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Teaching children respect is fundamental to their development. It shapes their ability to empathise, communicate, and interact positively with others. Respect helps children recognise social cues and engage appropriately in various settings, fostering effective communication.

This article explores 9 proven strategies to learn how to teach children respect, emphasising its pivotal role in nurturing empathetic, well-rounded individuals who thrive in social and academic environments. Let’s delve in!

Model Respectful Behaviour

According to psychologist Jerry Wyckoff, respect cannot be demanded but must be demonstrated. To understand how to teach children respect, show respect by actively listening to your child, even when their communication is unclear. Engage at their level by making eye contact, kneeling, or sitting.

This approach conveys that you value their thoughts and feelings, fostering mutual respect and teaching them the importance of attentive listening. Through your actions, children learn to emulate respectful behaviour in their interactions with others.

Set Clear Expectations

Clearly defined guidelines and expectations help children understand what respectful behaviour looks like and how to demonstrate it. For instance, learning how to teach children respect involves using visual aids, such as posters, to list expectations, including raising hands before speaking, asking for permission, and listening attentively to others.

Visual reminders reinforce behavioural standards, making it easier for children to internalise and practice respect consistently. Establishing and communicating these expectations guides children toward respectful and inclusive interactions.

Encourage Empathy

Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which naturally leads to respectful behaviour. One effective method how to teach children respect is to help them recognise and respond to emotions through facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language.

For instance, parents can encourage supportive actions such as offering companionship or seeking help if a child appears sad or isolated. Empathy not only nurtures respectful interactions but also enhances emotional intelligence.

For a structured approach to developing empathy, UNIS Hanoi incorporates a curriculum to cultivate compassion and understanding among students. Our program focuses on extending thinking, reflecting on experiences, and fostering supportive relationships, which helps children become more empathetic and respectful.

Praise Respectful Behavior

Praising respectful behaviour helps reinforce positive actions in children and is an essential part of how to teach children respect. Parents should provide specific and timely praise on particular behaviours, such as using polite language or showing gratitude.

For example, you can commend a child by saying, “You were very polite when you asked to extend your playtime” or “Thank you for saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when receiving a gift.” Clear and immediate praise helps children understand the value of their actions and encourages them to maintain these positive behaviours in the future.

Teach Polite Language

Children should learn to use essential phrases such as “sorry” and “thank you” to express care and appreciation, which is fundamental to how to teach your child manners and respect. Parents can model these behaviours by frequently using polite language in daily interactions.

By consistently demonstrating and explaining the importance of such expressions, children will understand their value and incorporate them into their communication. This approach ensures that politeness becomes ingrained in their behaviour, reinforcing respect in the family and social settings.

Address Disrespect Immediately

When disrespectful behaviour occurs, it should be confronted promptly to prevent escalation. Communicate your expectations and address issues directly with the child involved, keeping in mind strategies on how to teach children respect. Encourage open dialogue and involve parents to support a comprehensive approach to behaviour management.

As with bullying, the individual exhibiting disrespect and those affected may need guidance and support. Early intervention and consistent handling reinforce the importance of courteous interactions, ultimately teaching children respect through modeled behaviour and clear expectations.

Promote Active Listening

Active listening involves paying close attention, acknowledging emotions, and resolving conflicts constructively. Children become more attuned to their peers’ emotions and needs by engaging in active listening.

When practising active listening, you model effective communication and demonstrate how to get your child to listen and respect you. Interactive listening games, such as Simon Says or Pass the Message, can make developing these skills enjoyable and practical.

UNIS Hanoi’s curriculum, which includes group work and class discussions, supports the development of active listening skills. This approach aligns with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme’s emphasis on interactive learning and international understanding.

By integrating these practices, UNIS Hanoi fosters a learning environment where active listening is valued and effectively applied.

Use Stories and Media to Teach Children Respect

Engaging narratives can illustrate respectful behaviours and the consequences of disrespect, making the concept more relatable. For example, reading books like “Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners” by Laurie Keller allows children to see what respect looks like in different contexts and provides insights on how to teach children respect.

Similarly, watching films that centre around moral beauty, such as Disney’s “Inside Out”, can move children and inspire them to expand their circle of sympathy. Through carefully selected stories and media, educators and parents can create meaningful learning experiences that nurture respect in young minds.

Get Involved in Community Service

Through various volunteer activities, children appreciate the importance of community contribution and parents learn how to teach children respect for diverse perspectives. Examples include volunteering at local shelters, participating in environmental clean-up initiatives, and supporting educational programmes for underprivileged children.

Numerous volunteer opportunities are available at UNIS Hanoi, allowing students to engage meaningfully with the local community. The school’s Service Learning Programme is integral to its mission, encouraging students to respect and contribute to society through collaborative projects that address real community needs.

Through these initiatives, UNIS Hanoi enriches students’ educational experiences and promotes a culture of respect and collaboration within society.

Raising Respectful Children with UNIS Hanoi

How to teach children respect involves implementing various strategies, including modeling respectful behaviour, setting clear expectations, and promoting empathy. By integrating these practices into daily routines, parents can significantly influence their children’s capacity for respect and empathy, laying a solid foundation for their future interactions.

UNIS Hanoi strives to foster respectful and empathetic students through its comprehensive curriculum and community involvement. If you seek an environment supporting these values, consider applying to UNIS Hanoi. Our dedicated admissions team is available to assist you throughout the application process.

The online application for the 2024-2025 academic year is now open. For personalised guidance or information on available seats for Semester 2 of 2024-2025, please contact Admissions at admissions@unishanoi.org.

Asking thoughtful questions about school can help parents gain valuable insights into their child’s experiences, challenges, and achievements. This approach helps identify areas where support may be needed and strengthens the parent-child relationship.

Our article explores critical questions to ask children about school, which can reveal their academic challenges, social interactions, and overall well-being. The questions outlined here will help parents engage more meaningfully with their children and foster a supportive home environment conducive to their sucess and happiness at school.

General Experience Questions

Parents can ask targeted questions to comprehensively understand a child’s daily school life. These questions to ask children about school can uncover their highlights and experiences.

1. What was the most awesome thing that happened today?

This question prompts children to share positive experiences, helping them focus on joyful moments and encouraging a sense of gratitude for their daily activities.

2. What challenge did you conquer today?

Children can articulate their problem-solving skills and resilience by asking about challenges and providing insight into their coping mechanisms and personal growth throughout the day.

3. Did anyone do something hilarious that made you laugh?

This question invites children to recount humorous incidents, fostering a light-hearted atmosphere and revealing their social interactions and peer relationships.

4. What’s one awesome thing you learned or did that you can show me?

Encouraging children to share new knowledge or skills promotes a sense of achievement and reinforces the importance of learning, allowing parents to celebrate their child’s educational journey.

Social Interactions Questions

When using questions to ask children about school, exploring their social interactions can shed light on their friendships and social dynamics within the school environment.

5. Who is your best friend, and what do you like to do together?

This question helps children reflect on their friendships, providing insights into their social preferences and the activities they enjoy, which can strengthen familial bonds.

6. Did you meet anyone new today? What were they like?

Inquiring about new acquaintances encourages children to discuss their social environment, fostering openness about their experiences and feelings towards inclusivity.

7. Can you tell me about a fun game or activity you played during recess?

This question allows children to express their creativity and enjoyment, revealing their interests and play dynamics within their peer group.

8. Who did you share your lunch table with today?

Asking about lunch companions can provide insight into a child’s social circle and help parents understand their child’s sense of belonging in the school community.

Academic Engagement Questions

To assess a child’s academic involvement and interests, use specific questions. These questions to ask children about school can provide detailed feedback on their educational experiences.

9. How’s math (or another subject) treating you—too simple, or does it make you think hard?

This question encourages children to evaluate their academic challenges, allowing parents to gauge their child’s engagement and understanding of subjects.

10. What subject did you enjoy the most today, and what made it interesting?

By asking about their favourite subject, children can articulate their passions and interests, providing parents with a clearer picture of their educational preferences.

11. Did you learn anything new today that you found exciting?

This question promotes curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, encouraging children to share their discoveries and reinforcing the value of education.

12. What was your favourite project or assignment this week?

Inquiring about specific projects allows children to reflect on their achievements and creativity, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment in their academic efforts.

Emotions and Well-being Questions

Exploring emotions and well-being through questions to ask children after school can offer crucial insights into their overall emotional state and satisfaction with their school experience.

13. What made you feel proud today?

This question encourages children to recognise and articulate their achievements, fostering self-esteem and a positive self-image.

14. Did anything make you feel upset or frustrated?

Children can express their feelings and experiences by addressing negative emotions, allowing parents to offer support and guidance in navigating challenges.

15. How do you feel about your teachers? Do you have a favourite?

This question helps children articulate their perceptions of authority figures, providing insights into their classroom dynamics and emotional well-being.

16. Are there any school rules that surprise you compared to home rules? Do you think they’re fair?

Discussing school rules encourages critical thinking and reflection on fairness, allowing children to express their views on authority and governance in their educational environment.

How To Have a Conversation With Your Children About School Effectively

Besides knowing practical questions to ask children about school, engaging in meaningful conversations about school requires a thoughtful approach.

1. Choosing the Right Time and Setting: Select a calm, relaxed time to discuss school, such as before bedtime or during a quiet moment at home. To reduce stress and enhance openness, avoid discussing their day immediately after they come home.
2. Start by Talking About Your Day to Connect: Begin the conversation by sharing your own experiences. This approach makes the discussion feel more mutual and less interrogative, encouraging your child to open up about their day.
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Use questions that require more than a yes or no answer to elicit detailed responses. Open-ended questions encourage children to share their thoughts and feelings more thoroughly.
4. Listening Actively: Pay close attention to your child’s responses and show empathy. Active listening involves acknowledging their feelings and responding thoughtfully, which helps build trust and communication.

At UNIS Hanoi, the Primary Years Programme fosters inquiry and communication from a young age, encouraging students to express their experiences and interests. The Middle Years Programme continues to develop critical thinking and reflective dialogue skills, preparing students for more in-depth conversations. The IB Diploma Programme further refines these skills, focusing on balanced communication and intellectual engagement in preparation for higher education and beyond.

How To Have a Conversation With Your Children About School Effectively

These 16 questions to ask children about school can help you understand your child’s experience and foster open communication. Parents should consistently engage in open dialogues with their children to foster a supportive environment. Maintaining ongoing communication helps address concerns early and supports their overall well-being.

For an educational journey that ignites curiosity, fosters personal growth, and shapes future leaders, apply to UNIS Hanoi – where every student’s potential is nurtured to its fullest. Explore how our innovative programmes align with these effective communication strategies and support your child’s development!

Choosing between homeschool vs public school is a critical decision that impacts a child’s educational experience and overall development. Each education system has characteristics that affect academic performance, social interactions, and particular growth.

This article compares public school vs homeschool by examining curriculum flexibility, socialisation opportunities, resource availability, and more. The discussion aims to help parents decide best to support their child’s educational needs and future aspirations.

What is Homeschool?

