So, you’ve got a tiny scholar on your hands? Perhaps they’re still figuring out which end of the crayon to use, or maybe they’re a budding mathematician crunching numbers before bedtime. Either way, school is a big deal, and you’re eager to ensure they have every advantage. You’ve come to the right place! So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best things you can do to help your little ones excel at school right now.

1. Start with a Hearty Breakfast

Before we tackle the books, let’s talk food. It’s often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s especially true for kids.  A balanced breakfast fuels their body and brain, setting them up for a day of learning. Think protein, whole grains, and a fruit or veggie for a winning combo that will feed their brains and give them the energy they need to pay attention in class all day long.

2. Foster a Love for Reading

If you can kickstart a lifelong love for books early on then you will be doing your kids one of the biggest favors of all. Kids who love to read are naturally more creative and more capable when it comes to following what the teacher is saying, so they are much more likely to excel in education than average. So, whether it’s a fantasy story or a comic strip, the important thing is that they’re reading. Designate a reading nook in your home, and make regular trips to the library a fun outing, and you’ll be off to an excellent start.

3. Worksheets? Yes, Please!

Worksheets, like these 1st grade language arts worksheets, for example, offer a fantastic way to reinforce what they’ve learned at school. You can find printable worksheets online for just about every subject. Whether it’s math, science, or language arts, a little extra practice at home can go a long way to ensuring your kids really do fully grasp the concepts they are taught at school because, as good as their teachers may be, the more they are exposed to an idea, the better it will sink in at the end of the day.

4. Set Up a Homework Station

Having a designated, well-lit space for homework can make all the difference. Stock it up with essential supplies: pencils, erasers, markers, and a pinch of motivation. When they know there’s a special place just for them, homework suddenly seems less daunting.

5. Be Their Biggest Cheerleader

If you really want to encourage your children to do well at school, then you need to be their biggest cheerleader and celebrate every educational win they have, no matter how small it might be. Did they finally get the hang of those tricky multiplication tables? High-five! Managed to write a story about their pet turtle? Storytime tonight! Recognize their efforts and progress, not just perfect scores, and you will not only spur them on to greatness, but you will also ensure you do not harm their self-esteem in the process because they can’t win all the time!

6. Stay in the Loop

Regularly communicate with their teacher. Attend parent-teacher conferences, participate in school events, and ask for feedback. Knowing where your child excels and where they might need a little extra help is key to giving them the additional support they need, whether it is helping them with their math homework or getting them a tutor to help them master the art of phonics.

7. Limit Screen Time

A little bit of tech is okay, but as a responsible parent, it is always a good idea to monitor screen time and limit it as much as possible because it can steal your child’s attention span, making it much harder for them to concentrate on their school work. Instead, try to encourage more hands-on activities and outdoor play. Remember, there’s a whole world outside those screens waiting to be explored!

8. Encourage Curiosity

If they come to you with a million questions about why the sky is blue or how birds fly, indulge their curiosity. Dive into research together, watch a documentary, or conduct a mini-experiment. Schools love a curious mind, and who knows, you might learn a thing or two that you did not know before, too!

9. Be Patient with the Tough Stuff

There will be subjects or topics that stump them, and that’s okay! Approach these areas with patience and try to avoid getting exasperated with the little ones. Offer to help, hire a tutor, or find fun educational games that tackle those challenging areas if they really aren’t sticking because just pushing and pushing your children to try and get things will really not work – love and support, as well as practical measures, will!

10. Create a Routine

Kids thrive on routine, so it is always a good idea to try and set regular bedtimes, meal times, and homework hours. Knowing what to expect can help reduce anxiety and ensure they’re well-rested and ready for school each morning, which as you will know, can definitely help them to do better in class.

11. Play Educational Games

Games are a sneaky way to learn without feeling like it’s a chore. Board games, card games, or apps that challenge their brain can be both fun and educational, so try to play them often instead of simply letting the kids veg in front of YouTube and you will not regret it when you see their grades!

12. Explore Outside the Classroom

Museums, science centers, zoos, and even nature parks can offer a wealth of knowledge. Weekend field trips can supplement what they’re learning in class and offer a new perspective.

As you can see, there are actually a whole lot of things you can do to ensure that your kids get the most out of their schooling, and doing as many of them as you can, as often as you can, will make sure that your little scholar the best possible start in their educational life, foster a love of learning, and help keep those grades up. So, what are you waiting for?