The day a couple becomes parents is the day their in-house school starts. They are the first teacher of their baby, training them to eat with their own hands, walking, speaking, etc. However, they get a sigh of relief when they grow up and start going to school.
Finally, parents start relying on qualified teachers to share the responsibility of educating their children. But your role as a parent is beyond just boarding your kid on the school bus. The factors that predict your child’s academic achievement are not the socio-economic status or how prestigious the school is. It all depends on your encouragement of learning at home and involvement in their educational affairs.
So how often do you visit your child’s school and have a one-to-one session with the teacher? Research has proven that children whose parents actively engage in their school life finish their assignments on time and develop a lifelong love for learning.
Their academic performance is comparatively better, and they are confident. It’s never too late to build the foundation of parent-teacher communication. But the question arises how to get parents involved in school and why it is so important? This article outlines the significance of parent’s involvement and how they can support their child’s educational journey:
1. Academic performance progresses when parents are involved in their children’s education:
There is a direct relationship between a parent’s engagement and a child’s academic performance. The more intensively parents participate, the more progressive the child becomes. Children develop an inclination towards learning when their parents spend time reading with them. Such kids are more fluent in reading and can comprehend better; hence the grades improve.
2. Impact on the classroom behavior:
Parental involvement impacts academic performance and creates a positive influence on the student’s behavior and attitude. When parents show interest in their school life, they actively encourage them to participate in co-curricular activities. Students are motivated, and their self-esteem improves.
3. Parent’s involvement should persist from preschool to high school:
The benefits of parent’s participation usually are discussed in the context of preschool age. However, the benefits extend to all ages. The involvement creates a difference at all educational levels. In reality, they decrease with the student’s age. In high school, parents can influence their children to continue studying or what field they wish to choose.
4. Teacher’s morale lifts with active parent’s involvement:
When parents communicate with the teachers, they appreciate their hard work and the daily challenges, which also influences the teacher’s morale. The communication between home and school allows the teacher to know the student better. They can teach the child in a more personalized and effective way. It also dispels any possible miscommunication between the parent and the teacher.
5. Parents are satisfied with their child’s education:
What could be more satisfying than parents contributing to their child’s education and getting an optimum outcome? A good relationship with the school lets the parent understand the curriculum and get comfortable with their child’s quality of education. Those who spend more time with their children comprehend their problems quickly.
How can parents expand their roles in their child’s education?
Parents who actively participate in their child’s educational affairs offer them the support they need for success at school. But getting involved may get tricky at times, especially for the parents who juggle full-time jobs. Here are some practical ways to inspire you:
- Have family time, get together for dinner, and ask them about how their day was.
- Check the parent’s portal regularly to know your child’s performance.
- Whenever possible, be present at school, attend parent’s night, conferences, open house, field trips, etc.
- Show interest in their homework. This way, you will build up a connection with your child, sharing their success and helping them work through challenging times
- Be a role model for your kids. Tell them the importance of hard work and enable them to set an ambition for themselves.
- Check their attendance in the classroom and school bus. Enable the bus tracking system and monitor their route.
- Assist the teacher with projects and parties. An extra hand is always appreciated.
- Socialize with other parents and try to organize parties or barbeques. It helps in discussing your concerns related to school.
Final thoughts on parent’s involvement in their children’s education:
Active participation of parents in their children’s education is something that money cannot buy. It is not about the quantity but the quality of involvement parents bring to the table. The concept revolves around the common interest of parents and the teachers for the child’s successful education. Regardless of their economic status, race, or language, all parents can do simple things like asking about their day at school or helping them out with their homework. On the other hand, the school must also envision the parents as their partners in the functioning and learning process. It will be mutually beneficial. Thus kids should know they are not alone in this journey and have the strong support of their parents and the school.
Read More: 4 Educational Activities with Your Kids During School Holidays