Homeschooling is an educational approach where parents take the lead in tutoring their children at home instead of sending them to school. It is recognised internationally, including in the United Kingdom and America.

Curriculum and Instruction

Between homeschooling versus public schooling, homeschooling allows for a highly individualised curriculum that can be adjusted based on how fast or slowly the child learns. The parent can choose learning materials that suit their child’s needs and interests so that he/she gets personalised instruction.

Learning Environment and Socialisation

The home environment is usually considered safe and comfortable for children, free from the pressures of peer conformity in public schools. In the debate of homeschool vs public school, homeschoolers benefit from a lack of distractions such as social cliques or bullying, creating a quiet atmosphere that is ideal for focused study.

Pros & Cons of Homeschool

Pros:

• Customised learning enhances engagement and caters to individual needs.
• Flexible timetables allow for vacations and special educational opportunities.
• Families become closer-knit due to the quality time spent together.
• Reduced peer pressure fosters a more secure learning environment.

Cons:

• Students have limited options for extra subjects or activities beyond school hours.
• There is potential for frustration due to constant parental interaction.
• An increase in responsibilities may result in stress and fatigue among parents.
• Financial strain may occur with reduced family income potential.
• Narrower social circles limit diverse friendships between peers.

What is a Public School?

When comparing homeschooling vs public school, public schools are government-funded institutions that offer free education to children from kindergarten through the 12th grade. These schools have set curriculum standards to ensure a uniform teaching experience among students regardless of socioeconomic status.

Standardised Curriculum and Structure

Public schools adhere to specific curriculum guidelines and standards mandated by governmental authorities. This routine also assists students in developing vital skills and acquiring knowledge – a clear advantage over the less uniform approach seen in homeschool vs public school comparisons.

Diverse Social Environment and Extracurriculars

When considering the differences between homeschool vs public school, public schools provide a dynamic social environment where students interact with peers from diverse backgrounds. They usually provide several opportunities for students to engage in other activities, such as games, arts, and groups that promote their interests and talents.

Pros & Cons of Public Schools

Pros:

• Free education for reducing financial burden.
• A structured atmosphere promotes regularity and safety.
• Professionally trained teachers give quality education through appropriate teaching approaches.
• Social interaction with peers enhances the children’s development.
• Extracurricular activities support self-discovery and personal growth.

Cons:

• Resource constraints due to limited funding adversely affect the quality of education.
• Large-sized classes reduce individual teacher-student interactions.
• There is less parental involvement in the educational process.
• Standardised curriculum may not cater to individual learning needs.

The UNIS Hanoi curriculum is guided by the principles of the United Nations, ensuring a diverse and inclusive educational experience. It supports personalised learning for each student’s strengths and interests.

UNIS Hanoi also offers various extracurricular activities, such as after-school and weekend sports, which the Athletics and Physical Education Department manages. Students can join over fifty clubs and committees from the annual Club Fair, with many options for student-led initiatives.

Key Differences Between Homeschool vs Public School

Between homeschool vs public school, each educational method offers unique advantages and challenges, including:

	Homeschool	Public School
Academic Flexibility	Offers high flexibility in scheduling and accommodating individual needs.	Follows a fixed schedule and academic calendar with low flexibility.
Socialisation and Peer Interaction	Provides fewer opportunities for social interaction and peer engagement.	Facilitates numerous opportunities for social interaction and teamwork.
Teacher Qualifications	Instruction quality varies, parents or tutors may need more certification.	Employs certified and licensed teachers with subject matter expertise.
Access to Resources	Limited resources and requires parents to arrange specialised support.	Equipped to provide various resources and student support.
Taxes and Costs	Parents bear the costs of educational materials and possible tutors.	Offers tuition-free education funded by government taxes.
Regulation and Accountability	Allows for flexible teaching schedules and personalised learning plans.	Adheres to government regulations and standardised accountability measures.

Homeschool Vs Public School: Which Suits Your Child?

Carefully assessing your child’s unique needs and your family’s circumstances will help you decide between homeschool vs public school.

• Assessing your child’s needs and learning style: Homeschooling allows individualised educational methods that adapt to each child’s specific learning preferences. At the same time, public schools offer fixed curriculums that may not address the specific needs of some children.
• Considering family lifestyle: Homeschooling fosters closer bonds among families seeking more time together, thereby creating stronger links. Public schools offer routines that help children become independent and sociable.
• Financial and time considerations: While homeschooling can save time and money on certain educational resources, it demands much of the parents’ time. Public schools have free tuition fees, which means no financial burdens are associated with education.
• Evaluating long-term goals: Homeschool can give personalised educational goals and outcomes based on individual dreams or necessities. On the other hand, public schools provide a framework for students to enter higher education and work life.

For families considering the benefits of a flexible and supportive learning environment, the UNIS Hanoi curriculum addresses many public school disadvantages by offering a comfortable and adaptable educational setting.

At UNIS Hanoi, students enjoy a learning environment that fosters academic and personal growth, preparing them for future educational challenges while nurturing their strengths.

Choose UNIS Hanoi for a Well-Rounded Education

The choice between homeschool vs public school depends on various factors, including your child’s unique needs, family lifestyle, and long-term educational goals. Even though both approaches offer different merits, UNIS Hanoi offers an all-around education that deals with most of the limitations in traditional public schools. In its flexible and extensive curriculum, UNIS Hanoi supports students in achieving academic excellence while fostering personal growth.

To explore how UNIS Hanoi can meet your child’s educational needs, apply for 2025 at admissions@unishanoi.org.

When a child refuses to do school work, it can be stressful for parents and educators. This article explores the various factors contributing to a child’s reluctance to engage in their studies, including learning challenges, anxiety, and external distractions.

Moreover, we will discuss practical ways parents can implement to facilitate a positive school attitude, ultimately fostering a supportive environment that promotes academic success and personal growth.

Understanding Why Child Refuses to Do School Work

Why is my child not doing school work? Knowing why your child refuses to do school work can help you solve the problem better.

• Learning Challenges: Dyslexia or attention deficits are usually undiagnosed disorders among children, making homework daunting. This struggle often leads to avoidance as the tasks appear insurmountable.
• Anxiety: Anxiety can significantly impact a child’s willingness to engage in school work. Factors such as perfectionism or fear of failure may cause distress, making it uncomfortable for them to complete assignments.
• Eyesight or Hearing Issues: Undiagnosed sensory impairments can hinder a child’s ability to focus in school and learn effectively. Difficulties in seeing or hearing can lead to difficulty in understanding concepts, making homework particularly challenging.

Strategies for Parents to Help Children Do School Work

How would you deal with a child that refuses to do any work? It can be very frustrating if your child refuses to do schoolwork, but several effective strategies can help you change their attitude and improve their performance.

Set Up a Consistent Homework System

Parents should create a clear homework timetable, including fixed meals and leisure time. This schedule should be positioned in an obvious place, like a refrigerator, and serve as a constant reminder.

Homework should be treated as focused time, free from distractions such as watching television or playing video games, to reinforce the need for concentration.

Even if there is no homework on some evenings, this time can be used for reading or working on an extended essay to cultivate a consistent homework habit.

Help Your Child Get Started on Their Assignments

Many children find it difficult to begin their assignments and feel overwhelmed or confused. A “hurdle help” technique can be beneficial; parents can spend the initial five minutes assisting their child with the first few tasks.

This approach is not about completing homework but providing support to encourage independent work. After overcoming these initial obstacles, children may find it less difficult to complete their homework.

Implement Effective Consequences

Effective consequences should motivate children to engage positively with their responsibilities. For example, if a child’s grades fall below a certain threshold, they may need to change their study environment to a less preferred location, such as the kitchen table.

Alternatively, parents may withdraw some privileges, like electronic gadgets. These immediate results help students understand why it is necessary to finish schoolwork without creating long-term resentment.

Make Room for Failure

When children experience the consequences of their actions, such as not doing homework and getting a low mark, they learn about responsibility. Parents should resist the temptation to intervene and alter grades because this would interfere with learning.

Instead, helping children understand that failure is an integral part of growing up can motivate them to improve in the future.

Communicate with Teachers

Engaging with teachers at the beginning of the school year and continuing to communicate in case issues arise is beneficial. Parents should proactively seek updates on their child’s progress and follow up with any missed assignments.

Many schools provide online resources to track homework, which can be invaluable for parents. Parents can stay informed, and they will know if their child is doing their work.

Stay Patient

Parents should maintain a calm demeanour and avoid escalating tensions over homework disputes. When frustration arises, stepping away from the situation may be more productive than engaging in arguments.

If one parent is more patient, they might be responsible for monitoring homework. Ultimately, if a parent finds that their involvement is causing more harm than good, it may be wise to seek alternative support, such as a tutor or teacher.

Cultivate Motivation for Children to Do Better in School

Cultivating motivation for children to do better in school is essential, especially when a child refuses to do school work. Below are four ways you can encourage your child to want to perform better academically:

• Set Proper Expectations: Communicating high expectations can greatly affect how motivated a kid becomes about achieving them. Unconditional belief in a child’s abilities and discussing his/her interests and talents are key drivers to success.
• Support Your Child’s Learning Style: Recognizing and catering to a child’s preferred type of learning – auditory, visual or kinesthetic – helps them become more involved. Making educational activities fit these preferences improves learning, leading to better outcomes.
• Use Language of Encouragement: Transferring attention from praise to encouragement shifts the focus on effort and personal growth. This approach empowers children to own their achievements and develop a positive self-evaluation.
• Demonstrate the Importance of Learning: Parents should actively commit to education by engaging with teachers and participating in school events. When children observe their parents valuing education, they are likelier to adopt a similar attitude towards their learning.

How UNIS Hanoi Supports Your Child

When a child refuses to do school work, it is essential to understand the underlying causes and implement effective strategies to address the issue. At UNIS Hanoi, we provide comprehensive support tailored to each student’s unique needs, ensuring they thrive academically and personally.

If your child refuses to participate in school, our dedicated educators and counsellors work collaboratively with parents to identify and address any obstacles, fostering a positive and motivating learning environment. Apply to UNIS Hanoi today and allow your child to excel in a nurturing and dynamic educational setting.

Child-led learning, a progressive educational approach, emphasises allowing children to direct their learning experiences. By cultivating an environment where children take the lead, educators can support the development of critical thinking, creativity, and independent problem-solving skills.

This article explores the benefits of child-led learning, outlines practical strategies for its implementation, and suggests various engaging activities that promote autonomous learning, thereby highlighting its significance in contemporary education.

What is Child-Led learning?

Child-led learning is an educational approach where children are empowered to make decisions about their learning process, including what, how, and for how long they study.

Child-led learning homeschool is more popular in private tutoring and contrasts with traditional fixed curriculums.

Some schools, however, offer classes or after-hours programs adopting this approach. Child-led learning is particularly beneficial for children with learning difficulties, as it allows them to engage with material that suits their appeals and strengths. Activities may include art, singing, or role-playing, guided by the child’s preferences, while adults provide necessary support and resources.

What are the Benefits of Child-Led Learning?

