Babies are born with more than 100 billion brain cells, preparing them for educational activity and a lifetime of learning. Various factors--such as experiences and heredity--influence how well your child learns. But, at an early age, your child relies primarily on you for the positive stimulation he needs for healthy brain development, according to the Center for Development and Learning. However, your influence doesn't diminish as your child leaves the diaper years behind.
A Learning Crisis
Your child's initial learning focuses on such areas as playing, learning new skills, such as talking, and exploring her new world through all her senses. Academic learning builds on these skills and prepares your child for higher education and employment in the future. Some statistics suggest that both parents and schools are not doing enough to help children meet these goals. The Foundation for Child Development reports that by fourth grade, more than 50 percent of white and Asian children do not read at their grade level. For African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans, the number hovers around 80 percent.
Importance of Parental Involvement
Your child spends about 70 percent of his life outside of school, according to the Michigan Department of Education, or MDE. Taking this into consideration, your involvement in his education is even more significant. The MDE also points out that parental involvement is twice as likely as socioeconomic status to predict a child's academic success. In more intensive parental involvement school programs, the effect is 10 times greater than a variety of factors.
How to Get Involved
Participate in your child's education early for the best results. Setting high expectations is a good first step. According to the MDE, parents of high-achieving students have higher educational standards than parents of low-achieving students. Create a home environment conducive to learning with a quiet study area, necessary resources and no television. Set regular hours for studying and encourage learning activities at home, such as a family reading or Trivial Pursuit night. Also, participate in the classroom or attend parent meetings--when your child sees you at school, it reinforces the importance of being there.
Positive Reinforcement
If your child starts to struggle in school and to criticize herself, for instance, calling herself "dumb" or "stupid," offer some positive reinforcement. Explain to her that learning is not easy and that everyone has difficulty at some point processing new information or learning a new skill or activity. Let her know that it's OK to fail and praise her efforts, recommends LD Online.
After-School Activities
Extracurricular activities are associated with higher academic success, according to the MDE. Sit down with your child and review the offerings at school, or research what's available in your community. Let your child select the activity to increase the likelihood he'll stick with it.
References
- Center for Development and Learning: How Children Learn, How Parents Can Help
- Child Stats: Education
- Foundation for Child Development: How Can We Improve the Education of America's Children?
- Michigan Department of Education: What Research Says about Parent Involvement in Children's Education
- Child Development Institute: Tips For Helping Kids and Teens With Homework and Study Habits
