How to support your child before, during, and after lessons
How to Prepare Your Child for Lessons
Before a lesson begins, help your child get settled and ready to learn.
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Choose a quiet, comfortable space with minimal distractions
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Make sure the device is charged and connected to the internet
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Have headphones ready, if your child uses them
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Log in a few minutes early so there’s time to join calmly
Let your child know when the lesson is starting and encourage them to use the bathroom or grab water beforehand. A relaxed start helps children focus once the lesson begins.
What Parents Should Do During a Lesson
During the lesson, the teacher leads instruction and supports your child directly.
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Allow your child to work independently with their teacher
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Avoid prompting answers or correcting mistakes during the lesson
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You are welcome to stay nearby if you'd like but it's preferable that you remain off camera when possible to not distract your child
During lessons and assessments, it’s important that your child works independently. Coaching, prompting, or whispering answers - even with good intentions - can make it harder for teachers to understand what your child truly knows and how best to support them. If your child gets stuck, the teacher will guide them through the skill, and giving them space to respond helps build confidence and independence.
Tips for Successful Lessons at Home
Consistency and routine make a big difference over time.
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Keep lesson times as consistent as possible
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Encourage regular attendance so skills can build week to week
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Celebrate effort and progress, not just accuracy
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Ask your child how the lesson went, but avoid quizzing them
Between lessons, you can read books from the Hoot Library aloud to them. This helps build vocabulary and comprehension in a low-pressure way.
Supporting Progress Over Time
Reading development takes time. Some days will feel easier than others, and that’s normal. By providing a calm, supportive environment and trusting the teacher-led instruction, you’re helping your child build strong reading habits and confidence over time.