Child-led learning offers numerous benefits that contribute to children’s holistic development. Here are 9 benefits of this learning approach:

1. Empower Children to Take Control

One of the most significant benefits of child-led learning is the empowerment it offers children. Children can observe their innate curiosity and develop unique ideas by allowing them to take control of their learning.

The autonomy in their journey leads to more meaningful and engaging learning experiences, often surpassing traditional teacher-led methods. When children are in charge, they are more likely to be invested and enthusiastic about their education.

2. Promote Stress-Free Learning

Child-led learning reduces the pressure and stress associated with traditional education methods. By aligning learning activities with a child’s interests and readiness, this approach eliminates the frustration that can arise when children are forced into activities before they are ready.

Consequently, children learn with eagerness and enthusiasm, knowing they can proceed at their own pace and comfort level.

3. Utilise the Learning Environment

The learning environment plays a crucial role in child-led learning. Homeschool or academic settings tailored to incorporate learning into daily life can significantly enhance a child’s motivation and curiosity.

By embedding educational activities naturally within the conditions, children see the practical applications of their learning, which reinforces its importance and relevance. A well-organised child-led learning space encourages children to learn independently.

4. Encourage Deep and Complex Learning

Children genuinely interested in a subject tend to ask more questions and seek comprehensive answers. This inquisitive nature facilitates deep and complex child-led learning, as children can explore, investigate, and experiment, enabling them to understand topics beyond superficial knowledge.

This depth of learning is a hallmark of child-led education, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

5. Foster a Love of Learning

Child-led learning cultivates a love for learning by allowing children to pursue their interests without external pressures. The absence of frustration and the freedom to explore naturally instil a sense of joy and excitement about learning.

Children develop an intrinsic motivation to learn, which becomes a lifelong habit. This approach transforms learning into a pleasurable and rewarding experience, encouraging continuous intellectual growth.

6. Accelerate the Learning Process

When children are ready and eager to learn about a particular subject, their engagement is heightened, leading to a rapid acquisition of knowledge. Child-led learning capitalises on this readiness, enabling children to delve deeply into subjects of interest.

This focused attention can lead to a cascade of related learning opportunities, facilitating a dynamic and interconnected understanding of various topics. The flexibility of this approach allows for a personalised and accelerated learning pace.

7. Nurture Curiosity

Curiosity is a driving force behind effective learning, and child-led learning nurtures this innate trait. By allowing children to examine subjects they are naturally curious about, there is less resistance to learning.

Children follow their interests instead of being directed by a teacher, promoting a more organic and engaging learning process. This child-led learning approach supports the expansion of an inquisitive mindset, which is essential for lifelong learning.

8. Support Brain Growth

Engaging in child-led activities, mainly through play, enhances brain structure and function. Play is integral to child-led learning, promoting executive functions such as goal setting, planning, and focus.

These cognitive processes are crucial for successful learning and overall brain development. This approach supports robust cognitive growth by allowing children to lead their educational journey.

9. Encourage Physical Activity

Child-led learning often incorporates unstructured materials and activities that encourage physical movement. Known as “loose parts”, these materials facilitate child-led play and promote physical activity.

This approach benefits cognitive and emotional development and supports physical health. By integrating physical activity into the learning process, children can develop healthier habits and improve their overall well-being.

The Role of Parents in Developing Child-Led Learning

In the context of child-led learning, the role of parents evolves into that of facilitators rather than traditional teachers, enabling an interactive educational background. To effectively support their children’s learning journey, parents engage in several key responsibilities:

• Create a supportive learning environment: Parents listen attentively to their children’s attractions, incorporating learning opportunities that align with them. They adapt their approach, blending structured curriculum with spontaneous explorations to encourage a well-rounded educational experience.
• Balance freedom and structure: Finding a harmonious balance between structured learning and spontaneous discovery allows children to benefit from both approaches. This balanced approach encourages children to cultivate a lifelong love for learning, driven by their curiosities.

• Model curiosity to inspire it in children: Parents serve as models of curiosity, demonstrating how to ask questions and seek answers. By sharing their thought processes and encouraging questioning, parents inspire children to explore and inquire independently.
• Provide gentle guidance: Knowing when to challenge children to delve deeper into subjects gently is essential. Parents guide their children’s learning experiences, offering support and encouragement to study new concepts and ideas at their own pace.

How to Implement Child-Led Learning in Early Years Setting

Child-led learning can commence from birth, as infants naturally engage in learning through their everyday experiences. From shaking toys to stacking cups, these seemingly simple child-led learning activities contribute to skill growth and understanding concepts such as motion, cause and effect, and sensory exploration.

Implementing child-led learning in an early years setting requires thoughtful planning and a nurturing atmosphere that supports exploration and independence. Here are key strategies to effectively integrate child-led learning at home:

• Encourage and model questioning and thinking: Foster curiosity by encouraging children to ask questions and explore their curiosities. Model thinking processes by discussing your questions and thought patterns.
• Maintain a question journal: Keep a journal to document children’s questions and observations. This helps track their interests over time and provides opportunities for deeper exploration.
• Start immediately: Begin implementing child-led learning early to harness children’s natural curiosity and learning abilities. Create a conducive environment for play-based learning right from infancy.

• Allow the child to lead with your support: Facilitate learning experiences based on the children’s interests and pace. Provide guidance and resources as needed, allowing the children to discover independently.
• Avoid extreme approaches: Strike a balance between structured activities and unstructured play. Avoid overly rigid schedules or expectations, allowing flexibility for spontaneous learning opportunities.
• Balance exploration and focus: Provide various open-ended materials and experiences that promote exploration and creativity. Balance this with activities that require focus and attention to develop both breadth and depth of learning.
• Equip children with the necessary tools: Ensure children have access to age-appropriate tools and materials that support their explorations. This includes basic materials like art supplies, building blocks, and natural objects that stimulate imaginative play and learning.

Examples of Child-Led Learning Activities

Transitioning into practical application, here are 8 examples of child-led learning activities that can be implemented at home to foster creativity, exploration, and skill development:

• Playing with a ball: Provide children with balls of different sizes and types (e.g., sports balls, bouncy balls) to enhance hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and understanding of concepts like gravity.
• Building with blocks or Legos: Offer blocks or Legos in various shapes and colours, encouraging children to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills through construction.
• Exploring kitchen items: Allow children to engage with everyday kitchen objects like spoons, bowls, and measuring cups. This promotes sensory skills, imaginative play, and understanding of basic scientific principles.

• Providing interest-based toys: Offer toys that align with children’s interests, supporting their engagement and learning in areas they are passionate about.
• Using busy boards: Create or purchase boards filled with tactile elements like buttons and zippers, encouraging independent exploration and developing fine motor skills.
• Engaging with water tables: Set up water tables or mud kitchens where children can experiment with water, develop motor skills, and explore concepts such as volume and colour mixing.
• Climbing Pikler triangles: Introduce Pikler triangles to support gross motor skills and encourage physical exploration and healthy risk-taking.
• Creating arts and crafts: Provide art supplies like paper, paint, and crayons, allowing children to express themselves creatively without focusing solely on the end product.

At UNIS Hanoi, the Elementary School offers diverse activities that complement child-led learning principles. Here are some specific activities available:

• Youth Sport: Students in Grades 4 and 5 participate in sports seasons such as baseball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, tag rugby, and track and field. This program focuses on self-improvement, teamwork, and leadership.
• Drama Production: Elementary students in Grades 2-5 have opportunities to participate in theatre productions, developing acting, singing, and dancing skills.

• ES Student Councils: Grade 1-5 students can join student councils to represent their peers, focusing on school improvement and organising events.
• After-School Activities: Offerings include a variety of sports (e.g., yoga, tennis, swimming), arts and crafts clubs, cooking classes, STEAM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), and academies in Aquatics and Music.

These activities at UNIS Hanoi encourage student autonomy, creativity, and skill development, aligning with the principles of child-led learning to promote well-rounded experiences.

Foster Child-Led Learning with UNIS Hanoi!

At UNIS Hanoi, we embrace child-led learning as a cornerstone of our curriculum, empowering students to explore their interests and cultivate a lifelong passion for learning.

Our diverse academic offerings, complemented by a supportive environment, encourage students to take ownership of their educational journey, reflecting our commitment to a holistic approach to education. From engaging in dynamic classroom activities to enriching extracurricular programs, every aspect of our curriculum is designed to cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and independence.

Apply now for the 2024-2025 academic year to join our vibrant community dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth. For more information and to start your application process, visit our website or contact admissions@unishanoi.org today!

FAQs

To help you better understand the concept of child-led learning, we have compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

1. Is child-led learning only for homeschooling families?

Child-led learning is not exclusive to homeschooling families. This approach can be integrated into various educational settings, including traditional schools and online platforms.

For instance, an online school can employ child-led learning by engaging students as active participants in their education, enhancing their communication skills, and nurturing a lifelong learning mindset. The extent of implementation depends on the child’s age, maturity, and the facilitator’s comfort level.

2. What distinguishes teacher-led from child-led learning?

The primary distinctions between teacher-led and child-led learning are control, environment, curriculum, teacher’s role, and benefits. In teacher-led learning, teachers direct the process, follow a fixed curriculum, and maintain a structured setting.

Conversely, child-led learning grants students autonomy, uses an emergent curriculum based on attractions, and creates a dynamic background with teachers acting as facilitators. Teacher-led learning ensures curriculum coverage and student independence, while child-led learning enhances intrinsic motivation, understanding, self-esteem, and holistic development. Balancing both approaches can effectively address diverse student needs.

3. How to make child-led learning enjoyable?

To make child-led learning enjoyable, follow these tips:

• Foster Exploration and Creativity: Encourage nature walks, note-taking in diverse formats, and sensory experiences to enrich learning and create lasting memories.
• Utilise Context and Role Play: Discuss topics in relevant circumstances, promote role-play for experimentation, and encourage discussion leadership.
• Offer Feedback and Monitor Progress: Offer praise, constructive feedback, and visual tools like journals to summarise lessons and celebrate achievements.
• Create an Interactive Environment: Design learning spaces that invite exploration, integrate learning into daily life and provide diverse materials to spark inquisitiveness.

Many children face challenges in achieving academic success due to a lack of study skills, difficulties with concentration, or inadequate support at home. Parents can significantly support their child’s academic performance by implementing effective strategies and offering consistent encouragement.

This guide outlines practical steps on how to improve child academic performance through structured study routines, supportive communication, and proactive involvement in their educational journey. The following strategies can cultivate a child’s positive attitude toward education and achieve better results.

1. Establish a Consistent Study Routine
2. Communicate with Your Children and Educators
3. Create Academic Expectations
4. Support Children’s Homework
5. Hire an Online Tutor
6. Limit Your Child’s Screen Time
7. Engage Child’s Physical Exercises
8. Find Appropriate Play-Based Learning Activities
9. Encourage Your Child Properly
10. Teach Your Children About Respect and Discipline

1. Establish a Consistent Study Routine

A consistent study routine promotes the development of good habits, enhances organisational skills, and boosts productivity. Moreover, a structured routine fosters stability and security for effective time management.

