ConfidenceIs Critical To Learning Success (NAPSA)—Here’s an idea many parents may be pleased to learn: A confident child often does better both in the classroom and in everyday life. He is morelikely to ask questions, participate in class, express his ideas and take on new challenges. “Children who suffer from low confidence often fail to achieve their full potential,” says educator 4 Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D., vice president of education for Sylvan Learning Center. “In fact, a child’s confidence is one of the most important things that parents can help them develop.” To help children maximize their academic potential, parents should consider these confidence-boosters: Set realistic goals. Help your child set attainable goals for each class and help her identify what will need to be done to reach each goal. For example, to get an A in math she will need to turn in all her homework, participate in class andpreparefor tests. Establish a homework routine. Working with your child to develop a plan to efficiently complete homework tasks leads to higher grades and fewer homework headaches. Designate a specific time and place for your child to do his homework. Let your child help. Providing your child opportunities to help you will make him feel important. Ask him to help calculate the tip at a restaurant or read a recipe aloud while making dinner. Discover his learning style. Your child maybe a visual(seeing), auditory (hearing) or haptic (doing) learner. Working within her learning style, both at school and at home, will help her perform better on homework andtests. ~ | @ If your child does poorly in math, but enjoys figuring out baseball players’ batting aver- ages, make the connection for her. Highlight the positive. Point out what your child is doing well. Starting on a positive note shows your child that you care about his accomplishments. Improve study skills. Students should keep a schedule ofall classes, assignments and other key dates and set aside a specific time for studying over a period of days, not just the night before an exam. Talk with your child’s teacher. Teachers are the best source for information about a child’s scholastic performance. The teacher can recommend ways to help your child or point out difficulties he is having. For additional tips on study skills and learning styles from the experts at Sylvan Learning Center, visit www.educate.com/tips or call Sylvan Learning Center at 1-800-31-SUCCESS.
