Getting an education is important because it allows us to learn new things, expand our understanding of the world, and grow as individuals. Success in school is most commonly measured by grades, but there are also other factors that play into what a student is able to achieve. There are also challenges that can affect how successful kids are in school, so finding ways to help them is critical to their progress.

It’s especially important to know how to help low-income students in the classroom because they may not have the same resources and support available to them. In this article, we’ll focus on some of the ways to help students be successful in school.

What You Can Do to Help Students Be Successful

• Make Sure They Get Enough Sleep and Eat a Balanced Diet - Getting the proper amount of sleep and eating a balanced diet are both critical to a child’s growth, development, energy, and brain function. If kids are tired or not feeling well, then they are less likely to be attentive and engaged in school. This can lead to poor performance in the classroom.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), school-age children—ages 6-12—need between 9 and 12 hours of sleep each night for their health, well-being, and cognitive function. Kids should also eat a balanced diet full of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy proteins. This will ensure kids get all the nutrients they require and provide the energy they need to learn and succeed in school.

• Set Goals Together - Another useful tip to help students be successful in school is to set goals together with them. Instead of simply telling a child that you expect an A on every assignment and in every class, sit down with them and come up with realistic goals and a plan for how they can achieve them. This can involve anything, like building healthy study habits they follow each day or asking for help more often.

Remember to value the goals you set above the grades a child receives, especially since letter grades are an inadequate measure of a student’s success.

• Create a Balanced Routine - Similar to setting goals together, it’s vital to create a balanced routine to help children thrive. This will allow them to stay on track, remain focused, and complete all of their schoolwork on time. Consider things like planned technology use, keeping a quiet home while they study, eating dinner around the same time each day, and going to bed on time every night. 
• Enroll Them in a Club - Life is often very busy for everyone and there may not be enough time to always help kids with their schoolwork. That’s why it’s a good idea to enroll them in a club where they can learn, play, and interact with other children. Many clubs—like the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta—provide help with homework and core programs focused on learning.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta aim to serve the children in our communities, especially by helping them be successful in the classroom. Each of our clubs provides kids with a safe place to play, learn, exercise, and receive nutritious foods. We also offer core programs to help students succeed in school, like our Project Learn and Power Hour programs, among many others. Find out how you can get involved with our organization by signing your child up for a club or afterschool program, making a donation, or volunteering to help our cause today!