Tips for parents and children starting secondary school

Tip 1: preparation during the holidays

In the final weeks before their child starts secondary school, it is helpful for parents to organize a pleasant learning environment: a quiet place of their own, books covered and school supplies such as a planner, pencil case, pens and pencils at home.

Tip 2: create a positive working atmosphere

It is important for homework to become a habit from the very beginning, even if there is not much of it yet. As a parent, discuss with your child which time is most suitable for getting started. This helps prevent procrastination. Does your child need help? Then choose a time when you can genuinely set aside time for your child.

Tip 3: a quiet learning environment

Homework is best done in a quiet environment. In a fixed place, your child will get into “homework mode” more quickly. This could be at the table in the living room or in their own room. Discuss with your child which option they prefer. It is important that there is as little distraction as possible. Therefore, make agreements about phones, laptops, television and other distractions.

Tip 4: homework and the five-step plan

Does your child find it difficult to get started on homework? Then try the five-step plan. This is a good method to learn together. After a while, your child can use it independently.

Step 1: (Digital) planner

Teach your child never to start without a plan. A (digital) planner shows what needs to be done for the following day. Look first, then get started. Make a daily plan: what will I do first, and what will I do next?

Step 2: Doing homework

Children often prefer to start with practical assignments, and that is fine. Do make sure there is some variety. After doing some practical work, move on to some study work, and so on.

Step 3: Studying and checking lessons

When your child starts secondary school, learning something can be difficult at first. It starts with reading the text carefully and checking whether you understand everything. Looking up difficult words and making a summary, diagram or mind map can help. Does your child know the material? After studying, it is important for your child to learn to check their own knowledge. For example, by explaining to you or to themselves what the lesson is about. For language subjects, there are many online ways to test one’s knowledge.

Step 4: Learning to plan

Teach your child to ask questions that help with planning. For example: how much time do I have today? Do I have appointments outside the house? Do I have a test coming up? It is a good idea to start preparing for this a few days in advance. It is better to practise three times for 10 minutes than once for 30 minutes. Are there assignments that are not due for a few days but can already be completed? It is useful to work ahead from time to time.

Step 5: Wrapping up

Is the homework finished? Always have your child check off the tasks in their planner, clear their desk and pack their schoolbag for the next day so that they are well prepared for the next school day.

Tip 5: setting an end time

In addition to agreeing on a start time, it is also a good idea to agree on an end time. The amount of time your child needs for homework varies from day to day. In addition, one child needs more time than another. But over time, it becomes reasonably easy to estimate the average amount of time needed for homework.

Tip 6: help with relaxation

Homework is important, but relaxation is too. Therefore, help with planning at first, so that your child has time left to play sports, hang out with friends or do something else to relax.

Tip 7: the school’s introductory or start-of-year meeting

If all goes well, the secondary school mentor will invite the parents for an initial introduction shortly after the start of the school year. This is often with all the parents in the class, but increasingly it is an individual introductory meeting between the mentor, parents and student.

It is advisable to attend this meeting. There, you will hear about the school’s policies and the approach to homework that the school recommends. As a parent, you can also use this meeting to indicate, for example, what the mentor should know about your child.