Factors Contributing To A Child’s Success

Good posture is important. It  not only expresses but helps to form our attitude of mind, “Chest out, chin up, back straight” this is the advice to give. A few minutes deep breathing does the child a world of good refreshing the mind.

Exercising, singing, making things, playing a musical instrument and joining in social activities with others are all to be encouraged. Games can be both educational and relaxing, spelling and intelligence tests, quizzes and so on can be wonderful as can singing and laughing with them.

“For the ordinary dweller, going back to nature where the artificialities of life are dispensed with and where personal effort is necessary for any degree of comfort to be attained – that is of infinite value. Camping, living on a farm, all these things are far better for the child than going to a seaside hotel where everything is done for him.”  (Virtue’s Home Tutor). Of course, all holidays need not be the same and exposing the child to other environs also has great education value.

Generally speaking, praising a child when he does well is much better than blaming him when he has done wrong. Unfortunately, times do come when discipline is necessary. Usually, the more fully a child is creatively and interestedly occupied the fewer will be the occasions to worry. Encouragement is very important but discipline is an essential prerequisite.

Advice to the child: Listen carefully for instructions given by the teacher, read the instruction on the examination paper very carefully, make sure you understand what the question is asking and carry them out exactly. Try each question. Don’t omit any question. If you are unsure of any one go to the next but don’t fail to come back and attempt that question. Mark off each question on the paper as you finish it so you will know which ones you have left undone.

Should you wish to make an alteration, draw a single line neatly through the mistake. If you come across anything unforeseen ask the teacher.

This does not mean that teachers should help children answer questions during examinations. This is strictly forbidden. On no account is this to be done. A stern, silent, strict exam atmosphere must pervade an exam. Teachers must maintain a stern formal appearance while invigilating and not have a casual attitude, no unnecessary loud talk as this will all contribute to turning the exam. 

To The Teacher:

Insist on neatness, cleanliness and good writing. The child must always come to school dressed in clean clothes, shoes polished and hair short and well groomed. Continued infringements on these are to be reported to the office so parents can be informed.

Method Of Working:

The normal human being will give his full attention to what he is interested in and to what he considers worthwhile. One of the prime requirements of learning is keen interest.

Therefore, it is of considerable importance to convince the children of the value of education to become a doctor, businessman, teacher, engine driver or film star. The benefits of good education are that I will help him become a better person, who will not be laughed at because he is ignorant.

The average child will enjoy being taught and tested by someone he knows and loves. Always try to finish on an easy though expectant, disciplined but cheerful note. Always insist on every question (oral or written) being correctly answered, for it is essential to develop correct habits.

The Importance of Revision:

Remember the importance of repetition and revision. When the children understand something new which they have not understood before, then repeat it in the next few classes so they got to know it really well. Keep a note in your diary/note book of items to be revised.

Be lavish with the ticks and marks of approval in exercise books. Be vocal with words like Good, Clever Boy, etc. frequently for encouragement will improve self confidence. Try never to lose your temper during difficult patches especially if the child does not understand. This is difficult but your restraint is important. Never frighten a child if he has not understood something as this will breed fear, shyness, shame and complexes and he will not, in future, tell you when he has not understood for fear of being thought a fool.  

It is necessary to be innovative and adventurous with your work. It is not necessary to stay   strictly on the beaten path, i.e., stick to the text. You can always return to the path very easily. Be adventurous and your work will be more pleasant, profitable and enjoyable. Some children are late starters and often begin progressing after about 11 years of age. If, however, they are not up to the mark because of laziness, extra discipline and some organized wok are just what they need.