Parental involvement in children's education is one of the most significant factors in predicting how well a child will do academically. In fact, the Michigan Department of Education says that 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.
Home Environment
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.
Communication
Form a partnership with your child's teacher and other caregivers. When you know that your child has been learning about the letter "M" in preschool, you can point out words that begin with that letter and reinforce what he is learning. If your child has had a rough morning, let the teacher or daycare provider know this so they can be a little more patient, and offer a bit of extra help to your child as he transitions from home to school or daycare.
Teaching Moments
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 preschoolers 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.
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.
Encourage your child to count everyday items. Ask her to help set the table for meals, practicing one-to-one correspondence as she places one spoon or fork at each place. She can count family members and group them by age or gender.
Volunteering At School
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.
Parent Leadership At School
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.
References
- Michigan Department of Education: What Research Says About Parent Involvement In Children's Education In Relation to Academic Achievement
- Administration for Children and Families: Teachers' Perception of the Benefits of Home Visits for Early Elementary Children
- Washington University in St. Louis: Using 'Rare' Words at Mealtimes Can Enlarge Children's Vocabulary
