MetroFamily Magazine Jan Feb 2026

Practical tips for every stage of learning Supporting your child’s education doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, small, consistent actions at home often make the biggest difference. From reading together to setting routines that build confidence, families can create simple habits that strengthen learning at every age and help build a foundation for lifelong learning. Preschool and Elementary School Reading with children during preschool and early elementary years is one of the most important activities families can do to support academic development. Both structured and unstructured play are powerful modes of learning that build cognitive, social, emotional and creative capacities. • Read with your child daily, discussing the story and connecting it to their life. • Use everyday activities like cooking, shopping and playing to introduce counting, measuring and recognizing shapes. • Help with homework by guiding them through problems step- by-step rather than giving the answers. • Maintain consistent sleep schedules and healthy meals while discussing how nutrition supports focus, memory and overall academic success. • Praise persistence and small wins to build confidence.

Middle School • Encourage a consistent study schedule with a quiet, organized workspace. • Teach organizational skills like note-taking, goal-setting and breaking assignments into smaller, manageable steps. • Help balance responsibilities through planning and regular check-ins on schoolwork, chores and behavior. • Gradually increase independence while supporting emotional growth through open conversations about your child’s challenges and feelings. • Encourage extracurriculars, but avoid overscheduling to preserve time for schoolwork, rest and family. High School • Emphasize academic effort, responsibility and long-term goals. • Provide structured study space and consistent routines. • Stay engaged through grade monitoring, conferences and teacher contact. • Balance support with allowing ownership of their learning. • Discuss career interests and hobbies, connecting them to school and future opportunities. For more strategies and insights on the impact of family engagement, including electronic device regulation and homework support, visit www.okeii.org/library.

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