Cape Town - The results from the matric 2015 year were disheartening.
A five percent fall in the national pass rate got loads of parents and educators hot under the collar. With many people pointing fingers at what may have caused this drop, parents sending their children into matric this year might be a little worried.
Godfrey Madanhire is a professional motivational speaker, life coach and is an ex-teacher from his home country of Zimbabwe. When the 2015 results were published, he was inundated with phone calls from worried parents sending their children into Grade 12 in 2016.
Here is the advice he shared with these parents to help their children achieve the best in their last year of school:
Create a learning environment
This is their last year at high school and there are multiple exams to be written. It’s important that you take the time now to create a space where they can study in silence and not be disturbed. Whether it is in the kitchen, in a study, or at a desk in their room, it needs to be an environment where they can easily focus.
Help and advise them on a schedule
Creating a plan that will eventually evolve into a routine is important. There will be many distractions during the next 12 months, like studying for their learner's license, so encouraging them to get into the flow of learning will help them work through their curriculum. Drawing up a roster of this schedule and placing it in a highly visible spot will act as a constant reminder.
Brush up on what they’re doing
Take an interest in what your child is currently learning; you’ll be surprised how much the curriculum has changed over the years. Ask them questions on certain subjects and get them to teach you, a bit of role-reversal will only help. It’s also a great way for them to really start understanding the topics. Once a person is able to teach a subject they will truly know what they are learning.
Keep in touch with their teachers
Your child’s educators will have some great insights to share with you. After all, they are engaged with learners in a professional capacity on a daily basis. Ask them what sections of the curriculum were hard for the students to grasp. Getting a full picture of how your child is coping with their studies at home and how they’re learning at school will show you what areas they need tutoring in. This will also help you assess whether they need to be engaging with extra lessons.
Keep their home a healthy one
It’s vital that children maintain a healthy lifestyle at home and at school. A lack of sleep will hamper their learning. Encourage them to get enough sleep so they are well rested and ready to tackle the day. Pack and make healthy meals, allowing them to eat too many unhealthy meals will make them lethargic. Help them create time for exercise; a simple jog around the block will help clear their minds. A healthy body and mind is crucial for learning.
Adapted from a press release for IOL