Take a daily interest
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- Ask about your child’s homework – find out when work is due and whether they need any help with anything.
- Find out the topics your child will be studying each term by looking at the Golden Nuggets.
- Check Matravers Matters for upcoming events and mark your calendar straight away for activities that will include your child or talk to their teachers.
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Support your child’s reading
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- Encourage them to read magazines, comics and newspapers as well as books.
- Buy books for presents – those that tie in to a favourite television show, pop band or computer game are often a hit.
- Read the books or plays your child is studying in school and discuss what you have read with them.
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Get the most from school reports
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- Read them carefully and note your child’s strengths and weaknesses – work out what they need to do to improve in weak areas.
- Give praise when your child has done well, but for areas of concern agree on specific things that can be done to improve.
- Compare reports from year to year to highlight areas of improvement and concern.
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Make the most of Parents Evenings
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- Spend some time with your child before the evening discussing their strengths, weaknesses and any problems at school.
- Make a list of questions to ask teachers about your child's work, how they get along with classmates and their general attitude towards school.
- Be prepared to listen when meeting teachers, even to criticism of your child's work or behaviour.
- Ask questions, especially if you don't understand or agree with something.
- Try to take away from the meeting some positive steps that you, your child and the teachers can take to help your child succeed.
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Take advantage of museums and galleries
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A fun day out for the family can also be a great learning opportunity. Museums and galleries can help bring your child's school work to life.
The internet can help you plan your visits:
- Search for specific kinds of exhibits by place, date or subject at more than 3,000 museums, galleries and heritage attractions at the 24 Hour Museum.
- Search for galleries, art museums and art centres by geographic region at the Gallery Finder.
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