Supporting a Learning Culture at Home

At this week’s Parent Partnership Event, I shared some thoughts on establishing study habits to boost student success. One key focus was the importance of building a positive learning culture within the home environment.

Research consistently highlights the powerful role of the home in a child’s learning journey. For example, the EPPSE study (UK) found that what parents do at home, such as reading together, encouraging curiosity, and setting routines, had a greater impact on learning than almost any other factor measured.

In practical terms, this means that anything you do to talk about learning, show its value, and support your child’s educational efforts at home will make a difference. Here are some specific strategies you can try:

• Be intentional in conversations
  Talk regularly about school, learning, and current events. Let your children hear that you value education by how you speak about school and teachers.
• Model learning
  Let your children see you learning new things. Whether it’s reading, solving problems, or pursuing a new skill, explain how and why you learn, it shows that learning is a lifelong habit.
• Establish routines for study and sleep
  Consistent routines help create the structure students need to thrive academically and maintain wellbeing.
• Set boundaries for technology
  Keep study and sleep times free from phone use. Include gaming, social media, and screen time in your household routines with clear limits.
• Reflect on growth, not just results
  Help your child see setbacks or low marks as opportunities to grow. When assessments come back, shift the conversation from grades to what can be learned and improved.

Of course, a balanced life is key. Time outdoors, rest, exercise, and recreation, including TV and movies, are all part of a healthy routine. But within that balance, any steps you can take to build a strong learning culture at home can make a lasting impact on your child’s educational progress.