This practice supports academic success and improves overall health by ensuring adequate rest, which is vital for physical and mental well-being. Parents should also remind children of their academic goals to help them stay committed to the learning plan.

2. Communicate with Your Children and Educators

Effective communication between parents, children, and educators is crucial in improving academic performance. The specific strategies to establish clear communication for both aspects include:

• Communicating with Children
  • Choose the right time: Talk to your child when you have their full attention. Preferably, wait until you are home and can engage in a focused discussion.
  • Begin with positives: Start the conversation by acknowledging your child’s strengths and accomplishments. For example, mention how well they did on a recent project before discussing areas needing improvement.
  • Use concrete examples: Provide specific instances to help your child understand your feedback. Instead of saying, “You need to do better in math”, say, “I noticed you struggled with the multiplication section on your last test”.

• Stimulate dialogue: Approach conversations as a dialogue, encouraging your child to express their thoughts and perspectives. Understand their needs and concerns to foster mutual understanding and constructive communication.
• Set clear goals: Establish achievable goals together. For instance, if your child needs to improve their reading skills, set a goal of reading for 20 minutes each day.
• Follow up regularly: Maintain ongoing communication to monitor progress. If necessary, adjust goals and strategies based on your child’s improvement.
• Communicating with Educators
  • Schedule appointments: Instead of impromptu chats during drop-off or pick-up times, schedule a formal meeting to ensure meticulous preparation between both parties for productive discussion.
  • Prepare in advance: Before the meeting, organise your thoughts and list specific concerns or questions. For instance, if your child is struggling with science, note down specific topics or concepts causing difficulties.

• Communicate clearly: Express your concerns and observations concisely and provide examples. For example, mention specific incidents of your child struggling with homework.
• Collaborate on solutions: Work with the teacher to develop a plan of action. For example, if your child struggles in math, set incremental goals such as improving test scores by practising specific problems at home.

3. Create Academic Expectations

Regarding how to improve child academic performance, parents should set clear and realistic academic goals that align with their child’s strengths and challenges. Here are some aspects that can suggest parents adjust their expectations of their children’s academic performance:

• Recognise individuality: Each child develops at their own pace. Set expectations based on their unique strengths and challenges rather than in comparison to peers. For example, if your child excels in reading but struggles with math, set separate goals that reflect these differences.
• Avoid projecting your challenges: Do not let your academic struggles influence your child’s expectations. If you found math difficult, acknowledge that your child might have a different experience and could excel in it. Boost their enthusiasm and provide support based on their strengths.

• Offer enthusiastic support: Support your child’s efforts with genuine enthusiasm. Instead of only pointing out areas needing improvement, celebrate their successes and progress. If your child improves their test score, acknowledge this effort enthusiastically.
• Set realistic expectations: Ensure your goals are achievable and appropriate for your child’s current capabilities. For example, if your child is learning to write, set a goal of writing a paragraph rather than an entire essay.
• Accept and support through challenges: Understand that setbacks are part of learning. When your child struggles, provide support and encouragement rather than viewing it as a failure. Help them understand that challenges are growth opportunities.

4. Support Children’s Homework

Parents can implement various strategies for improving child academic performance. Here are specific tips on how to improve child academic performance:

• Create a dedicated homework space: Establish a well-lit, comfortable, and quiet area free from distractions like TV or video games. Equip the space with essential supplies such as pens, pencils, paper, calculators, and a dictionary. A high-traffic area like the kitchen is ideal for younger children, allowing for supervision and encouragement.
• Teach organizational skills: Motivate your child to use organisational tools like calendars, assignment notebooks, and planners to keep track of homework tasks. Ensure they write down assignments clearly and entirely and regularly check their work. Use a pocket folder or binder section specifically for completed homework.

• Provide guidance without doing the work: Support your child by discussing concepts and offering guidance, but avoid giving answers or completing assignments. Inspire them to re-read chapters, attempt problems independently, and review their work for accuracy. Use phrases like, “Let’s read this together” to foster self-sufficiency.
• Address homework meltdowns calmly: If your child becomes overwhelmed, respond calmly and validate their feelings. Suggest short breaks for movement or deep breaths before returning to the task. Identify potential triggers, such as challenging assignments or looming deadlines, and provide targeted support.
• Highlight real-world applications: Relate academic concepts to real-life scenarios. For instance, show how math skills are used in budgeting or cooking and connect historical events to current news. This helps children understand the relevance of their homework and view it as an opportunity to build valuable skills.

5. Hire an Online Tutor

To enhance child academic performance, parents can consider hiring an online tutor who can provide targeted educational support. Here are key tips:

• Seek recommendations: Ask other parents or trusted sources for recommendations based on their experiences with online tutors. First-hand insights can help select a tutor who aligns well with your child’s needs and learning style.
• Set your budget: Determine your budget for online tutoring services. When evaluating costs, consider factors like the tutor’s experience and availability. Ensure the chosen tutor offers a balance of affordability and quality instruction.

• Assess experience and qualifications: Verify the tutor’s background and expertise in the subject matter. Look for educators with relevant teaching experience and qualifications that match your child’s educational requirements. A tutor’s proficiency directly impacts your child’s learning outcomes.
• Consider online tutoring agencies: Explore online tutoring agencies that vet their tutors rigorously. These agencies often have a diverse pool of qualified educators across various subjects. They conduct thorough background checks to ensure high standards of teaching quality and reliability.
• Request progress reports: Choose an online tutor who provides regular progress reports. Monitoring your child’s development ensures transparency and adjusts tutoring strategies as needed. Effective communication between tutor, student, and parent facilitates optimal learning outcomes.

6. Limit Your Child’s Screen Time

Parents can limit their child’s screen time to help them focus more in school. The practical tips to gradually separate your child from electronic devices include:

• Set clear expectations: Establish rules and goals to reduce screen time with your child. This is how parents affect children’s academic performance at home. Utilise device features that allow setting time limits to enforce boundaries effectively.
• Start gradually: If your child spends excessive time on screens, set achievable goals. Instead of making drastic cuts immediately, start by gradually reducing their screen time.

• Engage in face-to-face time: Dedicate quality time after school or work to engage in face-to-face conversations with your child. This fosters better communication and strengthens family bonds without reliance on screens.
• Designate screen-free zones: Create areas in the home, such as dining or family rooms, where screens are not allowed. This will stimulate meaningful interactions and reduce distractions during meals and family time.
• Establish device-free hours: Designate specific times or hours during the day as screen-free, encouraging activities like outdoor play or reading instead.

7. Engage Child’s Physical Exercises

Incorporating regular physical exercises improves child academic performance. Physical activity enhances cognitive skills and academic behaviour, fostering a conducive environment for learning.

• Encourage everyday opportunities: Ensure your child has daily chances for physical activity, whether dancing indoors, playing with balls outdoors, or engaging in active games they enjoy.
• Utilise available spaces: Use any space for physical play, whether at home, in parks, community centres, or with friends. Provide opportunities for diverse physical activities to keep them engaged and active.

• Allocate dedicated time: Adjust your family schedule to prioritise active playtime with your child, such as visiting parks or playing sports together. Incorporate physical activities into daily routines to make it a consistent part of their day.
• Offer variety in activities: Introduce activities like climbing, cycling, or ball games to keep your child interested and physically active. Explore different options based on their interests to maintain enthusiasm and skill development.
• Walk together: Take regular walks with your child, whether to school, around the neighbourhood, or on nature trails. Walking promotes physical health and provides valuable opportunities for bonding and exploration.

8. Find Appropriate Play-Based Learning Activities

Regarding how to improve child academic performance, engaging in play-based learning activities is beneficial. Here are effective strategies parents can use:

• Sand play: Utilize sand play to teach scientific concepts and promote physical development. Scooping, pouring, and sifting enhance muscle coordination and teamwork skills.
• Water play: Encourage water play for experimenting with concepts like volume and understanding cause-and-effect relationships. It also enhances hand-eye coordination and physical strength.

• Play dough: Play dough strengthens fine motor skills and creativity. Threading beads or shaping the dough with tools supports hand-eye coordination and cognitive development.
• Dress-up and role play: Dress-up activities foster imagination and social skills. Role-playing as doctors, chefs, or astronauts helps children explore different roles and understand societal roles and responsibilities.
• Doll and character play: Provide dolls and mini-figures to promote storytelling and emotional expression, which supports social interaction and helps children develop empathy and communication skills.

9. Encourage Your Child Properly

When considering how to improve child academic performance, it’s vital to encourage them effectively.

• Avoid labels: Highlight your child’s strengths when acknowledging their efforts in tasks. For example, instead of praising an A grade, discuss how their attention to detail contributed to their success.
• Ask thoughtful questions: Rather than making statements, ask open-ended questions to prompt reflection on how they achieved a task or their feelings about a project.

• Be honest and authentic: Avoid empty praise and be genuine in your feedback. Children appreciate honesty and respond better to sincere and specific feedback.
• Shift pronouns: Encourage your child to take pride in their accomplishments by shifting the focus from “I” statements to “You” statements.
• Focus on the journey: Recognise and celebrate when your child meets or exceeds expectations. For instance, if they achieve a high grade in a challenging subject, celebrate their hard work and dedication.

10. Teach Your Children About Respect and Discipline

On how to improve child academic performance, parents can teach them respect and discipline.

• Model behaviour: Through your actions and words, demonstrate respectful behaviour and discipline. Children learn by observing, so showing respect in interactions with others sets a powerful example.
• Impose consequences: Clearly communicate consequences for misbehaviour and follow through consistently. For instance, explain that toys will be put away if not cleaned up as agreed, and stick to this consequence to reinforce responsibility.

• Listen and understand: Allow your child to express themselves fully before addressing issues. Understanding their perspective helps address underlying causes of misbehaviour rather than just reacting to it.
• Give attention wisely: Use attention strategically to reinforce positive and discourage negative behaviours. Positive attention for good behaviour can be more effective than negative attention for bad behaviour.
• Know when to ignore: Ignore minor misbehaviour that is not dangerous and ensure your child receives attention primarily for positive behaviours. This approach helps children learn natural consequences and self-regulation.

How Can UNIS Hanoi Improve Child’s Academic Performance?

UNIS Hanoi offers a comprehensive academic programme that prioritises each student’s needs and capabilities, grounded in local and international educational perspectives. As a three-programme IB World School, we are dedicated to fostering excellent learning experiences where students extend their thinking, reflect on their learning, and engage actively in a supportive environment.

Based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme from Early Years to Grade 12, our curriculum emphasises developing critical skills and global citizenship, preparing students to connect classroom learning with real-world challenges.

Apply now to UNIS Hanoi and discover how to improve child academic performance with a world-class education!

Essential life skills for children involve critical thinking, problem-solving, communicating, decision-making, and other capabilities, enabling children to address challenges with resilience and confidence. Developing these kids life skills early on cultivates well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in diverse environments.

