Why is Early Support So Important?

The primary school years are more than just preparation for secondary education. They are a formative period in which the groundwork for a child's academic and social development is laid. Early support plays a central role here, as it not only sharpens a child’s academic skills but also helps to sustainably develop confidence and social competencies.

Academic Success and Self-Confidence

Academic success is closely linked to a child’s self-perception. A good understanding of the learning material and good grades lead to positive feedback from teachers and classmates, which in turn boosts self-esteem and fosters a positive attitude toward learning.

Popularity and Social Integration

Good academic performance can also improve a child’s social standing. Those who do well in school are often more popular among classmates (according to a study by the University of Tübingen). Being popular or at least respected by peers can significantly affect a child’s social well-being.

Important: Parents are often their children's first and most influential teachers. Parental reactions to academic performance and engagement have profound effects. Studies show that when parents regularly talk to their children about school and learning and actively support their learning efforts, the likelihood of good school performance increases.

1. Early Support in 4th Grade

As early as the 4th grade, you should start supporting your child. The focus should primarily be on building foundational skills in core subjects like mathematics, German, and natural sciences – as these subjects form the basis for all future academic activities. Additionally, they are essential for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

An important aspect of early support is identifying learning difficulties or deficiencies at an early stage. Through specific diagnostics and targeted support, children can overcome such potential obstacles and set the stage for a successful academic career. Special early courses offered by educational institutions like Lern-Forum.ch can provide valuable assistance. These courses help identify and close gaps early on before they become entrenched.

Learn more about our Gymnasium preparation for 4th grade here

2. Regular Evaluation of the Learning Plan

If you are preparing your child for Gymnasium without professional preparation courses, you should regularly review your child's learning progress – and adjust the learning plan as needed. Feedback from teachers can provide important insights into areas that may need extra support. Preparation courses have the advantage that regular tests and exams are conducted, giving course instructors a solid basis for such evaluations.

Here are two tips:

Weekly Reviews: Short, weekly tests or quizzes in the core subjects help regularly check the knowledge level. They also ensure that the child has understood the material and is ready for more advanced topics.
Feedback Sessions: Regular discussions with teachers and course instructors provide insights into your child’s strengths and weaknesses in various subjects. Such sessions offer an opportunity to receive specific feedback and adjust the learning plan accordingly.

Based on the results of reviews and feedback sessions, the learning plan should be adjusted regularly. This can be done as follows:

Individualized Learning Goals: Set specific, measurable, and achievable goals based on the child’s performance. These goals should be regularly reviewed and adjusted if necessary.
Flexible Learning Materials: Use learning materials that can adapt to the child’s performance level. Online learning platforms and specialized textbooks are often a good choice.

Important:You should actively involve your child in evaluating and adjusting the learning plan. This not only promotes independence and a sense of responsibility but also improves the child’s understanding of their own learning development.

3. Pre-Course for 5th Grade and 1st Year of Secondary School

In 5th grade and the beginning of secondary school, preparation intensifies. Pre-courses are designed to further deepen knowledge and specifically align it with the requirements of the Gymnasium. At Lern-Forum, we place particular emphasis on challenging content that may be tested in entrance exams:

5th Grade Pre-Course:

Preparation in the 5th grade increases the chances of successfully transitioning to Gymnasium – not only through learning content but also by fostering interest, diligence, and motivation. Key focuses include reviewing and consolidating school material, essay writing skills, and teaching proven learning strategies. The course prepares students through individual support in small groups, closes learning gaps, and contributes to better preliminary grades.

1st Year of Secondary School Pre-Course:

The preparation course for 1st-year secondary students offers comprehensive support for those aiming for Gymnasium or vocational school entrance exams. It includes individual preparation that goes beyond regular school education and significantly improves the chances of success in the Gymnasium entrance exam. The course prepares students for various educational paths and opens numerous career opportunities in Switzerland and internationally.