How Can Grandparents Help Schoolers with Education?

Grandparents are often an essential part of a child's life, and their influence extends beyond just being loving and supportive. They play a vital role in a child's education, especially during the school years when a child is still developing their academic skills. In this blog post, we will discuss some ways in which grandparents are able to help schoolers with their education.

First, Mind the Parents

As a grandparent, you are always welcome to help and support bringing up your grandkids. However, it is crucial to remember that the rules set by your own kids have to be followed. If they do not want their schoolers to read the Holy Bible, do not insist. If they have offered to check free worksheet templates at Storyboardthat and use them to get assignments done, follow their recommendation. After all, a lot has already changed.

So, here are the steps that you might take to help your grandkids with education and studies:

Encourage Reading

Reading is an essential skill that every child needs to develop. However, with the rise of technology and other distractions, it is challenging to get children to read. Grandparents can play an important role in encouraging reading among schoolers. Here are some ways grandparents can do so:

  • Provide Books: Grandparents can provide their grandchildren with age-appropriate books as gifts or as a regular supply of reading material. They can also help their grandchildren create a library by buying or borrowing books that are of interest to them.

  • Read with Them: You should make reading a fun and interactive activity by reading with your grandchildren. It is possible to take turns reading a story aloud or discussing the characters, plot, and themes of the book. This not only makes the process enjoyable but also helps the child develop comprehension and critical thinking skills.

  • Create a Reading Nook: A cozy and comfortable reading nook can entice children to spend time with a book. Grandparents should help create this nook by providing a comfortable chair or cushion, good lighting, and a shelf of books nearby.

  • Use Technology: While it is essential to limit screen time, technology can be a useful tool for encouraging reading. Grandparents can download e-books, audiobooks, or various apps on their grandchild's tablet or phone. This will make reading more interactive and engaging for the child.

  • Make Reading a Regular Activity: Grandparents can make reading a regular activity by setting aside time each day for reading. This should be done in the form of a bedtime story or an hour spent with books after school. By making reading a part of their routine, children will be more likely to develop a love for reading.

Share Your Life Experiences

As a grandparent, you have a wealth of life experiences that you might be willing to share with your grandchildren. Tell stories about your childhood, struggles, and successes. Such stories will inspire children to be resilient and persistent in their studies.

Grandparents can also help their grandchildren connect the dots between what they learn in school and how it applies to real life. Just be sure to pick age-appropriate examples to prevent kids from misunderstanding what you are trying to say.

Help with Homework

Homework and various assignments are challenging for children, and sometimes, parents may not have the necessary knowledge or time to help them. Grandparents can step in and provide assistance with homework. They can help their grandchildren with tasks like reviewing spelling words, practicing multiplication tables, and checking math problems.

Provide Support

School can be stressful, and children may feel overwhelmed at times. Grandparents can provide emotional support by listening to their grandchildren's concerns and offering words of encouragement. Attend school events, such as plays and concerts, to show their support and pride in their grandchildren's accomplishments. You can also support your grandkids in the following ways:

  • Listen and show empathy: Children may face academic or social challenges, and they need someone to talk to and feel supported. Grandparents can lend a listening ear, show empathy, and offer emotional support. This might help their grandchildren feel understood, validated, and more confident in dealing with their challenges.

  • Encourage and motivate: Grandparents should encourage and motivate their grandchildren to do their best in school. Provide words of encouragement, praise their achievements, and help set goals. This will help your grandchildren develop a positive attitude towards learning and a sense of accomplishment.

Share Your Skills

Grandparents have a lot of skills and talents that they can share with their grandchildren. For example:

  • If a grandparent is an artist, they are able to teach their grandchild how to draw or paint. 

  • If they are handy with tools, they might help their grandchild build a birdhouse or a model car. 

Such activities can help children develop practical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

All in all, grandparents can play a crucial role in a child's education by providing emotional support, sharing their life experiences, encouraging reading, helping with homework, and sharing their skills. By doing so, they can help their grandchildren develop into well-rounded individuals who are successful in school and in life.

About the author

Louise Miller, artist, retired.

Louise has been working as a painter of books for children for more than 30 years. Currently, she is retired and enjoys her time with her two grandkids. Mathew is already a schooler and she is fond of helping him out with his assignments. Eveline is still in kindergarten, and Louise can’t wait when her granddaughter starts schooling so she could help her as well.




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