In addition to the quality of the curriculum taught at your child’s learning center, parent involvement contributes to their academic success. As kids spend less than 15% of their time in the classroom, it’s often up to parents to help with homework and provide activities to reinforce what’s learned. In an attempt to help youngsters avoid frustration, many parents simplify concepts and language when discussing material. Although the intentions are good, using language that’s too basic is detrimental to your child’s progress. Here’s why. 

Why Talking Down Impacts Academic Success 

When parents avoid big words and detailed explanations of complex issues, kids aren’t prepared to meet expectations as they progress in school. When denied the opportunity to expand their vocabulary through advanced dialogue, children don’t comprehend sophisticated language presented in reading materials at school. This leaves them ill-prepared to complete book reports for language arts class and participate in group discussions.

Parent-led, one-sided conversations are also problematic, as kids don’t get a chance to ask questions or share their thoughts. This can lead them to the conclusion that their opinions aren’t valid, which will leave them less inclined to participate in school.  

How to Talk to Your Kids to Make Them Smarter

According to a UCLA School of Public Health study, two-sided, academic-based conversations are six times more effective in enhancing language development than when parents lecture their kids.

Define the vocabulary used in textbooks and homework to reinforce your child’s understanding. The teachers at your child’s learning center can also recommend vocabulary words to use at home.

Educators also encourage parents to incorporate numerical language into everyday activities, such as explaining measurements when kids help with cooking or addition and subtraction when paying for items at the store. This will improve problem-solving skills for math and science. 

In addition to thoughtful discussions at home, enrolling your child in the math enrichment programs at FasTracKids will help build upon what’s learned at school. The classes at this Brooklyn, NY-based learning center have small groups of three or four students, which allows educators more time to focus on the needs of each child. To learn more about the educational opportunities, call (347) 987-4450. You can also find out about programs the learning center provides on the website and through videos on Facebook.