Tips for parents
to support their child's learning
in primary school

The transition from kindergarten to primary school is a big step – for both children and parents. Schoolchildren are suddenly faced with additional subjects, new teachers and a different style of teaching. But as a parent, you are also facing a new challenge. You may wonder, “Can my child handle all this?” or think, “I hope my child doesn't get bored.”
 

You are surely also asking yourself “How can I support my child?” to give your child a good start in primary school. But this question will also come up again and again in later years, because the academic demands and your child change. This question is particularly important because parents play a central role in the education of their children – especially in primary school.
 

To ensure that supporting your child with their schoolwork doesn't turn into a test of strength but is a source of joy for you and your child, I have put together seven proven tips for you in this article. To do this, I searched through scientific articles and journals to compile balanced findings for you. I hope you enjoy using these tips to support your child in their primary school learning.

Create a positive learning environment as the basis for academic success
 

1. Suitable workplace: A pleasant learning environment begins with a quiet, structured and well-lit workplace of one's own. This workplace should “belong” to your child (i.e. not the kitchen table, for example) and should always be accessible to your child. Here, your child can keep all the necessary materials such as pens, notebooks and books for school. A clear structure in the learning environment can significantly increase your child's concentration and productivity, as it allows them to concentrate better and learn more efficiently. Digital devices are rather difficult for this, especially in the first years of primary school, as they offer numerous distractions that can disrupt children's concentration. In contrast, analog materials allow for a more focused and in-depth engagement with the subject matter. Last but not least, both the desk and chair should be suitable for your child's height – some desks and chairs even grow with them.

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Reassure your child by supporting them through their school years

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2. A motivating emotional environment: By actively taking an interest in your child's school activities, praising them for their successes and motivating them when they fail or take a detour, you are offering your child support and boosting their self-confidence. Playing games together can also increase their enjoyment of learning, as children learn particularly well through play.

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3. Active caregivers: You don't have to do everything alone. By involving other caregivers, you can spread the burden of your child's school support across several shoulders. This could be, for example, your nanny or your grandparents. This support is valuable for your child, as they can benefit from different perspectives and learning methods. Studies have shown that children who have a close relationship with their grandparents are often emotionally more stable and socially competent. Nannies can also play an important role through their educational experience, as they can make learning structured and varied.

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4. Effective collaboration with teachers: Regular communication with teachers is essential to identify your child's progress and any difficulties at an early stage. Close collaboration between parents and teachers has been shown to have a positive impact on children's academic performance. You can, for example, attend parents' evenings or seek out one-on-one meetings with your child's teachers. 

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Playfully empower your child to be independent and take responsibility for themselves

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5. Playful problem solving: You can help your child learn that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. This will enable your child to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Games are particularly suitable for this, as they allow your child to learn new content while having fun. In addition, your child learns that you don't always win and that persistence pays off. This helps your child build their resilience.

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6. Independent work: Encourage your child to approach tasks independently before offering help. This strengthens your child's problem-solving skills and self-confidence. You can also create a stable structure for your child through regular study times and fixed rituals that offer your child security and orientation. A weekly schedule that includes both learning times and breaks and leisure activities is very helpful here. In addition, routines and structured learning times can improve academic performance. They also help your child learn how to organize themselves independently.

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7. Diverse analog media: Analog media such as books and educational games are particularly suitable for young children. They support cognitive development as well as the understanding and retention of the subject matter. For example, studies have shown that children who regularly take handwritten notes are better able to process and retain information. In addition, physical media promotes fine motor skills and sensory development, which is important for children's overall development. In contrast, frequent use of digital media can impair the ability to self-regulate and to engage in deep cognitive processing, as these often offer quick rewards and distractions.

 

The Primarschulbox can help you implement most of these tips. The Primarschulbox supports you in helping your child, so that you can concentrate on the important things – interacting with your child.

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In order to provide you with the right ideas for supporting your child at the right time, we have thoroughly researched the topics covered by curriculum Lehrplan 21 and Swiss schoolbooks for individual subjects and grades. We have put together the appropriate materials so that your child can grasp the topics in a fun way. This way, you can not only help your child to better understand school content, but also show your primary school child the joy of learning along the way.

 

In addition, the Primarschulbox can be individually adapted to your child's level of knowledge to provide optimal support for primary school. So if your child has already mastered certain topics or is having difficulties with topics that have already been covered, this can be easily reflected.

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Literature

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Attar-Schwartz, S., Tan, J. P., Buchanan, A., Flouri, E., & Griggs, J. (2009). Grandparenting and adolescent adjustment in two-parent biological, lone-parent, and step-families. Journal of Family Psychology, 23(1), 67-75. 

 

Epson (2024). Lernerfolg hängt vom Material ab. 

 

Fischer, K. (2018). Kinderzimmer einrichten. So finden Sie den passenden Schreibtisch und Stuhl für Ihr Kind. Der Spiegel.

 

Ginsburg, K. (2007). The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. Pediatrics, 119(1), 182-191. 

 

Hauser, B. (2020). Wirksamkeit spielbasierter Lernumgebungen – empirische Befunde. Kübler, M., Buhl, G., Rüdisüli C. (Hrsg.). Spielen und Lernen verbinden – mit spielbasierten Lernumgebungen, 41-50.

 

Henderson, A. T., & Mapp, K. L. (2002). A new wave of evidence: The impact of school, family, and community connections on student achievement. National Center for Family & Community Connections with Schools.

 

Hillmayr, D., Täschner, J., Brockmann, L., Holzberger, D. (2021). Elternbeteiligung im schulischen Kontext. Potenzial zur Förderung des schulischen Erfolgs von Schülerinnen und Schülern. Waxmann.

 

James, K. H., & Engelhardt, L. (2012). The effects of handwriting experience on functional brain development in pre-literate children. Trends in Neuroscience and Education, 1(1), 32-42. 

 

Keller, K. (2024). Spielerisches Lernen: Definition, Vorteile, Beispiele. Lehrmittelverlag Zürich LMVZ Blog. 

 

Mangen, A., Walgermo, B. R., & Brønnick, K. (2013). Reading linear texts on paper versus computer screen: Effects on reading comprehension. International Journal of Educational Research, 58, 61-68.

 

Mueller, P. A., & Oppenheimer, D. M. (2014). The pen is mightier than the keyboard: Advantages of longhand over laptop note taking. Psychological Science, 25(6), 1159-1168. 

 

Riaz, A. (2023). Reading from books could be better for young kids than reading from screens if you want the knowledge to sink in. Irish Independent.

 

Schnellmann, A. (2022). Eltern können die Einstellung ihrer Kinder gegenüber der Schule positiv beeinflussen. Fritz und Fränzi. Das Schweizer ElternMagazin.

 

Walper, S. (2012). Vom Einfluss der Eltern. Deutsches Jugendinstitut DJI Impulse, 10-13.

 

Wentzel, K. R. (1998). Social relationships and motivation in middle school: The role of parents, teachers, and peers. Journal of Educational Psychology, 90(2), 202-209. 

 

Brüggemeier, M. & Jacobs, C. (2021). Wie Kinder selbständig lernen lernen. Magazin Schule.