Michael Black: Four simple things parents can do now to help children feel confident for the new school year
- Written by Daily Bulletin
As children across the country start to settle in to the new school year, education and tutoring expert Michael Black, founder and Global CEO of Success Tutoring, is encouraging parents to focus now on helping their children to feel comfortable and confident about the school year ahead.
Black said that the way children settle in to their new classroom environment can have a powerful impact on how they feel about learning and the new school year ahead.
“The start of a new school year can bring excitement, but also anxiety,” Black said.
“The good news is that small, intentional actions at home can dramatically improve a child’s confidence and readiness.
“With the new school year already underway, it will intensify quickly and there are simple things families can do at home to help their children feel more self-assured, positive and settled.”
Create a dedicated study space
Black said every child benefits from having their own study area, no matter how small.
“A consistent, distraction-free space sends a clear message that learning matters,” he said.
“Make sure it’s stocked with the basics, stationery, books, good lighting and a comfortable chair so children feel organised and prepared. Ideally it needs to be away from the living area and the TV so they can focus without distractions.
“Spend time together setting it up. Perhaps include some study space gifts to help them feel like their space is special.”
Read, play and build thinking skills
Regular reading and thinking-based games help keep young minds active.
“Reading together, playing puzzles, board games or problem-solving activities strengthens comprehension and critical thinking,” Black said.
“These activities build skills without feeling like learning. It also helps to keep their thinking in a learning frame of mind. While it can be difficult to find time for these activities when the family is busy, it is important to schedule in time to ensure these things happen.”
Talk about school and learning
Open conversations are key to emotional readiness.
“Allow time to engage in some thoughtful conversations about school. Ask your child how they’re feeling about school and the year ahead,” Black said.
“Talk about how they are finding everything including the teacher, friends, the classroom layout, activities and the playground, what they’re looking forward to and what they’re worried about. When children feel heard, they feel safer and more confident. This can help to draw out any concerns they may have that you can help to address.”
Consider tutoring to build confidence early
Black said tutoring can give children a significant advantage.
“Tutoring helps students to revise existing content and prepare for upcoming lessons so they walk into the classroom with confidence,” he said.
“When children understand the material early, they participate more, stress less and enjoy learning.”
He added that tutoring isn’t just for struggling students.
“It’s about giving kids a head start and helping them feel capable from day one. Most tutoring centres provide content for the year ahead which helps children to gain an in depth understanding of the content they will be learning in the new school year.”
Setting children up for success
According to Black, readiness is about more than school supplies.
“Confidence, routine and support are what truly set children up for success,” he said.
“When parents take a proactive approach, children start the year believing they can succeed and that belief changes everything.”
About Success Tutoring
Founded by Michael Black in 2017, Success Tutoring is Australia’s fastest growing education centre with multiple locations and a further 150 cities planned worldwide by 2026. The company offers weekly tutoring sessions in English and math for students aged five to 17, with a school readiness program for kids even younger and selective school exam preparation tutoring also available. The Success Model not only empowers students to work at their own pace towards progress but also finds success in the social aspect of students coming together and working as a community of students to find motivation, inspiration and a lifelong love of learning.
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