The World Health Organization defines life skills as the abilities for adaptive and positive behaviour that enable individuals to handle everyday demands and challenges effectively. Similarly, UNICEF defines life skills as a behaviour change approach that addresses knowledge, attitude, and skills, emphasizing that effective behaviour change requires competency in all three areas.

These children’s life skills comprise knowledge, attitudes, and competencies that boost mental well-being and enhance competence, particularly in health and social contexts. They equip young people with the capability to manage diverse situations.

This article explores 13 essential life skills that empower children to excel academically and lead fulfilling personal and professional lives, shaping them into adaptable and resourceful contributors to society.

1. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking skills encourage children to ask questions, identify problems, and find solutions based on available evidence. By developing this skill, children can comprehend learning materials thoroughly to develop their own opinions and ideas.

Here are some strategies to develop critical thinking skills for children:

• Ask open-ended questions: Instead of giving instant answers to children’s queries, you should help them think critically with questions like “What are your opinions?” or “What’s in your minds?”. Respect their responses whether you agree with them or not.
• Encourage the child to think differently: Thinking in different ways supports developing a child’s curiosity and creative skills. Let them think of all available solutions for the problems by analyzing and interpreting given information.
• Don’t intervene immediately: Let your child use their strategies to solve an issue. As children need challenges to grow, intervening less with gentle guidance allows them more time to think and attempt a task.

2. Decision Making

Effective decision-making equips young people with the capacity to control impulses and make informed choices. This skill also facilitates independence and enhances their ability to navigate complex situations confidently.

To nurture decision-making skills in kids, consider the following strategies:

• Provide chances to practise: Introduce decision-making processes and scenarios tailored to their age and understanding, as these are essential for developing leadership skills for kids. Gradually increase the complexity of decisions as children gain experience and maturity.
• Support for autonomy: Offer guidance and structure while allowing children to make decisions appropriate to their level of responsibility. Avoid consistently making decisions on their behalf, as this can hinder their development of independent thinking and judgment skills.

• Require responsibility: Assign tasks and responsibilities that necessitate decision-making, such as managing personal belongings or contributing to household chores. These opportunities enable children to take initiative and demonstrate accountability.
• Teach values: Discuss and exemplify positive values such as honesty, respect, and empathy. By integrating these values into decision-making discussions, children learn to align their choices with ethical considerations, enabling a foundation for principle-based decision-making.

3. Problem Solving

By developing problem-solving skills, children learn to approach obstacles systematically and creatively, overcoming difficulties with more confidence. Here are strategies to cultivate problem-solving skills in kids:

• Stimulate creativity: Provide opportunities for children to think innovatively about unconventional solutions. Facilitate creative play and imaginative problem-solving activities that stimulate their curiosity and resourcefulness.
• Engage in problem-solving games: Engage children in games that require strategic thinking and decision-making, such as puzzles or scavenger hunts. These activities are entertaining and effective in sharpening problem-solving abilities across various contexts.

• Ask for their help: Involve children in decision-making processes and problem-solving discussions. Soliciting their input stimulates critical thinking and empowers them to contribute meaningfully to resolving issues.
• Explore multiple solutions: Prompt children to explore diverse solutions to problems, encouraging creativity and expanding their problem-solving repertoire. Discussing various options boosts analytical thinking and a habit of considering alternative perspectives.

4. Creative Thinking

Creative thinking skills aid in developing neural connections and assimilating new concepts, making them an invaluable asset for children. Here are several strategies to cultivate creative thinking in children:

• Foster curiosity with “what if?” questions: Motivate children to ask hypothetical questions to stimulate their imagination and creative problem-solving skills. For example, ask, “What if animals could talk?” This enables children to think about the world in new and innovative ways.
• Transform mistakes into learning opportunities: When children encounter challenges, guide them to find positive aspects and new solutions. For instance, if a child struggles with spelling, suggest they create a song incorporating the problematic words, making the learning experience enjoyable and memorable.

• Pose open-ended questions: Engage children with open-ended questions that require more than a simple yes or no answer. This practice helps them develop their ideas and think more deeply. Questions like, “What do you think will happen if we mix these two colours?” can provoke thoughtful and creative responses.
• Promote creative risk-taking: Try new and challenging activities to motivate children to take creative risks. Whether attempting a complex drawing or learning a new song, focusing on the creative process rather than the outcome helps them embrace new perspectives and innovative approaches.

5. Communicating

Mastering effective communication enhances children’s ability to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly and confidently, which facilitates better social interactions and academic success. Here are practical strategies to develop effective communication skills in kids:

• Facilitate detailed descriptions of their day: Ask your child to recount their day in detail, prompting them with questions like, “What were the best and worst parts of school?” This practice enhances their recall and sequencing abilities. Share details about your day as well to model compelling storytelling.

• Actively listen and expand on their ideas: Demonstrate active listening by repeating what your child says and then expanding on it with a follow-up question. For instance, if they describe an art project, you might say, “That project sounds intricate. What other project would you like to try, and what materials would you need?”
• Highlight and explain body language: Teach your child about nonverbal cues by pointing out and explaining body language. For example, say, “I’m crossing my arms because I feel frustrated,” or, “When you roll your eyes, it seems disrespectful.”

• Initiate engaging conversations: Start discussions on fun and imaginative topics, like “What was the funniest thing that happened at school today?” or “What do you think the other side of the moon looks like?” This approach reinforces how to teach your child conversation skills by encouraging them to think creatively and communicate more freely.

6. Interpersonal Relationships

Developing these life skills for kids allows individuals to communicate thoughts and emotions clearly, nurturing positive interactions and understanding. Here are strategies to cultivate this skill in children:

• Promote expressive communication at home: Motivate children to express themselves freely at home. This practice lays the foundation for understanding how to convey ideas clearly and respectfully in interpersonal interactions.
• Explore diverse forms of communication: Discuss with children how people communicate beyond words, such as through gestures and facial expressions. Engage them in activities that enhance their awareness of non-verbal cues, like interpreting emotions from facial expressions or demonstrating feelings without using words.

• Support engagement in hobbies and interests: Enable children to participate in clubs, programmes, and activities aligned with their interests. Activities like team sports or group classes allow children to interact with others with similar interests, stimulating natural connections and improving interpersonal life skills to teach kids.
• Guide through challenges: Assist children in handling difficult emotions and situations, such as disagreements or conflicts. Prompt using “I” statements to express feelings and perspectives clearly. Teach them the importance of empathy and understanding different viewpoints to resolve conflicts constructively.

7. Self-Awareness

Cultivating self-awareness in children offers improved emotional regulation, enhanced decision-making skills, increased empathy, and boosted self-confidence. To develop self-awareness in children, consider the following strategies:

• Encourage journal writing: Inspire children to maintain a journal to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This practice helps them identify patterns in their feelings and gain deeper insights into their emotional landscape. Drawing or using a simple coding system to represent emotions can serve a similar purpose for younger children.
• Create a personal achievement chart: Establish a chart where children can document their accomplishments, no matter how small. This practice offers a sense of pride and achievement, encouraging children to recognise their progress and areas for growth.

• Create self-portraits or vision boards: Have children create self-portraits or vision boards that reflect their goals and aspirations. This visual representation aids self-discovery and reinforces their identity and purpose.

• Discuss personal values and beliefs: Engage children in conversations about their values and beliefs. Understanding what matters most to them offers a strong identity and helps guide their decisions and actions.

8. Empathy

Developing empathy in children boosts understanding and compassion towards others, enhancing their ability to connect emotionally and build meaningful relationships. To develop empathy skills in children, consider the following strategies:

• For 3-5 years:
  • Describe and label emotions: Help children identify their emotions and physical reactions.
  • Read stories and discuss feelings: Use storybooks to explore characters’ emotions and discuss how they might feel in similar situations.
  • Coach social skills: Teach children fundamental social interactions like sharing and taking turns.

• For 5-7 years:
  • Use pictures to identify emotions: Show pictures of facial expressions to help children recognise emotions.
  • Embrace diversity: Discuss similarities and differences among peers to boost empathy towards others.
  • Observe others’ body language: Enable children to observe non-verbal cues to understand how others feel.
  • Teach healthy boundaries: Help children understand personal boundaries and respect others’ boundaries.
• For 7-9 years:
  • Engage in discussions about book characters: Discuss the emotions and motives of characters in books to develop empathy.
  • Practice loving-kindness meditation: Introduce meditation exercises focusing on empathy and compassion.
  • Play cooperative board games: Engage in games that require teamwork and cooperation to nurture empathy and understanding.

• For 9-11 years:
  • Sign up for acting classes: Participate in activities like acting that boost perspective-taking and understanding of emotions.
  • Create empathy maps: Choose an emotion and brainstorm thoughts, words, and actions associated with that emotion.

9. Dealing with Emotions

Managing emotions effectively can help children learn to identify, express, and cope with emotions, enhancing their mental well-being and interpersonal relationships.

To help children manage their emotions, consider the following strategies:

• Provide tools for emotion processing: Support children in understanding, expressing, and coping with their emotions from an early age by developing self help skills for toddlers. Be a role model by demonstrating healthy emotional management. Help them identify their emotions, as they may struggle to recognise them initially.
• Assist in managing difficult feelings: Introduce the five-step problem-solving tool to empower children to find solutions independently. Teach them breathing exercises to calm stressful situations and promote activities that distract from negative emotions, such as art or physical activities.

• Facilitate open communication: Create a safe space where children can openly express their feelings without fear of judgment. Listen attentively and acknowledge their emotions, especially after a tantrum or outburst. Discuss the triggers and emotions involved, showing understanding while setting appropriate boundaries for behaviour.
• Guide future emotional responses: Discuss strategies for handling emotions in the future. Provide constructive ways to express feelings, emphasising that feeling emotions is acceptable but not acting out destructively. For example, suggest saying, “It’s okay to feel disappointed and upset, but it’s not okay to throw things”.

10. Dealing with Stress

Understanding how to manage stress effectively equips children with valuable life skills for children that boost resilience and well-being. Children can navigate challenges with confidence and composure by learning to reframe stress, adopt a growth mindset, and utilise stress-management techniques.

To help children deal with stress, consider the following strategies:

• Reframe stress: Cultivate a mindset shift from “stress hurts” to “stress helps”, viewing stressful situations as opportunities for growth and learning. Discuss with your child how stress can be beneficial in handling similar situations in the future.
• Promote a growth mindset: Motivate your child to adopt a growth mindset, where they believe their abilities can improve through effort and perseverance. Practice growth mindset affirmations and celebrate incremental progress to build resilience in the face of stress.

• Address catastrophic thinking: Validate your child’s feelings of stress and help them evaluate the likelihood of worst-case scenarios. Encourage them to brainstorm solutions and consider alternative outcomes, reducing the sense of overwhelming fear associated with stress.
• Utilise stress-management techniques: Teach your child practical techniques to manage stress effectively:
  • Deep breathing: Instruct your child to take deep breaths, hold briefly, and exhale slowly to calm their mind.
  • Progressive muscle relaxation: Guide them through tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to release physical tension.
  • Mindfulness or meditation: Practice simple meditation techniques, such as having your child focus on their breath or use guided imagery to relax.
  • Physical activity: Engage in activities like playing, exercising, or nature to relieve stress and promote well-being.

