Shorefields - the 100% School

What parents can do to make the difference

1. Literacy is the Key. Make sure your children read. This is the single most important thing you can do. Go to the library with them as a regular event, discuss what book they are reading, ask why they are enjoying it.
2. Reading. If you can give up a little time to come and help in the school as a reader – call and let us know.
3. Sleep - along with a balanced diet is essential to ensure your child is in the correct frame of mind to work. REMEMBER - you can’t bank sleep! So one late night doesn’t become evened out by an earlier one the next night.
4. Equipment - A pen, pencil, rubber, ruler, calculator, bag – they are so cheap from the local supermarket and a huge barrier for your child and others in their class when they don’t have them.
5. Times tables! Some things never change - we need to know them and know them instantly - it doesn’t matter if your maths is not that good - you are asking the questions! Have a piece of paper with them on and randomly ask them. Knowing the first 10 prime numbers, square numbers etc is also excellent for a child to instantly be able to say.
6. Spellings. Again, you don’t have to be great - just have them on a sheet and your child practising 10 a week will make a huge difference.
7. Watch the news together - try and develop your child to speak with confidence about what is happening and get them to develop views. This is an incredibly strong way of building confidence.
8. TV and computers. Have set time limits for both. We should have the TV as a treat – homework comes first! Work out ways to limit access to a PC - using sites in the same room as you for research is a long way from mindless surfing and gaming.
9. Homework. Where you can – discuss the work that your child is doing. Have a set pattern for homework time. No means No and Now means Now! Easier said than done – we know but by being clear with boundaries the outcomes with results will be worth it. If your child is telling you they don’t have homework – check with the school; is this the case? Why?
10. Uniform - the uniform is a focus for students. Inevitably those that don’t wear it fully, with pride and care are those that are underachieving. Attention to uniform sets the tone for learning and the approach the student will have with others. We will never tell a child that they don’t need their tie or shoes - whatever they may tell you!