Four Tips for Parents: Simple Ways to Support Your Child’s Learning

As parents, we often wonder if we are doing enough to support our child’s learning. The truth is, the most meaningful learning does not come from expensive materials or complicated activities. It comes from everyday moments, intentional connection, and showing children that their learning matters.

Here are four simple, powerful ways parents can support their child’s growth—at home and at school.

1. Read With Your Child Every Day

Reading with your child every day builds much more than vocabulary. It strengthens listening skills, comprehension, and a love for learning. After reading a story, take a few minutes to talk about it together. Ask simple questions such as:

  • What was your favorite part?

  • What happened at the beginning or the end?

  • How do you think the character felt?

These conversations help children make sense of what they hear and begin to connect language to meaning. Reading is not just about finishing a book—it’s about building understanding through conversation.

2. Encourage Independence Through Self-Help Skills

Children gain confidence when they are given opportunities to do things for themselves. Simple self-help tasks such as dressing independently, brushing their teeth, choosing their own clothes, or helping with dishes and cooking build responsibility and self-esteem.

These everyday routines teach children problem-solving, coordination, and perseverance. More importantly, they send the message, “I believe you can do this.” Independence grows when children are trusted and supported, not rushed.

3. Volunteer in Your Child’s Classroom When Possible

When parents volunteer in the classroom, they send a powerful message: school is important. Being present allows you to see what your child is learning, how the classroom operates, and how educators support development.

Volunteering also strengthens the partnership between families and teachers. Even small moments—helping during an activity or attending classroom events—show children that learning is valued both at home and at school.

4. Connect Learning at Home With Simple Activities

Learning does not stop when children leave the classroom. Completing educational activities at home helps children make connections between school and home. Activities such as cutting and pasting, playing with play-dough, counting everyday objects, or playing alphabet and shape games reinforce skills in a natural, playful way.

These activities do not need to feel like homework. When learning feels fun and connected to daily life, children remain engaged and motivated.

Closing Thought

Supporting your child’s learning does not require perfection—it requires presence. Reading together, encouraging independence, staying involved in school, and creating simple learning moments at home all help build confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

It’s the small, consistent moments that make the biggest difference.

Cynthia Skyers-Gordon

Dr. Cynthia Skyers-Gordon, Ed.D. is the founder of SILWELL-C (Staff-Inspired Leadership for Wellness and Calm), a wellness initiative created to empower educators, leaders, and teams to thrive from within. With more than 33 years of experience in early childhood education, from assistant teacher to director to Education Coordinator, Dr. Skyers-Gordon understands the challenges and opportunities staff face each day.

SILWELL-C was born from her belief that true wellness in schools starts with the staff themselves. By providing calm leadership strategies, practical tools, affirmations, and inspiration, SILWELL-C equips educators and leaders to create supportive, balanced environments where both staff and children can flourish.

Through workshops, consultations, and creative resources, Dr. Skyers-Gordon combines her in-depth expertise with a passion for cultivating resilience, connection, and calm in every space. Whether it’s through her upcoming Wellness Toolkit, the JamBel Storybook, or the Free Wellness Hub, she continues to design practical ways for educators and leaders to sustain their own wellness while inspiring others.

At its core, SILWELL-C is more than a program; it’s a movement: a reminder that when staff lead with wellness, schools grow with strength, calm, and confidence.

https://www.silwellc.com
Previous
Previous

Helping Your Child Adjust to the First Day of School

Next
Next

Teacher Child Interactions