11. Time Management

Understanding how to manage time effectively empowers children to make the most of their day and achieve their goals with less stress and greater efficiency.

To help children develop practical time management skills, consider the following strategies:

• Create a structured daily schedule: Establish a daily schedule with your child that includes designated times for homework, playtime, meals, and bedtime. Sit together to plan each day, allocating specific time slots for different tasks. Use visual aids like charts or calendars to make the schedule clear and accessible for your child.
• Utilise timers for task completion: Timers can help children stay focused and manage their time effectively during tasks. Set timers for specific activities like homework sessions or chores to help them stay on track and complete tasks within allotted timeframes.

• Break tasks into smaller parts: Help children tackle large tasks by breaking them into smaller, more manageable parts. Guide them to focus on one aspect of a task at a time, such as completing one section of homework or organising one part of their room. Celebrate achievements as they complete each part, reinforcing a sense of progress and accomplishment.
• Set smart goals: Teach children to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals to guide their time management efforts. Assist them in setting short-term goals for daily or weekly tasks and long-term goals for academic achievements or personal projects. Review and adjust goals periodically to reflect progress and changing priorities.

12. Financial Management

Developing financial management skills from a young age equips children with crucial abilities to handle money responsibly and prepare for future financial decisions.

To help children cultivate this skill, consider the following strategies:

• Open a bank account: Help your child open a bank account and introduce them to the basics of banking. Teach them how to make deposits, monitor their balance, and understand the concept of interest. This practical experience enables a foundational understanding of financial transactions.
• Use everyday situations for learning: Incorporate financial lessons into daily activities. Take your child grocery shopping and discuss budgeting strategies, comparison shopping, and identifying the best deals. Engaging them in these real-life scenarios enhances their financial awareness and decision-making skills.

• Promote entrepreneurial thinking: Support entrepreneurial activities such as babysitting, lawn mowing, car washing, or pet sitting. Guide them in earning money and managing their earnings, teaching them about income, expenses, and profit.

• Prepare for major life events: Start conversations about how finances impact significant life milestones such as higher education, homeownership, and retirement planning. Help them understand financial planning for the future and the long-term benefits of sound money management practices.

13. Cooking

Cooking offers a sensory-rich experience that stimulates creativity and cooperation. It also develops essential math skills through practical applications like measuring ingredients and adjusting recipes.

To deliver this one of the most basic life skills for kids effectively:

• Choose fun and simple recipes: Select colourful and straightforward recipes that engage children’s interest and allow them to practice basic skills like mixing, spreading, peeling, grating, and chopping under supervision.
• Simplify recipes: Ensure recipes are simple enough, focusing on foundational skills development. This approach enables children to learn and master primary cooking techniques step by step.

• Nurture creative expression: Engage children in brainstorming and drawing their snack ideas before bringing them to life in the kitchen. This creative process offers a sense of pride and accomplishment.
• Promote learning through questions: Guide children’s learning by asking questions about various stages of cooking. Encourage them to think about preparation steps, the function of different kitchen tools, and the skills required to complete a recipe.

Nurturing Essential Life Skills for Students with UNIS Hanoi

The Elementary Program (3-11 years) at UNIS Hanoi is dedicated to holistic child development. Beyond academic learning, the program emphasises personal, emotional, and social life skills for kids.

Faculty and staff are dedicated to nurturing each child’s individuality and helping them discover their voice and personal significance. This approach encourages children to envision their role in the world and aspire to contribute meaningfully as responsible members of the school community and global citizens.

Join us at UNIS Hanoi to provide your child with a transformative educational experience. Apply now and empower your child to thrive academically, socially, and personally in a nurturing environment committed to holistic growth!

Reference:

• Drake, J., and Winner, E. How children use drawing to regulate their emotions. Cognition and Emotion, September 2012, 27(3), pp. 512-520.

Sustainability for kids educates them to grow into responsible global citizens capable of making informed decisions with long-term impacts in mind. By instilling these values early on, we nurture a generation mindful of environmental stewardship.

To further this goal, we present a collection of 12 engaging sustainability activities for kids. These activities are tailored to cultivate an understanding and appreciation of sustainable practices and promote a commitment to preserving our planet for future generations.

What is Sustainability for Children?

Sustainability for kids refers to caring for the environment to ensure sufficient resources for future generations. With over 8 billion people on Earth, it involves being mindful of our actions, living carefully, and contributing to environmental preservation.

Teaching children about sustainability facilitates their understanding of the importance of these practices in maintaining a balanced and healthy planet.

Why Should Children Learn About Sustainability?

Children should learn about sustainability to enable them to understand their role in creating a more ecologically and socially just world.

This education focuses on the following key aspects:

• Futures-oriented education: Sustainability education focuses on creating a more ecologically and socially just world through informed action.
• Holistic understanding: It requires consideration of environmental, social, cultural, and economic systems and their interdependence.
• Responsibility and diversity: Children learn to take responsibility for their actions, respect diversity, and see themselves as contributors to a peaceful, sustainable world.
• Global citizenship: It promotes a commitment to addressing global issues such as the environment, development, health, peace, and human rights, shaping children into engaged global citizens.

12 Sustainability Activities to Educate Your Child

How to teach kids about sustainability? Exploring various activities can significantly enhance children’s understanding of sustainability. One effective method to support learning is through hands-on and engaging practices.

1. Plant a Garden

Gardening provides children with an excellent opportunity to learn about sustainability for kids. It fosters an appreciation for the environment and an understanding of where their food comes from. Moreover, this activity teaches children about responsibility, patience, and problem-solving skills.

Tips for teaching kids how to garden:

• Select appealing plants: Let children help decide which plants to grow. Examples include cherry tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, radishes, peas, carrots, and quick-blooming annual flowers like snapdragons, marigolds, or petunias.
• Equip with appropriate tools: To make the experience enjoyable and manageable, provide children with child-size gardening tools and gloves.

• Develop consistent habits: Teach children to store tools properly, dedicate 15-20 minutes once or twice a week for garden maintenance, and demonstrate tasks like weeding and watering.
• Enjoy the harvest: Involve children in preparing and cooking meals using their grown produce, such as making Margherita pizza with homegrown tomatoes and basil.
• Visit farms or markets: Enhance their understanding of food origins by visiting farms or farmers’ markets, deepening their appreciation for the earth and those who work to produce our food.

2. Read Books

Reading books helps kids learn about sustainability for kids by fostering empathy, understanding the environment, and promoting responsible actions. Here are some recommended books:

• All the Water in the World by George Ella Lyon: Explores the interconnectedness of water sources and the importance of preserving them.
• Count Them While You Can – A Book of Endangered Animals by Anne Bowman: This book educates about endangered species through counting verses and factual information.

• The Curious Garden by Peter Brown: Tells the story of a boy who transforms a grey cityscape into a vibrant garden, promoting urban greening and community engagement.
• Dear Children of the Earth by Schim Schimmel: A heartfelt letter from Mother Earth urging children to care for the planet and appreciate its beauty.

3. Recycle

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), only a fraction of municipal waste is recycled among its member countries, highlighting the need for improved recycling efforts worldwide. Therefore, young people should learn about waste management and recycling education from an early age.

Here are engaging recycling games for children:

• Draw recycling containers: Help children distinguish between bins (paper, glass, plastic) by drawing and labelling them on paper.
• Create toys from waste: Encourage reuse by crafting toys from materials like socks or shoe boxes, fostering creativity and understanding of material properties.
• Prizes for recycling: To motivate older children, set goals for collecting recyclables like batteries or bottle caps and reward achievements.

• Cartoons promoting recycling: Explore animated series on platforms like YouTube, such as Pispas or Everything’s Rosie, which educate children about the importance of recycling.
• Stories about recycling: Read books such as “Michael Recycle” by Ellie Bethel and Alexandra Colombo or “Why Should I Recycle?” by Jen Green, which entertain and educate children about recycling principles.

4. Clean Up

Teaching children the importance of tidiness through engaging in games can instil lifelong habits of cleanliness and responsibility. Here is a list of games to teach kids about cleaning up:

• Musical clean-up challenge: Play upbeat music and have children race to tidy up as much as possible before the music stops. When it does, they freeze until the music starts again.
• Race against the clock: Set a timer for a manageable amount of time and challenge children to finish their cleaning task before the timer goes off. Adjust the time based on age and difficulty of the task.

• Guess what’s cleaned: If cleaning with multiple children, have one clean while the others hide and clean up specific items. The cleaner returns and guesses what has been cleaned.
• The cleaning challenge: To encourage thoughtful cleaning, assign specific ways to complete tasks, like sorting toys by colour or arranging books by size.
• Pick-up sticks: Place popsicle sticks in a container, each with a cleaning task or a fun activity. Children pick a stick and complete the task or activity before moving on.

5. Conserve Energy

Conserving energy can reduce our environmental footprint and ensure a sustainable future. Here are practical activities that children can engage in to conserve energy both at home and school:

• Limit electronic usage: Reduce the use of electronic devices to conserve electricity, especially during periods when they are not necessary, such as during playtime or using alternative activities like STEM projects.
• Turn everything off when you aren’t in the room: Encourage children to turn off lights, TVs, computers, and other devices when leaving a room to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.

• Use both sides of a piece of paper: By using both sides of each sheet, you can minimise paper usage and reduce the environmental impact of paper production and waste.
• Use a reusable water bottle: Choose reusable water bottles over disposable ones to reduce plastic waste and the energy used in manufacturing single-use plastics.
• Ask your teacher about classroom jobs: Assigning roles like ‘The Electrician’ and ‘IT’ in classrooms empowers students to manage energy by turning off lights and computers when not in use.

6. Conduct DIY Activities

Engaging children in do-it-yourself (DIY) projects fosters creativity and teaches them about sustainability for kids and environmental responsibility. Here are some hands-on activities to inspire and educate:

• Create eco-friendly toothpaste: Make toothpaste using natural ingredients to promote sustainable oral care habits.
• Make seed bombs for guerilla gardening: Teach biodiversity and environmental stewardship by creating seed bombs for guerrilla gardening.

• Craft upcycled bird feeders: Repurpose household items to create bird feeders, promoting wildlife conservation awareness.
• Sustainable cooking challenge: Challenge kids to cook using locally sourced ingredients to reduce carbon footprint and support local farmers.

7. Participate in Outdoor Activities

Engaging in outdoor activities offers children opportunities for physical exercise and exploration of the natural world. It promotes holistic development and fosters a deeper connection with the environment. The following outdoor ideas will suggest how you can organise this kind of activity for children:

• Bamboo shapes: Use bamboo canes to create geometric shapes like triangles, squares, rectangles, and circles outdoors. Encourage children to explore these shapes using natural items found in their environment.
• Natural phoneme frames: Children can construct phoneme frames using bamboo sticks filled with sand, practising forming and blending CVC words while engaging in fine motor skills and collaborative play.

