It may seem teachers and other educational professionals know best about helping your child learn, but the U.S. Department of Education notes that as a parent, you are typically the adult best equipped to help your child succeed. Staying actively involved in your child's education and finding ways to help can provide her with the foundation she needs to accomplish her goals and capture her dreams.
Volunteering
Signing up for classroom duties, such as cutting shapes or making copies, provides your child's teacher with practical help. It also gives you the opportunity to see your child in action with his friends, observe how he interacts with his teachers and gain better understanding of his personality. Joining the parent-teacher organization or sending in cookies for treat day provides your child with tangible proof that his school days matter. The education professionals at the University of Illinois note that parental involvement actually helps children achieve higher tests scores and improves their long-term academic achievement.
Studying
Studying at home reinforces lessons learned in class, helps your child prepare for tests and enables development of good study skills. Teachers sometimes even assign homework so they can understand your child's grasp of a certain subject. Parents can help by providing a quiet place to complete the assignment and setting guidelines about homework time; however, the pediatricians at Healthy Children recommend you exercise caution regarding your actual involvement in the work. For instance, if you correct all of her mistakes on an English paper, the teacher will assume your child understands the subject matter, when she actually needs further instruction. However, most teachers would consider it appropriate for you to correct her as necessary when she practices Friday's spelling words.
Making Friends
For children, learning how to develop positive social relationships might rate as high as mastering the multiplication tables when it comes to succeeding in school. If your child feels neglected by classmates during recess one day, he may just need your reassurance that things will soon return to normal. Ongoing rejection by peers, however, can seriously affect your child's development. In that case, the experts at Healthy Children recommend you ask for more facts from your child about the situation and discuss your concerns with his teacher, principal or guidance counselor. Playground monitors and lunchroom aides might also provide insight. Above all, let your child know you take this seriously and are working on a solution to the problem.
Communicating
The University of Illinois notes that children do better in school when parents and teachers communicate frequently. Most teachers schedule conference time once or twice a year and conduct informational meetings with parents at the beginning of the school year. Asking questions about expectations, discipline policies and other matters during these sessions helps develop a partnership between you and your child's teacher. Keeping communication lines open throughout the year is important, as well. Even parents with conflicting work schedules can keep in touch through notes, email or phone calls.
Expert Insight
The U.S. Department of Education notes that the best way to help your child in school might be simply talking with her daily about school. Your interest in her day, upcoming math tests, science projects and other school activities helps her understand your desire to stay involved when it comes to her education. The experts at the University of Illinois agree that one of the most important ways to help your child in school involves showing her how much you value education by paying attention to school matters and showing interest in her progress.
