It almost goes without saying that parent involvement in a child’s education is imperative. Parents can be a teacher’s greatest ally in leading students to success by fostering an educational environment at home and being aware of what their child learns at school
How can parents maintain engagement in their child’s education? Every situation is different, and most parents have to spend a majority of their time at their jobs, but their engagement can come in many forms. The key is to have a presence in some capacity, so the child and the teacher know the parent is there for support.
Here are five ways parents can be engaged in their child’s education:
Communication
Parents can foster an open line of communication with his/her children and their teachers by checking in with their children every day about what they learned in school. They should also initiate regular contact with the teacher to ensure they stay up-to-date with their child’s progress and success. By no means does this mean a parent has to be in constant contact with teachers, but being open, receptive, and ready to communicate with teachers will allow for a positive and productive partnership.
Volunteering
Whether it’s helping with clubs and organizations, sports teams, or extracurricular events, donating time to the school and community sets a responsible example to children and allows parents to be involved in school-related functions. Parent involvement teaches children that the connection between home, community and school is important.
Homework Support
Not all parents are brushed up on their algebra, but being at home to help their children finish their homework and review what they learned that day creates a home environment where education is a part of the family fabric. This also can include taking students to tutoring sessions and centers, or sitting with them while they work through assignments online. Being there to help children as they work outside the classroom is a wonderful way to support their achievements and be involved.
Committee Work
Parents can also attend board meetings and join organizations such as the Parent Teachers Association. This gives parents a chance to contribute to the entire school or district’s work to develop an environment that helps the students excel. It also allows parents to meet school leaders and decision makers, opening the door to more support.
Parenting
Finally, the most important aspect of creating a sense of engagement in a child’s education is for parents to do all they can to support their children. Even if work keeps a parent away from school, setting examples of responsibility and hard-work are important. Busy parents can still make sure their children have access to libraries, after-school programs, or tutoring programs. Being there to give the emotional support every child needs along their educational journey can be enough to show that learning and success matter.