• Rainy day challenge: Collect rainwater using various containers and measure the amounts collected to introduce concepts of volume and measurement in a practical outdoor setting.
• Water bottle bowling: Set up a bowling game using partially filled water bottles numbered 1 to 10, encouraging children to roll a ball and score points while practising counting and coordination skills.

8. Organise Environmental Storytelling Games

Environmental storytelling games offer immersive experiences, transporting participants into intricate narratives and atmospheric settings.

• A Hollow Egg Hatches Eyes
  • Production design: Craft over 30 puppets and statues representing forest spirits, illuminated by glowsticks and LED lights to evoke a magical ambience.
  • Game mechanics: Use disease as a central conflict. Players periodically draw symptoms from a metal water bottle, reflecting the game’s antagonistic force.
  • Flow structure: Divide the gameplay into 4-hour segments focused on spatial exploration. Players undertake missions led by spirit doctors, such as guiding the Box Spirit up a hill amidst challenges and distractions.
  • Narrative resolution: Conclude with multiple exciting endings across varied locations, enhanced by natural elements like rain to elevate the emotional impact.

• Out of the Frost
  • Premise and setup: This scenario simulates a rescue mission at an abandoned research base during a snowstorm. Participants face escalating danger from Hazard Ghosts, which induces madness and paranoia.
  • Production minimalism: Emphasise character-driven horror with minimal props, highlighting the atmospheric impact of over-elaborate set designs.
  • Game dynamics: Players contend with escalating supernatural threats, with deaths resulting in ghostly roles aiding survivors covertly.
  • Flow management: Simplify gameplay progression with pivotal events marking narrative shifts, such as the deaths of key characters leading to a climactic rescue.
  • Atmospheric intensity: Dynamic lighting and environmental cues create an immersive horror experience, heightening tension amid the encroaching blizzard.

9. Shop Locally

Shopping locally contributes positively to the environment by reducing carbon footprints associated with transportation and supporting regional economies. The local shopping trip with your kids will be enjoyable with the following tips:

• Start with local specialties: Select one locally produced item that aligns with your region’s specialties. Committing to purchasing local apples throughout the year allows children to understand seasonal availability and local agricultural practices.
• Explore beyond farmers’ markets: Make shopping an educational experience by visiting farms where local produce is grown or sourced. Engaging directly with producers teaches children about the origins of food and fosters appreciation for local agriculture.

• Engage in food-gathering activities: Involve children in activities such as foraging for wild foods or visiting farms where they can pick their produce, encouraging them to try new foods and appreciate the effort involved in food production.
• Adapt cooking to available ingredients: Emphasise cooking with seasonal and locally available ingredients. Adjust meal planning based on what’s fresh and accessible rather than following fixed recipes.
• Eat seasonally: Encourage seasonal eating to align with natural food cycles and teach children about the availability and diversity of local produce throughout the year.

10. Explore Nature Virtually

Exploring nature virtually provides children with enriching experiences that simulate real-world interactions and foster appreciation for the natural world. Expand your child’s imagination about the natural world without limit with these virtual approaches:

• Engage in nature photography: Encourage children to explore their surroundings through photography. Using digital cameras or smartphones, they can capture images of flora, fauna, and landscapes.
• Participate in online nature experiences: Explore virtual tours and programs offered by wildlife sanctuaries, zoos, and aquariums. Attend live-streamed animal shows or enrol in virtual classes focusing on wildlife education.

• Watch nature videos and documentaries: Access nature documentaries and educational videos that showcase wildlife habitats and behaviours. Platforms like National Geographic and PBS offer a variety of content suitable for children.
• Experience virtual reality nature tours: Use VR technology to immerse children in simulated natural environments. Virtual reality headsets provide a unique perspective, allowing them to interact with and observe wildlife virtually.

11. Ride Bikes

Cycling offers numerous benefits for children, including improving coordination, building strength, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Teaching a child to ride a bike involves several key steps to ensure they learn safely and confidently.

• Demonstrate how a bike works: Explain the mechanics of a bike by showing each part. Spin the wheels to illustrate movement, pedal with hands to demonstrate propulsion, and engage the brakes to show stopping power.
• Transition from balance bike to pedal bike: Begin with a balance bike to develop coordination and balance. Gradually introduce a pedal bike with training wheels, then remove them once confidence is gained.

• Focus on braking skills: Teach braking techniques early on. Practice braking in controlled settings to ensure your child can confidently stop, especially on slopes or in emergencies.
• Progress to independent starts: Guide your child in starting the bike independently. Teach them to place one foot on a pedal, push off with the other foot, and maintain momentum by pedalling.
• Build confidence through encouragement: Keep the learning process positive and enjoyable. Offer praise and motivation, and incorporate fun activities like races to enhance engagement and confidence.

12. Save Water

With our water resources threatened by pollution, climate change, and increasing demand, teaching children to conserve water is crucial. By instilling these habits early, children can develop a deep appreciation for water conservation, contributing to a sustainable future.

• Skip the rinse in the dishwasher: Encourage children to place dishes directly into the dishwasher without rinsing them first, saving water used for unnecessary pre-rinsing.
• Use a labelled water bottle: Have children create and use a labelled water bottle in the refrigerator to avoid running the tap to get cold water each time they are thirsty.

• Turn off faucets tightly: Teach children to ensure faucets are fully turned off after use to prevent water waste.
• Use a bucket for washing bikes or scooters: Instead of letting the hose run continuously, instruct children to fill a bucket and use a sponge for washing bikes or scooters.
• Water household plants with leftover water: Encourage children to pour leftover water from glasses into household plants rather than letting it go down the drain.

Raise Sustainability with UNIS Hanoi

The Service Learning Programme at UNIS Hanoi forms a cornerstone of our educational mission, integrating deeply into curricular and co-curricular activities from Elementary through High School. This initiative fosters a sense of community responsibility and sustainability for kids by engaging them in impactful projects that address local and global challenges.

At UNIS Hanoi, environmental awareness is nurtured through structured activities aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Elementary School, students participate in events like the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation Walk-a-thon, integrating service into their learning through units of inquiry.

Secondary School students delve deeper, aligning service projects with specific SDGs such as Life on Land (SDG 15) and Health and Well-being (SDG 8). Through experiential learning and action, such as visits to Cuc Phuong National Park and advocacy for ethnic minority communities, students actively contribute to environmental conservation and social justice, embodying our commitment to global citizenship and service.

Apply now and join a school where education goes beyond the classroom to create a positive impact locally and globally!

In the educational context, understanding how to deal with child misbehaving in school helps parents and educators maintain a productive learning environment. Addressing misbehaviour promptly fosters a conducive learning atmosphere and ensures the well-being and development of all students involved.

Misbehaviour can significantly disrupt the educational process, impacting not only the misbehaving child but also their peers and teachers. By effectively managing these situations, schools can mitigate the adverse effects on academic progress and create a supportive classroom setting where all students can thrive and learn effectively.

Why Do Children Misbehave?

A lack of confidence, encouragement, or involvement can contribute to the misbehaviour of children. Here are 6 key reasons why children may misbehave before we learn how to deal with child misbehaving in school:

• Children misbehave when they don’t feel well: A child’s physical well-being significantly impacts their behaviour. Lack of sleep, poor diet, insufficient exercise, and inadequate fresh air can lead to irritability and crankiness. A child who is tired, hungry, or unwell is more likely to act out due to discomfort and frustration.
• They lack knowledge and experience: Children are not miniature adults; they are still learning and growing. Mistakes in behaviour, much like mistakes in learning, are part of their development. Many actions deemed misbehaviour are errors due to a lack of knowledge or experience.
• Children misbehave when they feel upset: Emotional security plays a crucial role in a child’s behaviour. Significant changes, such as the arrival of a new sibling, illness in the family, or moving to a new home, can cause feelings of insecurity and lead to misbehaviour.

• Children misbehave when they feel discouraged: Encouragement and positive reinforcement are vital for good behaviour. Children not receiving approval and recognition for their efforts may resort to misbehaviour to gain attention.
• They lack confidence: Confidence is integral to a child’s willingness to engage with their surroundings. A child who lacks self-confidence may act out to mask their insecurities.
• When they feel unloved: Love and affection are fundamental to effective discipline. Children who feel loved are likelier to want to please their parents and adhere to acceptable behaviour standards.

Tips to Deal With Child Misbehaving In School

Understanding how to deal with child misbehaving in school involves more than just addressing the behaviour; it requires a comprehensive approach that includes communication, emotional support, and consistent consequences.

1. Solve Problems with Your Child

To address how to deal with child misbehaving in school, it is essential to engage directly with the child to understand their perspective and work collaboratively towards solutions.

• Talk to your child regularly: Establish consistent communication with your child’s teacher to identify the root causes of misbehaviour. This helps identify the root causes of behaviour and find ways to address it effectively. Regular check-ins, attending parent-teacher conferences, and requesting daily behaviour updates allow you to monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed. When children see that their positive behaviour is acknowledged and their negative behaviour is addressed constructively, they are more likely to strive for improvement.
• Remain calm and don’t punish your child: When notified of your child’s misbehaviour, stay calm and gather all relevant details. Reacting with anger can exacerbate the situation and inhibit constructive dialogue. Instead, gather information about the incident from the teacher and then calmly discuss it with your child.
• Ask about what’s going on in your child’s life: Inquire regularly about your child’s schoolwork and social interactions. This can help identify if academic struggles or peer issues contribute to misbehaviour. Understanding their day-to-day experiences allows you to provide the necessary support, whether it involves helping with schoolwork or addressing social challenges.

• Let your child express their feelings: Create an environment where your child feels safe to express their emotions. Children may hesitate to share their worries, fearing it might upset their parents. Encourage open conversations during relaxed times, such as family meals or casual walks. Let them know their feelings are important and that you are there to support them.
• Stay close to them: Maintain a supportive relationship with your child. Engage in daily conversations about their school experiences and feelings. Listen attentively to identify patterns or triggers that may be causing the misbehaviour. Validate their emotions and assure them of your support.
• Give consequences: Implement consistent and logical consequences for misbehaviour. These consequences should be directly related to the misdeed and aimed at teaching better choices rather than merely punishing. For instance, if your child disrupts the class, a suitable consequence could be moving to a different seat or losing a privilege like recess.

• Give them choices: Offer your child choices to involve them in improving their behaviour. This approach empowers them and makes them more invested in the outcome. Collaborate with your child to decide on appropriate disciplinary measures for misbehaviour and rewards for positive behaviour.
• Provide reassurance: Regardless of the severity of your child’s misbehaviour, reassure them of your unconditional love and support. Let them know you are committed to helping them overcome their challenges and will work together as a team.
• Give your child a break and avoid pressure: While encouraging open communication, avoid pressuring your child to talk if they are not ready. Ensure that your home provides a supportive atmosphere where your child feels comfortable approaching you when they are ready to discuss their issues.

By implementing these strategies, parents and educators can create a supportive environment that addresses the underlying causes of misbehaviour and promotes positive behavioural changes.

2. Collaborate With Teachers

Collaborating with teachers is an essential strategy for addressing how to deal with child misbehaving in school because managing a disruptive student alone can be challenging for a single teacher. By working together, teachers can share insights, practical strategies, and resources to support the students.

