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Helping your child learn at home

Key takeaways

  • Your support at home helps your child feel confident and ready to learn.
  • What your child needs from you will change as they grow, but your involvement always matters.
  • Simple things like creating a calm space and showing interest can make a big difference. 
a father helping his son with his homework

Learning starts at home.

Whether your child is in primary school, high school, or preparing for final exams, your support makes a big difference. You don’t need to be a teacher – being involved, encouraging, and creating a calm space helps your child feel confident and ready to learn.

As your child grows, the kind of support they need will change. But at every stage, your involvement helps them stay motivated, build strong habits, and feel supported in their learning.

Here are some practical ways you can support your child’s learning at home: 

Primary school

Focus: Building good habits and a love of learning

What you can do:

  • Create a quiet space for reading, drawing, and homework
  • Read together every day (even for 10 minutes)
  • Use everyday moments to explore numbers and words (e.g. cooking, shopping)
  • Play games that use reading, writing, or maths
  • Praise effort and progress, not just results

Your role:

  • Be involved and curious
  • Make learning fun and part of daily life
  • Help build routines and confidence

High school (Years 7 to 10)

Focus: Building independence and study habits

What you can do:

  • Set up a study space with fewer distractions
  • Help your child plan their time using a calendar or planner
  • Talk about school, goals, and interests
  • Support with homework and study techniques
  • Encourage breaks and balance

Your role:

  • Be a guide. Check in, but let them take the lead
  • Help them stay organised and motivated
  • Support their emotional wellbeing

Final years (Year 11 and 12)

Focus: Managing stress, staying focused, and preparing for the future

What you can do:

  • Keep the study space calm and well-equipped
  • Help plan study time and rest time
  • Encourage healthy habits (sleep, food, exercise)
  • Talk openly about stress and future plans
  • Celebrate effort and progress

Your role:

  • Be a cheerleader. Offer support, not pressure
  • Help manage stress and expectations
  • Stay positive and encouraging

If you’re worried about your child’s learning, it’s ok to ask for help.

You can talk to:
  • Their teacher: They know your child’s learning style and can offer advice
  • The school: They may offer or connect you with extra support within the school or community 
  • Your Family Partnership Coordinator: They may suggest a program or refer you to another service, if that’s what you’d like 
 
You are your child’s first teacher. By creating a calm, encouraging space and showing interest in their learning, you’re helping them grow.

We are here for you!

young woman tutoring two young children

Your Family Partnership Coordinator is here to support you through each stage of your child's educational journey.

They can support you to problem-solve any challenges that may come up that affect your child's education.

They can also connect you to educational support programs or services in the community if you decide that's what you need.

You can find your Family Partnership Coordinator's contact details in My Smith Family.

Visit My Smith Family

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