A 1998 University of Chicago study of kindergarten and first graders indicates a direct correlation between a child's ability to learn and his learning environment. Parents create a structured home environment when they ensure their child eats properly, sleeps an adequate number of hours and studies at scheduled times. Well-rested children who are conditioned to study and not distracted by hunger can absorb information and actively participate in learning better than students without established boundaries.
Parents who take an active interest in how their child performs in school provide necessary encouragement that enables the child to succeed. A study published in the "European Journal of Psychology of Education" determined a correlation between children whose parents communicate effectively about their expectations for success performing better than children whose parents expect them to do poorly. Establishing the importance of learning at home encourages a child to put forth the energy and commitment necessary to perform well at school.
A child's ability to focus remains an important aspect of how well he will perform at school. Children who develop a short attention span will have a difficult time focusing on studies at home or school. The amount of television a child watches while at home can influence how their attention span develops. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests children under the age of 2 watch no television, and that young children be limited to two hours of television a day.
Children need an area conducive to learning when attempting to process new information. A quiet, well-lit, organized area where they can routinely study allows them to focus on the task at hand while limiting outside distractions. Teaching a child good study habits will reinforce what he learns at school, while giving him the tools necessary to succeed in class.
Homes that provide an interactive learning environment feed a child's curiosity and provide challenges for him to overcome. Easy access to books, puzzles, games and learning toys creates an environment where a child's cognitive skills are tested. Homes that fail to provide a stimulating environment risk developing a child who does not actively want to learn, or who does not possess the necessary skills required to learn in school.