Open lines of communication between teachers, parents, and students are crucial for this process. Understanding and empathy are essential, as the root cause of the behaviour might be emotional, social, or cognitive.

At UNIS Hanoi, the Student Success Teams and Student Intervention Teams provide counselling and student support. These teams include principals, deputy principals, counsellors, learning support teachers, speech and language Therapists (elementary school), Psychologists, and school nurses. They use a comprehensive approach to assess and support students based on teacher observations, educational data, assessments, and health professionals’ evaluations.

Moreover, the Student Intervention Team (SIT), a multidisciplinary group within the Student Success Team, focuses on identifying and addressing individual students’ academic, social, emotional, and speech and language needs, ensuring a coordinated support system for student success. Parents are encouraged to collaborate with these teams to ensure their child receives support.

3. Reinforce Positive Behaviour

Addressing how to deal with child misbehaving in school involves more than just correcting negative actions; it also includes reinforcing positive behaviour. By acknowledging and rewarding good behaviour, parents and teachers can help children understand what is expected of them and enhance their self-esteem.

Praise your child when they follow directions or act helpfully, and consider providing rewards such as extra playtime or engaging activities. This reinforcement strategy promotes desirable behaviours and creates a supportive and encouraging environment for the child’s development.

4. Reward Desirable Behaviour

To encourage and sustain desirable behaviour, establish positive consequences that reinforce the behaviour you wish to see. Praise your child when you receive favourable teacher reports, and celebrate these successes to motivate them further. Setting daily or weekly goals and rewarding your child upon achieving them can provide additional incentive.

For instance, if your child goes three consecutive days without disciplinary issues at school, celebrate by cooking their favourite meal. Moreover, rewards do not need to be costly; linking positive behaviour to privileges like video game time or a trip to the park can be highly effective in maintaining their motivation.

Build Behaviour and Life Skills for Your Child at UNIS Hanoi!

Explore our comprehensive curriculum designed to foster assertive behaviour and life skills in every student.

At UNIS Hanoi, we prioritise nurturing a supportive environment where children learn how to deal with child misbehaving in school through active engagement, problem-solving strategies, and positive relationship building. Our admissions team is ready to assist you in joining our community, which is dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth.

Begin your journey with UNIS Hanoi today! The online application for the 2024-2025 academic year is now open!

Today, many children face difficulties maintaining concentration due to various factors such as distractions, lack of interest, or underlying issues. Concentration can significantly influence a child’s learning experience, and understanding the reasons behind their struggles is the first step toward improvement.

This article explores these challenges and provides 14 practical tips on how to help your child focus in school. By implementing these strategies, parents can create a supportive environment that fosters improved concentration, helping their children to achieve their full potential in the educational setting.

14 Tips to Help Your Child Focus in School

Struggling to understand “how to help my child focus in school”? You’re not alone. Many parents face this challenge, but you can make a significant difference with the right strategies. Here are 14 practical tips to improve your child’s concentration and academic performance.

1. Set a Working Schedule

Establishing a consistent working schedule is an excellent way to help children focus. Young children, particularly those aged 4-5, can generally concentrate for only 5 to 20 minutes at a time, depending on the nature of the task. New or challenging tasks may reduce their attention span, whereas enjoyable activities might extend.

Moreover, it helps children understand and adapt to the routine, enhancing their ability to concentrate on schoolwork. The purpose is to ensure their schedule includes time for challenging and enjoyable activities to balance their focus effectively.

2. Focus on One Task at A Time

While multitasking is often praised in adult contexts, research indicates it significantly reduces concentration and diminishes overall performance. Emphasising the importance of mindfulness, children should be encouraged to focus on one task at a time.

For instance, younger children can sing the alphabet while looking at the letters, whereas older children can tackle one long division problem at a time without worrying about subsequent tasks. This approach not only improves concentration but also enhances the quality of their work.

3. Establish a Homework Area

Creating a specific homework area free from distractions will boost concentration. Multitasking, such as having the TV on or the phone nearby, impairs focus. A quiet, dedicated workspace with the necessary tools and resources can help children concentrate better.

For younger children, parental monitoring programs can control internet usage, instead, older children can benefit from self-monitoring software, fostering independence and better time management skills.

4. Incorporate Scheduled Breaks Into Study Sessions

Incorporating regular breaks into study sessions can help maintain high concentration levels. Continuous studying can lead to mental fatigue, making it harder for children to stay focused.

Short breaks allow them to rest and recharge. A snack or play break can benefit younger children, while older children prefer a brief social interaction or leisure activity. These breaks help sustain attention and improve overall productivity.

5. Teach Relaxation Techniques

Teaching children relaxation techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, helps slow the heart rate and clear the mind, reducing the anxiety that often accompanies challenging tasks.

Relaxation methods foster a calmer, more focused mindset by making tasks feel more approachable and less overwhelming. Helping your child focus in school is encouraging them to tackle difficult activities with greater confidence and concentration.

6. Divide Large Tasks Into Achievable Steps

Breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps makes them less overwhelming and more approachable for children. For example, when learning to tie shoes, focus first on mastering the initial knot, then gradually move on to creating loops.

Similarly, setting a timer for short intervals can help children organise their work, such as writing down facts about a subject within a specified time. This strategy builds concentration by making tasks more structured and achievable.

7. Encourage mindfulness

Encouraging mindfulness can help children manage distractions and improve concentration. Activities that promote mindfulness, such as playing observation games like “I spy,” listening attentively to song lyrics, or practising yoga, can enhance their ability to stay present and focused.

These exercises help children clear away internal distractions, such as physical sensations or entertaining memories, improving their overall concentration and cognitive abilities.

8. Sleep Enough and Eat Healthy

Adequate sleep and a healthy diet are fundamental for maintaining a child’s focus in school. A consistent bedtime routine ensures children get the recommended nine hours of sleep, which is crucial for their cognitive function and overall well-being.

A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients for brain health, enhancing the ability to concentrate and perform academically. Ensuring children are well-rested and properly nourished is essential for optimal focus and behaviour in school.

9. Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity is linked to improved academic performance and concentration. Exercise reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and ADHD. It also boosts immune health, leading to fewer illnesses and better school attendance.

Encouraging children to walk, cycle, or participate in family sports and assigning physical chores promotes regular exercise. These activities enhance physical health and improve cognitive function and concentration in school.

10. Teach Organisational Skills

Simple strategies, such as labelling bins for toys and using colour-coded drawers, can help children organise their belongings.

Ensuring they have everything ready for the next day before bedtime reduces morning stress and promotes a sense of preparedness. Establishing and sticking to these systems can significantly enhance a child’s ability to stay organised and concentrate on tasks.

11. Offer Emotional Support

How to help your child focus in school involves providing them with emotional support. Acknowledging their feelings and using positive reinforcement can make tasks seem less overwhelming. Praising their efforts and achievements encourages them to stay on task.

Managing your stress and maintaining a calm demeanour sets a positive example. Ensuring your child feels understood and supported creates a conducive environment for concentration and learning, reducing anxiety and enhancing their ability to focus.

12. Let Them Try Coding

Introducing coding to children offers a multifaceted approach to how to help your child focus in school. The complex nature of designing, writing, and debugging programs engages sustained attention, logical thinking, and working memory.

As children become accustomed to focusing on coding tasks, they learn to concentrate on one activity at a time, reducing the tendency to multitask. They can transfer these concentration skills to other academic and non-academic tasks as they become proficient in coding.

13. Stimulate Cognitive Development Games

Engaging children in activities that stimulate cognitive development can enhance their focus and learning capacity. Cognitive skills encompass sustained attention, auditory processing, and logical reasoning. Games and activities such as crossword puzzles, chess, and memory card games can help develop these skills.

By consistently practising these activities, children improve their ability to process, analyse, and understand new information, reducing frustration with new subjects and encouraging sustained concentration.

14. Take Part in Problem-Solving Activities

An effective approach for how to help your child focus in school involves incorporating problem-solving activities to enhance their concentration and cognitive abilities. Jenga and card games foster critical thinking and analytical abilities. These activities teach children to identify problems, analyse situations, and develop effective solutions.

By regularly practising these skills, children become more adept at identifying problems, finding solutions, and maintaining focus and perseverance.

At UNIS Hanoi, we comprehend how to help your child focus in school and apply the abovementioned techniques to our education approach. UNIS Hanoi School’s educational philosophy and practices align closely with the effective strategies for child development and academic success outlined by the UNIS Hanoi framework.

Implementing the Primary Years Programme (PYP), which targets students aged 3 to 12, underscores UNIS Hanoi’s commitment to a whole child approach to education, nurturing each student as an active inquirer within and beyond.

Key value propositions of UNIS Hanoi include:

• Structured Schedules and Routines: UNIS Hanoi’s PYP framework ensures a balanced and organised approach to learning, encouraging students to follow structured schedules that promote consistent focus and academic discipline.
• Holistic Development: The PYP curriculum emphasises the development of knowledge, skills, conceptual understanding, attitudes, and actions. This comprehensive approach ensures that students grow intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically.
• Inquiry-Based Learning: UNIS Hanoi’s focus on process-led, inquiry-based learning units encourages students to engage actively with the world around them, fostering curiosity and independent thinking.
• Personalised Learning: Recognising that education is a process rather than a race, UNIS Hanoi tailors the learning journey to each child’s unique pace and interests, an approach deeply rooted in child led learning. This personalised approach helps students progress effectively and develop a love for lifelong learning.
• Professional Educators: The school is staffed with highly professional teachers who model effective habits of mind and are dedicated to continuous learning. These teachers provide students with exemplary role models.

• Parental Partnership: UNIS Hanoi values strong partnerships with parents, involving them in the educational process through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and workshops. This collaborative approach ensures that each child’s needs are met comprehensively.
• Regular Breaks and Physical Activity: The school’s co-curricular activities, including sports and arts programmes, integrate regular physical exercise and creative outlets, aligning with incorporating scheduled breaks to maintain cognitive function.
• Early Childhood Focus: UNIS Hanoi acknowledges the critical importance of the formative years, particularly from birth to age 6. The school invests in rich learning environments and experiences that harness young children’s natural curiosity and capacity for new experiences.
• Leadership and Social Skills: Through student councils and varied co-curricular programmes, UNIS Hanoi nurtures leadership skills and social development, preparing students to be engaged members of the school community and the wider world.

These value propositions demonstrate UNIS Hanoi School’s alignment with proven child development strategies, ensuring that students are well-equipped to focus, succeed academically, and develop into well-rounded individuals.

Enrol Your Child at UNIS Hanoi Today!

Understanding how to help your child focus in school is essential for their academic journey. UNIS Hanoi, a prestigious international school, fosters students’ success through a rigorous curriculum and a holistic educational approach. Our graduates gain acceptance to top universities worldwide, including Ivy League schools and leading institutions in the UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

For a transformative educational experience that enhances your child’s focus and academic potential, apply to UNIS Hanoi today to secure your child’s bright future!