Learning matters.  More than at any time in history, children with good learning skills and work habits will have incredible opportunities to succeed.  But children with poor learning skills and lousy self-regulation will struggle to find opportunities for good jobs and careers.  Here are some ideas to help your child have the best learning year ever.

1. Establish family routines which support school success. Bedtime, morning routines, family meals, video limits, study time, and chores for the family are examples of routines which directly relate to school success. Find one or two routines which you want to carefully develop this year, so that these become consistent, calm routines for you and your children.
2. Make a personal connection with your child’s teacher. Take the time to arrange a short conversation by phone or in person. Share what you know about your child’s special strengths and skills, and ask how you can support your child’s learning at home.
3. On a regular basis, take time to notice and discuss what is going well in your child’s life. Give more energy and words to noticing good effort, behavior, and study habits, rather than constantly focusing on the problems or challenges in your child’s life.
4. Model the importance of learning. Yelling at your child to do his homework, while you park yourself in front of an entertainment device, is not be highly effective. Show your child that you are committed to continuing to learn in your own life.
5. Leave time for healthy play. Children who get regular exercise do better in school, sleep better, and are nicer to be around. Find the time for nature, movement, and play.

Bob Sornson is the founder of the Early Learning Foundation, and an international advocate for the importance of early learning success and competency based learning.  He is the author of many books and training materials, including the Juice Box Bully and Over-Tested and Under-Prepared: Using Competency Based Learning to Transform Our Schools. Contact:bob@earlylearningfoundation.com