If your child is in school, you are probably asked to help in his classroom and be involved in school fund raising. His teacher may encourage you to help your child learn at home. Parental involvement can make a difference in your child's school performance. Choose to be involved with and help your child be the best student possible.
Types
Getting involved in your child's education is important because it demonstrates to your child that you value education and want her to get good grades, states KidsHealth. From the time your child is in kindergarten you have the opportunity to volunteer your knowledge of subjects, chaperon field trips and organize school events. Join the parent-teacher group at your child's school. Attend teacher conferences and ask how you can help your child improve. Monitor your child's homework and make certain it is complete.
Time Frame
It is very common for parents to be involved with their child's education during the elementary school years. When children are young, teachers need help managing a classroom full of wiggly 5 or 6 year olds and the children often enjoy having mom or dad present. Take advantage of these early years to establish that you are interested and engaged with your child.
As your child moves into middle and high school stay involved. A 2001 study led by Sophia Catsambis and published in the journal Social Psychology of Education found that parental expectations, encouragement and involvement in learning helped high school seniors pursue an academic rather than vocational high school course of study.
Benefits
A 1987 study by Paul G. Fehrmann and colleagues documented the importance of parental involvement on a child's grades. Published in the Journal of Education Research, the study found that when parents stayed directly involved with their child's studies throughout high school, the child's grades improved. Your child feels secure knowing that you care about his school performance. Provide direction on homework, encourage him if he struggles and communicate on his behalf with the school.
Ways to Increase Involvement
Help your child's grades and school performance by being more involved in her school. Ask her teacher how you can help in the classroom. Volunteer once a week during craft time or come in to listen to young children read. The National Parent Teacher Association recommends asking your boss for time-off to visit your child's school. At home, read to your child and listen to her read. Turn the television off and schedule definite homework time. Engage your child by asking open-ended questions about school.
Considerations
Even with studies such as the 2004 study conducted by Wendy M. Barnard and published in the Children and Youth Services Review which showed that parental involvement in the elementary years continued to help children as they progressed through school, there may be times when your child still struggles.
If you are involved, but see your child's grades drop, consult with the school to determine whether he should be tested for a disability. Ask your child if he feels safe in school. Research other causes such as vision problems, lack of sleep and consider meeting with your child's pediatrician or guidance counselor.
References
- KidsHealth: Getting Involved at Your Child's School
- Social Psychology of Education: Expanding Knowledge of Parental Involvement in Children's Secondary Education: Connections with High School Seniors' Academic Success
- Journal of Educational Research: Home Influence on School Learning: Direct and Indirect Effects of Parental Involvement on High School Grades
- PTA: Tips on Getting Involved in School
- Children and Youth Services Review: Parent Involvement in Elementary School and Educational Attainment
