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Time Trials
Being consistently late for school could eventually impact on your child’s school performance. Try these tips to beat the clock, and the school bell
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I am a self–confessed clock-watcher. I try to be on time and it bothers me no end when I am late. My husband and son, on the other hand, have no concept of time. My son is two, so his tardiness is perhaps forgivable. Aside from annoying their teachers (who are at work on time), there are other consequences for children who are repeatedly late for school.
Time lost
- “Arriving late can be unavoidable in extreme circumstances, but arriving late consistently is bad manners,” says Mrs Heath from Crawford Schools.
- Being late can be upsetting for children if lessons have already started, as Heath says, “they start their day on the back foot” and can spend the rest of the day catching up.
- Being late is disruptive for both the teacher and the children who were on time.
- It is disrespectful to the teacher, notes Heath.
- Apart from the punishment that may come from being late for class, children will also miss out on information. “The programme begins the minute the school bell rings” says Heath, and missing out on work will very likely have a negative impact on children’s marks.
Time gained
Being punctual has many benefits for children:
- “Arriving on time allows the child to unpack their bag and get themselves organised to start their day in a calm and relaxed manner” remarks Heath.
- Heath also points out that punctuality is an important life skill.
- Children can learn responsibility and respect for others.
- They can also learn time management, an essential skill both in and after school.
- Children will also develop a healthy attitude towards school and schoolwork if they learn to be on time.
Helping hands
Here are some ways to help you beat the clock:
- Be organised: “The preparation for the following day, such as packing books and extramural clothes, can be done the evening before,” suggests Heath.
- Get yourself and your children into “a set routine that the children understand,” says Heath.
- Heath also recommends that children be encouraged to get ready by themselves, and that parents reinforce this behaviour with positive remarks and praise.
- Children can also be given tasks of their own, such as making the bed or making sure the dog has been fed, before they leave for school.
- Plan ahead: if you know what activities you have on every day, and when you have to be there, then you can schedule your time.
- Give yourself time: try to leave a few minutes early to counter any unexpected delays, especially if the traffic can be a problem.
Thanks for a good topic for discussion, especially to have with my 5 year old son, at the typical stage of asking the "why?" questions at every instruction I give him. Being punctual is what I strive to be at all times and I really want my son to catch the importance of that. I fully agree it is only good manners to be on time.