Parental involvement in children’s education is one of the most significant factors in predicting how well a child will do academically. In fact, parental involvement is between two and 10 times as big a factor in student achievement as socioeconomic status. The benefits are greatest when parents are involved in education consistently and from a young age.

Let us take a closer look on how parents can work hand and heart in the progress of their children.

Feel at Home

There is no place like home. Young children do not make hard distinctions between home and school. When there is stress at home, they bring that stress with them to school and vice versa. Creating a nurturing, safe environment for young children will help them let go of any problems they may have at school. It will also give them the freedom to be creative and learn to solve problems constructively. They will take those skills with them to the classroom.

Be a Channel

Form a partnership with your child’s teacher and other caregivers. Be in constant contact with the teacher through notes, cellular phones and school visits. Attend regular meetings and school activities and be a little more patient. There is nothing better than a smooth flowing communication between educators and parents.

Be in Close Contact

Aside from bonding during homework days or family get away, there are many opportunities for parents to become teachers in the course of an average day. By pointing out examples of print, parents can help their kids become aware of the importance of written language. Even a simple conversation with your child can be a teaching moment when you use adult vocabulary to explain concepts. Children incorporate these more challenging words into their vocabulary and will ask for definitions if they do not understand. Parents can also provide basic art supplies, such as paper, safety scissors, crayons, glue sticks and paints. Join your child in exploring the supplies, and discuss colors, shapes and patterns.

Be a Volunteer

There are many opportunities to become involved in your child’s school. Fundraisers help schools provide extracurricular activities, field trips and supplemental resources in the classroom. Teachers are often grateful for help in the classroom and welcome parents who can help with projects, read to students, and chaperone field trips. By being present in your child’s classroom, you let your child know how important his education is.

Lead the Way

One way to ensure that your child receives the best possible education is to advocate for the services and programs that are most important to you and your child. Becoming active in the school’s parent organization will give you a chance to affect which programs are given priority.

In the end, the learner is the center of the learning triangle supported side by side by the hard working teacher and the wonderful touch of the parent. Together, they will bridge the bright future of ourhope of the nation.

By: Christian A. Cruz | Teacher I | Lucanin Elementary School | Mariveles, Bataan