When parents hear they need to be more involved in their child'seducation, the first reaction can sometimes be a feeling that they needto be more active in their school's parent-teacher organization.
If this motivates you to invest your time and energy into your localparent group, then you will certainly reap the benefits of that levelof involvement in your child's education. But the most valuable way Momand Dad can be involved in their child's education is to provide a richlearning environment in the home to support a child's academicachievement.
Other activities that benefit children'seducational development are to communicate with the teacher and school;discuss school activities with your child; and monitor and supervisetheir out of school activities.
For children to be successful in school, parents must be actively engaged in their children's learning.Many studies show that parents' involvement in their child's educationis more important to their children's academic success than theparents' level of education or income. By showing interest in theirchildren's education, parents can spark their children's enthusiasm,showing them that learning, both inside and outside of school, isenjoyable and rewarding.
As a parent, you have a specialinterest in your child's education. As you become more involved, hereare some basic tips that you may use at home.
Encourage yourchild to read. It's the single most important thing that you can do tohelp your child succeed in school. Let your child see you read. Readwith your child, even as a baby, and make sure there are many readingmaterials in the house.
Talk with your child. Talking with andlistening to your child are major components of children's schoolsuccess. By having many opportunities to use and hear spoken language,children are given a tremendous advantage, picking up the languageskills they will need to do well in school. Listen to your child'sideas and respond to them.
Monitor homework, and how much timechildren spend watching television, playing video games and using theInternet. Help your child get organized and provide a quiet place inthe home for him or her to study. Limit the amount of time your childspends watching television, surfing the Internet, and playing videogames. Help your child learn to properly and effectively use theInternet. Turn off the media and talk with your child.
Encourageyour child to be responsible and work independently. Make it clear toyour child that he or she has to take responsibility for actions bothat home and at school. School and homework should be the most importantactivity that your child is involved with during the school week.
Checkyour school's Web site and read the newsletters. Talking with yourchild about what is happening at school lets your child know that youare interested in what he is doing in school.
Being involved inyour child's education can range from serving on parent/teacherorganization board, to helping out at school with events andactivities, or simply asking your child what is happening in school.Your interest in your child's education is one of the most importantroles we as parents play in our child's life.
Source: Bolingbrook Sun – http://tinyurl.com/qblbz9
