When parents are asked about their child’s education, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the school that their son or daughter attends. The reality is that while school plays an important role in what children learn, parents are the driving force behind how much their children achieve.
Research shows that when parents are involved, students have higher grades, better test scores and increased graduation rates.
As the school year begins, think about ways you can make this school year a family affair. Here are some suggestions that have worked for other parents::
1. Hello, my name is… An important way to support your son or daughter is to get to know his or her teacher. Be sure to attend parent-teacher conferences so that you understand the teacher’s expectations. This will also give you a chance to hear what the teacher thinks are your child’s strengths and areas that need improvement. You’ll have an opportunity, too, to help the teacher learn more about your child’s personality.
2. It’s time for homework. For many parents, helping a child with homework can be one of the most frustrating times of the day, especially if the child is disinterested or distracted. However, homework is an extremely important task that not only helps children practice what they are learning in the classroom but also builds discipline and responsibility.
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these tips to create an environment that is good for doing homework:
• Give children a work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy. Ideally, this should be a relatively quiet place with plenty of light. In addition, help your children to gather the necessary tools to complete their homework before they begin it.
• Establish a household rule that the TV stays off during homework time.
• Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but don’t do children’s homework for them.
• Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. Close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically.
3. May I help? Volunteering at your children’s school is a wonderful way to show them that you care about them and their education. Here are several ways that a parent can volunteer assistance: become a classroom helper, help plan or chaperone a field trip, attend school board meetings, or volunteer to speak in the classroom or at a career day.
4. Get excited about what they’re learning. A great way to show you’re excited about what your children are learning is to ask them questions and listen to their answers. Help with a project by pitching in to gather the materials. Study with your children. Create games to help them learn. Put notes of encouragement in their backpack. Many schools and teachers also use the Internet to show what the students are learning. Visiting the designated websites may even let you know what the kids are learning before they tell you.