Learning tips for primary school children

Learning tips for primary school children in 1st to 4th grade

Text last updated: 2025-08-29

Learning tips for primary school children in grades 1 to 4

Children are usually highly motivated when they start school. They are curious and want to learn to read, write and do maths. However, your child may realize after a while that not everything is always fun. The demands are high, there are many rules, some tasks are strenuous and not everything always progresses as quickly as desired. How can you help motivate your child to learn without them losing the joy of learning?

Don't feel like studying? Here are some tips that can help.

There are many different reasons why motivation to learn decreases after an initially successful start at school. Many parents ask themselves how they can counteract this. These tips make learning easier:

Provide a motivating working environment. A fixed workstation is best. All the necessary pens, exercise books and books should be available. Maybe something to drink, but no snacks. Important: Anything that can distract you should be avoided. No music, no TV, no toys, no cell phone!
Arrange fixed learning times with your child that are manageable. These should be adhered to. This way, your child knows that they can go and play afterwards.
Your child should complete tasks alone if possible. Accompany your child's homework with interest, answer questions and offer a little help if they get stuck. But be sure to encourage your child's independence. This includes not doing your child's homework for them - even if it gets difficult.

Every child goes at their own pace. Don't expect your child to be able to do everything straight away and never sit next to your daughter or son the whole time they are doing their homework. An anxiety-free learning environment is extremely important. Don't scold your child if progress slows down and don't threaten them with bans if their grades or reports are poor.
Show interest: If your child wants to read or show something, encourage and praise them for it. Your recognition for small progress, effort or perseverance is extremely important. You can also talk about the current school topics and tasks in a relaxed manner later, for example at dinner. This shows your child that they are doing a "good job".
Don't overwhelm your child. Give your child a breather after school and after eating. Even if homework isn't progressing well, a short break in between can help to provide new motivation. It makes no sense to keep your child at their desk for hours on end. Make sure your child has enough time to play and do sports. This strengthens and clears the mind.

Do not exert any pressure to perform. Make your child aware that you love them unconditionally - regardless of their grades. Encourage your child's special talents in a targeted way. This will give them a sense of achievement and boost their self-confidence.
If you have the impression that your child is overwhelmed, talk to each other about why. At the same time, show your child what is already working well. Make it clear that he or she has many strengths. Support them without becoming a "substitute teacher".
Rewards are nice, but they should be the right ones. Of course, motivating encouragement is very important. But: no learning for money. Don't promise special rewards such as a visit to the zoo if it's "only" about normal homework.

Where can we find help and advice?

If you have the impression that your child has persistent or serious learning and concentration problems, talk to the class teacher. It is best to seek regular contact with the teachers. Teachers know best where things are going well and where there may be problems. Experienced teachers can assess your child well and give helpful tips for targeted support. In the event of learning deficits, you can develop solution strategies together to help your child.

Tips and support for parents on a wide range of topics can be found under this link on the school portal of the NRW Ministry of Education.

Learning tips for primary school children