Parent Engagement in Children’s Learning: Guidelines for Good Practice

Like every caring parent, you want your child to show progress and do their best at school. So, in order to help them, you’d like to be engaged in their learning process. This can definitely be a good thing, since it will show your child they have your support and you will probably help them overcome some obstacles in the process. Here are some good ways to be involved in your child’s learning process.

Get to know the school and the teachers

Attend school events, like orientation or PTA meetings. Being involved at the school will allow you to get familiar with the school, teachers and other school staff, as well as with other parents. That way you can be informed of the school personnel’s plans and goals, especially those concerning your child. Find out if there are activities or events you can help organize or monitor, such as field trips and school dances, or even offer to help in your kid’s class, which will give you an insight of the school and the classroom atmosphere, but also of what is expected from your child.

Ask how your child is doing

Start with asking your child how they’re doing at school, and then find out about your child’s progress from their teacher. If you feel like your child isn’t making enough progress, ask for the teacher’s opinion on what the problem is and what you can do to help. Don’t wait too long; react as soon as possible, since you don’t want your child to fall behind too much. When you get a report card from your child’s teacher, read it thoroughly. Always be polite and friendly to the teacher, and even if you question their teaching skills, give them the benefit of the doubt, and approach them with questions, rather than accusations. Anybody will be more helpful if they’re treated with respect.

Help your child with the curriculum

If you see that your little one can’t cope with their curriculum, jump in and help. Explain anything that is unclear to them, help them deal with difficult tasks and point them towards the solution to any problem they might have. And if you and your child need extra help with key subjects, the smartest thing to do is get professional English tutoring or additional math classes. It’s important to know when your knowledge or methods simply aren’t enough and accept that it’s completely fine to hire somebody to help you.

See to it that your child’s homework gets done

Children can sometimes forget to do their homework, or simply choose not to do it, when they feel there are more interesting things for them to do. It’s your job to make sure that doesn’t happen. First, explain to your child the importance of consistency and that homework needs to be done every day in order for them to progress at school and learn more. You can help by removing any distractions from your child when they’re doing their homework. This includes telephones, tablet computers or the television. If they need help organizing or any materials for their homework, be there. Monitor their work, check if the homework is completed and correct, and praise your child, letting them know you’re proud of their effort.

Be positive

If you maintain a positive attitude towards learning and school, your child will pick up on that. Be a positive role model and read with your child, so that they perceive reading as something pleasant. If you limit their screen time, you should show support by skipping your favourite TV show and switching off your phone when it’s study or homework time. Tell your child about all the good things you achieved in life because of what you learned at school. They need to know that they aren’t just learning to get a good grade, but to gain knowledge of the world around them.

Active learning

Whenever possible, show your child the practical use of their theoretical knowledge, whether in the kitchen, or outside in nature. For example, they won’t mind learning about animals if you take them to the zoo, so that they can see what all those animals really look like. Active learning is all about them asking questions and getting answers, exploring their surroundings and solving various problems. Encourage your child to play sports or play an instrument, and to ask all the questions that pop into their mind, which will reflect on their enthusiasm for school and learning.

Your involvement in your child’s education is a key factor in their academic success, so get involved and give your child all the time and patience they need to thrive. Your child is worth it.

 

Written by: Claire Adams

About the Author

Claire is a personal and professional development expert who believes that a positive attitude is one of the keys to success. She enjoys life to the fullest in the healthiest way possible and loves to share her insights into parenting, education, and entrepreneurship. Feel free to reach her on Facebook and Twitter.