School is meant to be a positive experience for children. It’s a place of learning, a place to build social skills and a place where they can start to hone their skills and talents. And while studying and good grades may come naturally for some, that’s not the case for every child. As a foster carer, you want to be sure you’re supporting your foster child in every way possible, and school is certainly a great example. So, how do you help your foster child excel in school and get the most out of the experience? We’ve got some great tips you can use.
Create a Dedicated Homework Space
Because children will need to do homework over their school years, they must have a quiet and productive place in the home where they can get their work done. This should be a comfortable area that is free of distraction so that the focus can be on homework and nothing else.
If you’re new to creating a homework space or nook, here are some tips you can use:
- Purchase an ergonomic desk and chair
- Provide overhead, task and/or natural lighting
- Ensure there is room for them to spread out their work
- Keep the area well-stocked with any necessary supplies
- Include storage or organisational solutions
The more inviting the space appears, the more likely they are to use it. If there isn’t enough extra room in the house for dedicated homework space, you can always designate a corner or spot in their bedroom as a homework nook.
Get Involved in Their Studies – Be Aware of What They are Working On
It’s also important that you get involved in their studies and be aware of the topics and content they are working on. This means asking simple questions like “What did you do in school today?”, “What did you learn?”, “What was your favourite part of the school day?”, and so forth.
Asking questions is a great way to open the lines of communication and show you are interested. It can also help you to determine if any topics are challenging for them, or if they need a little help. It’s also okay to give them some help with their homework. Perhaps you can help them see the content in a different light, one that helps make things a little simpler.
Encourage Them to Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities
Studies are always an important part of the school experience, but so is the social experience. Encouraging them to take part in extracurricular activities that interest them will help them to find balance in their day.
Does All This Talk Inspire You to Foster a Child?
Perhaps you’re not currently a foster carer but it is something you’ve thought of many times. Rather than just think about it, why not act on your interest and look into fostering in Milton Keynes or whatever your local area happens to be? Foster carers are always in demand, and it’s a fabulous way to make a positive difference in a child’s life.
Helping your foster child to excel in school also means you’ll be helping to ensure the school years are a positive experience for them.