Staying involved in your child's education reaps many benefits. According to the Michigan Department of Education website, a parent's participation in school activities "reinforces the view in the child's mind that school and home are connected." When parents share in educational goals, students tend to have more positive attitudes, better behavior and even higher grades and test scores, the University of Illinois Extension website states.
Parent-Teacher Partnership
Many schools value a team approach to educating children, relying on parents to take on supportive roles at school. As a parent, take your initial cues from the school's administration. Does the principal welcome parents in the school and classrooms? Schools have different styles--while one may encourage regular parent involvement, another might seek your support in other ways. Parents, teachers and administrators share a common goal of extending children's learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
Setting the Stage
Parents can improve their child's school experience by setting up students for success. Providing nourishing breakfasts and lunches, getting kids to school on time and avoiding unnecessary absences can help kids get off to a stress-free start. After school, parents stay involved by setting aside a homework spot, removing TV and electronic distractions and helping a child balance homework, sports and free time. Be an advocate for your child, communicating with teachers if he struggles with key concepts or spends too much time on homework.
Early Years
When your children are in preschool and kindergarten, teachers often need help in and out of the classroom. Contact your homeroom parent for ideas on how to assist. Teachers work best when they can focus on instructing, so pitch in by making copies, filing or designing bulletin boards. If you have toddlers, ask if the teacher has tasks for you to complete at home such as cutting out letters, stapling, labeling or computer research, recommends the Inspiring Teachers website. Teachers may seek help when doing hands-on projects or on field trips requiring multiple chaperones.
Elementary and Middle School
At the elementary and middle-school level, many schools rely on parents to organize classroom parties, chaperone field trips, work in the media center or coach extracurricular teams and clubs. Parent-teacher organizations have roles for parents with experience in finance, social events, fundraising, coaching, writing and speaking. Choose a position or committee that sounds interesting and utilizes your talents. Be realistic when saying yes to a volunteer role, keeping in mind other work and family commitments.
High School
Although your high-schooler might not enjoy seeing you in the hallways as much as your first-grader, teens still benefit from parent involvement at school. When students see their parents volunteer, they are likely to volunteer themselves, Jacquelynne Eccles, a professor of psychology and education at the University of Michigan, states in a Wall Street Journal article. High schools benefit from parents who spearhead fundraising programs, help at sports events, assemble mass mailings and answer phones in the school office.
References
- Michigan Department of Education: What Research Says About Parent Involvement in Children's Education
- University of Illinois Extension: Parental Involvement in School
- The Wall Street Journal: The School Volunteer Jobs That Most Help Your Kids
- InspiringTeachers.com: Tips, Parent Volunteers in the Classroom
