America is becoming more educated. In fact, according to the Washington Post, the national high school graduation rate topped 80 percent in 2012. It was the first time in history it reached this high.

While the increase has both educators and everyday citizens hopeful, it is far from perfect: ideally, every child in the US would have the opportunity and ability to receive their high school diploma. Even more ideally, they would then go on to higher education.

Reaching this ideal begins by teaching young children the importance of being a good student. Early education centers, children’s learning centers, and other types of child care can all help instill these traits.

A Focus on Education

Among the most important traits of being a good student is for them to understand the importance of education. Not only is it directly tied to financial success and career opportunity, but it is also tied to things like tolerance, empathy, and self-esteem. Luckily, this can be taught early, often in child care centers and other like arenas. 

Understanding the importance of education helps a child commit to learning. They begin to pride themselves on their academic achievements and relish in their scholastic accomplishments. All of this translates into them coming to class prepared and striving to get the most out of their learning experience.

A Willingness to be Persistent

If learning was exceptionally easy, no one would ever shy away from it. However, depending on the individual, learning can be difficult. Even when some subjects are easy, others may be hard. This is why persistence is important.

A study conducted by the University of Rochester found that students who are ambitious and want independence are more likely to be persistent, making them more likely to succeed in school.

Some ambition and independence is, perhaps, ingrained in a person from birth. Still, early education centers provide the opportunity for children to learn that they get what they put in; persistence is often the key to success. 

Viewing Education as Play

Children, particularly those of preschool and elementary school age, are easily persuaded by things they see as play. If learning is made exciting and entertaining, they’ll be more attracted to it than if it is redundant and dull. This is why play is the point of focus in so many children’s learning centers. 

Per the Scholastic Corporation, play enhances every part of a child’s development. It helps develop gross motor skills, coordination, fine motor skills, language skills, cognitive capacity, and interpersonal skills such as communication and cooperation.

An Ability to be Flexible

Children who are taught flexibility are armed with problem-solving skills essential to academic success. Starting early, children are exposed to a variety of subjects that often require bouncing from one topic to the other. They are also exposed to different studying techniques, from solitary learning to studying in groups.

When a child is flexible, they experience less stress than someone who is rigid. They are better able to prepare for all kinds of classes, from those that are analytical and scientific to those that require a great deal of creativity.  

A Willingness to Accept Responsibility

A large part of being a good student is accepting responsibility. Children who learn from an early age that it is up to them to get to class on time, pay attention, turn in their assignments, and study will be better equipped for learning than a child whose parents try to offer too much academic assistance.

It comes without question that a solid educational background paves the way for future success, both with our careers and with our social well-being. Give your child the head start he or she needs by enrolling your child in your local Tender Care Learning Centers. At Tender Care Learning Centers, a highly qualified staff provides your child with the support they need to grow and learn, developing essential life skills along the way. Give your child the opportunity to learn and grow at their own pace and enroll your son or daughter in one of the early education programs from Tender Care Learning Centers today!