Although most structured learning takes place in the confines of the school, that doesn’t mean that parents cannot have an active role in their children’s education. On the contrary, parents can encourage, motivate, and even influence their kids to do well in school. This article will discuss the roles that parents play in the education of their children.
Monitor their child’s progress in school: Parents should have an active participation in their child’s education. They should be aware of how their child is progressing in school. The report card and the school progress report provide parents a pretty good picture of the student’s performance – grades, attendance, behavior, and evaluation of the teacher.
Coordinate with teachers: The teacher is the best person to talk to on how well a child is doing in school. Often, the teacher would be able to give feedback not just on the academic aspect, but the emotional, and social aspects as well. Parents will be made aware if there are problems that may be hindering learning and student achievement.
Attend Parent-teacher Meetings: A parent-teacher association or PTA is an organization composed of parents and teachers that’s intended to facilitate parental participation in school. Most elementary and middle schools (whether public or private) have a PTA. Parent-teacher associations take an active role in developing programs that support the educational needs of children. They also promote strong partnerships among families, schools, and communities.
One-on-one talks: Communication between parents and children is very important. It is the responsibility of the parent to provide guidance and advice. During these one-on-one sessions, problems and corresponding solutions can be discussed. All children need some time for a heart to heart talk with their parents.
Participate in School Activities: School activities are great opportunities to bring together students and parents. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in school functions, contests, and sports fests. Children would naturally want to exhibit their talents and skills for everyone to see, especially their parents. It’s also an excellent opportunity to get a “feel” of the school environment and how students interact with each other.
Be a role model for learning: Parents serve as the first teachers of their kids during the early years. The responsibility of teaching doesn’t end when a child starts going to school. Often, children will need help in their assignments - in math, science, and social studies. It is the parent’s job to show how exciting and useful learning can be. Through proper guidance, parents can help their kids manage their time and strike a balance between recreation (watching tv, playing games, surfing the net) and school.
Connect what your child learns to everyday life: More often than not, many of the things that your kids learn in school can be associated with everyday life. For example, you can talk to you child about units of measurement when cooking. In the field of science, you can discuss celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars), and the weather outside. If your child shows interest in gadgets and things, you can explain how the computer, refrigerator, and other appliances work. You can also discuss safety inside and outside the home (what to do during a storm, fire, or earthquake). Make this a part of your child’s everyday experience to fuel your child’s curiosity and desire to learn.
Conclusion
When parents are keenly involved in their children’s education, the children are more likely to perform better in school. The things mentioned above are just some of the ways to get involved in the educational success of your kids. For more, read Dear Parents…Lessons from Your Child’s Teacher: The Parent and Teacher Guide to Creating a Better Bond.
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