There is more to a good report than fees
Aug 28, 2009
My maths grades had not been good for a while, and my teacher and dad’s canes didn’t make them better. After trying to hide my report in vain, my dad’s reaction helped me.
By Susan Muyiyi
Homework is not a ‘mums only’ activity. fathers need to be active participants in their children’s school work, if they want to see good results
My maths grades had not been good for a while, and my teacher and dad’s canes didn’t make them better. After trying to hide my report in vain, my dad’s reaction helped me.
He sat me down and assured me that I could conquer the Mathematics giant; he didn’t condemn me. Suddenly, I got a gush of energy that saw me revise vectors and statistics like my life depended on it. I never got bad grades ever!
Dr. John Muyingo, the Principal of Uganda Martyrs SS Namugongo, a teacher for over 20 years, says a father’s keen interest in his child’s academic performance causes a drastic academic change.
A change that coaching alone would not bring.
Granted, the children are on holiday and are supposed to relax after three months at school. But Muyingo suggests an hour or less, during which time, academics can be discussed.
“You need to find out why your child has performed poorly in a particular subject and find ways of helping them improve,†Muyingo advises.
While busy schedules have become second nature to most fathers, getting involved in drawing up the holiday programme will go a long way in helping you make time for the kids.
Muyingo emphasises that fathers should be a part of the programme, instead of delegating, especially when it comes to addressing academic issues.
Before you spend money on extra lessons for your child during the holiday, find out why their grades are poor; are they being bullied or not given enough time to catch up?
You will never know unless you ask, and not in a hurried manner, or a few minutes before hitting the road to work.
It takes time for the children to trust you before opening up about the subjects they are weak in because in most cases, they are afraid of your reaction.
While you ought to have an input in helping them improve academically, creating an all round environment will help you discuss touchy subjects like bad grades in a less tense environment.
Muyingo says he wakes his children up at 5:00am for prayers and an hour of physical exercise.
“We jog together and head for the garden to dig. But now that I have two candidates, time for the garden is limited.â€
He also monitors their breathing when they jog to ascertain whether they are smoking.
While he draws the programme with his wife, he says, the children’s input is welcome.
Muyingo and his children are also reading Secrets of Investment by Robert Kiyosaki to broaden their understanding of economics.
According to Muyingo, children understand more outside a formal learning environment than when in the class rooms.
And this is an opportunity fathers can use to supplement reading material.
During the school term, Muyingo resides at the school premises, while during the holidays, he stays at his house so to spend time with the children.
“I try to have lunch with them everyday and to be home by dinner time.
In my home, meal time isn’t only about eating food. It is a time to bond and share the day’s experiences.â€
Muyingo personally supervises his children’s homework and checks all their books for any clues of missed classes. “I ask them to spell check and inquire about certain words they have in their notes.â€
Muyingo notes that all-round involvement is beneficial because it helps you discover things about your child. “I check their bedrooms and suitcases to find out what they have brought from school.
I would, for instance, know whether someone is trying to distract my daughter by scanning the property she brings back home. I make sure that they clean their rooms and teach them to respect other people’s property.â€
While conversation can focus on any topic, Muyingo says sharing honestly achieves much more than creating a superficial impression of your academic prowess at school.
Children need to know that you also had some struggles with particular subjects but managed to overcome them. This will help them relate to you better.
He adds that a father’s direct involvement will help him instill spiritual, cultural and academic values in his children.
Homework is not a ‘mums only’ activity. fathers need to be active participants in their children’s school work, if they want to see good results
My maths grades had not been good for a while, and my teacher and dad’s canes didn’t make them better. After trying to hide my report in vain, my dad’s reaction helped me.
He sat me down and assured me that I could conquer the Mathematics giant; he didn’t condemn me. Suddenly, I got a gush of energy that saw me revise vectors and statistics like my life depended on it. I never got bad grades ever!
Dr. John Muyingo, the Principal of Uganda Martyrs SS Namugongo, a teacher for over 20 years, says a father’s keen interest in his child’s academic performance causes a drastic academic change.
A change that coaching alone would not bring.
Granted, the children are on holiday and are supposed to relax after three months at school. But Muyingo suggests an hour or less, during which time, academics can be discussed.
“You need to find out why your child has performed poorly in a particular subject and find ways of helping them improve,†Muyingo advises.
While busy schedules have become second nature to most fathers, getting involved in drawing up the holiday programme will go a long way in helping you make time for the kids.
Muyingo emphasises that fathers should be a part of the programme, instead of delegating, especially when it comes to addressing academic issues.
Before you spend money on extra lessons for your child during the holiday, find out why their grades are poor; are they being bullied or not given enough time to catch up?
You will never know unless you ask, and not in a hurried manner, or a few minutes before hitting the road to work.
It takes time for the children to trust you before opening up about the subjects they are weak in because in most cases, they are afraid of your reaction.
While you ought to have an input in helping them improve academically, creating an all round environment will help you discuss touchy subjects like bad grades in a less tense environment.
Muyingo says he wakes his children up at 5:00am for prayers and an hour of physical exercise.
“We jog together and head for the garden to dig. But now that I have two candidates, time for the garden is limited.â€
He also monitors their breathing when they jog to ascertain whether they are smoking.
While he draws the programme with his wife, he says, the children’s input is welcome.
Muyingo and his children are also reading Secrets of Investment by Robert Kiyosaki to broaden their understanding of economics.
According to Muyingo, children understand more outside a formal learning environment than when in the class rooms.
And this is an opportunity fathers can use to supplement reading material.
During the school term, Muyingo resides at the school premises, while during the holidays, he stays at his house so to spend time with the children.
“I try to have lunch with them everyday and to be home by dinner time.
In my home, meal time isn’t only about eating food. It is a time to bond and share the day’s experiences.â€
Muyingo personally supervises his children’s homework and checks all their books for any clues of missed classes. “I ask them to spell check and inquire about certain words they have in their notes.â€
Muyingo notes that all-round involvement is beneficial because it helps you discover things about your child. “I check their bedrooms and suitcases to find out what they have brought from school.
I would, for instance, know whether someone is trying to distract my daughter by scanning the property she brings back home. I make sure that they clean their rooms and teach them to respect other people’s property.â€
While conversation can focus on any topic, Muyingo says sharing honestly achieves much more than creating a superficial impression of your academic prowess at school.
Children need to know that you also had some struggles with particular subjects but managed to overcome them. This will help them relate to you better.
He adds that a father’s direct involvement will help him instill spiritual, cultural and academic values in his children.