A GREAT start to a NEW year

After a two-month hiatus, we are back! We will be sharing some tips with parents in this post on how to help your child to have a GREAT start to a NEW year.

(1) Goals and targets for the new year
It is important that your child thinks through what his or her goals and targets are. He or she should have ownership of the goals and targets. Set aside time to discuss with your child the goals and targets he or she would like to set for himself or herself. The goals can be academic goals and personal goals (in terms of character and values).

(2) Personal Timetable 
Set aside some time this week or next week to plan a personal timetable (Monday to Sunday - allocating time for homework, revision, rest etc) with your child. This will help your child to have a better picture of how much time he or she has each day and how to plan and use his or her time more effectively.

Kids are also strongly encouraged to factor in a five-minute slot for personal reflection daily or weekly. They can reflect on what has gone wrong for the day or week and how things can be done differently. They can also reflect on what they have done right for the day or week. As a start, perhaps parents can help them via a discussion.

A personal timetable is a powerful tool to instil self-discipline in the kids. Parents can cut down on time spent nagging them. Kids will also have a sense of responsibility and ownership.

(3) Daily Revision
No matter how busy your child is this year, he or she has to set aside some time daily for revision. It can be in the form of reviewing what has been taught for the day. Your child may also like to focus a little more on his or her weaker subject(s) during the daily review. Cumulative review is encouraged. Please refer to a post on our blog on cumulative review. If your child does not have the time to copy the questions down in the cumulative review book, it will be good if he or she tags out the questions that needs further review and revision.

(4) Sharing of inspirational messages or stories
Take some time in the first month to share some inspirational stories or quotes with your child. Discuss with them the importance of having a positive attitude towards learning and life. Watch some inspirational videos with them. It is important to influence the mindset and attitudes of the child and to inspire him or her. Once the child has a positive attitude, half the battle is won.

Don't despair if you think your child had not been self-disciplined last year or for the past few years. It is never too late for them to change. You will be pleasantly surprised at the outcomes when they change and become more mature,self-disciplined and self-motivated.