.  Find ideas at www.bbc.co.uk

Let them help with cooking or jobs around the house.  Make something together.

Food

Children need energy to enjoy learning.  Give your child as healthy a diet as you can with plenty of fruit and vegetables - and wholegrain cereals or bread to give them energy all day.

Give Them Attention!

Talking helps your child develop - make time to chat about their day and yours.

Reading is Fun!

• Read stories with your child
• Get them to read to you
• Notice when they learn new words
• Share funny things you read in the paper

Rest

Children need enough sleep - from around 12 hours at age 3, to around 9 hours at age 11.  Stick to a set bedtime and routine on school nights.  Make the hour before bed a quiet time - wind down with a bath or story.

Turn Off That Screen!

• Cut down your child's time with TV, computer or playstation - give them time for more active things.
• Find programmes you can watch together and try educational computer games.

AT SCHOOL

Start Early!

Every 3 or 4 year old can have a free part-time place in a school, nursery or playgroup.

Keeping In Touch

Expect school to take your child's needs seriously.  Ask for help if your child has learning or behaviour problems.  Talk to school if you have any worries about your child.  show your child you are working with the teachers and that you respect them.

Getting To School

Cut out stress - set a morning routine that leaves plenty of time for getting to school.  Help them get things together the night before school.  Make sure you know what they need.

Take An Interest

• Take every chance to go into school and get to know school staff - remember to appreciate them
• Visit your child's classroom to see their work and what they are learning
• Go to parents' evenings - show teachers you have high expectations for your child
• Help with homework - ask school for support or information if you need it

Confidence & Praise

Show you believe your child will do well.  Praise them when they try hard.  Find ways to boost their confidence if they have problems.