What if there was a way to magically improve the chances of your child’s success in their classroom and social life? Would you be up to trying this magical idea?
For decades, researchers have targeted a key success factor that goes beyond all other barriers and student backgrounds: parental involvement.
As parents, we are our children’s first and most important teachers. Beyond the school’s walls, there lies a world of learning opportunities where our involvement can make a significant difference in their education. Active parental involvement supports your child’s academic progress and nurtures their overall growth and development.
In this blog, we’ll explore the crucial role of parental involvement in learning and provide practical tips to help you become a supportive piece of your child’s educational journey.
What is Parental Involvement?
The active, ongoing involvement of a parent or primary caretaker in the education of a kid is known as parental involvement. Parents can show involvement at home by doing the following:
- Helping with homework
- Talking about school
- Reading with children
- Volunteering at school
- Attending school events, etc.
Although parental involvement and engagement in school both support student success, there are differences between the two.
The first step toward engagement is involvement. Participation in school-related events or activities is part of it, where teachers provide learning materials and information about their student’s grades. Teachers have the primary responsibility for establishing educational goals with involvement. Parents can help increase the impact of involvement and learning by implementing small – yet important – interactions with our youngsters.
Why Parental Involvement Matters
- Improved Academic Performance: Research shows that children with involved parents tend to perform better academically, showing higher grades and test scores.
- Enhanced Self-Esteem: Children who feel supported by their parents in their educational journey develop higher self-esteem and confidence. This reflects in different ways as children continue to grow.
- Better Behavior: Parental involvement is linked to reduced behavioral issues and improved classroom behavior.
- Stronger Emotional Bonds: Engaging with your child’s learning builds a stronger emotional connection and fosters open communication.
How to Increase/Encourage Involvement in Our Children’s Lives
Establish Open Communication
Communication is the foundation of a strong parent-child relationship and plays a vital role in their education. Regularly talk to your child about their school experiences, challenges, and achievements.
Listen actively and empathetically to their concerns, dreams, and aspirations. Genuinely be interested in what your child does in their day, this will go a long way for the rest of their lives. Open communication builds trust and ensures your child feels comfortable seeking your guidance when needed.
Create a Positive Learning Environment
Your home environment can greatly impact your child’s attitude toward learning. The more positive and open attitude parents have about learning, the more positive their child will feel about learning.
Designate a quiet study area, free from distractions, where they can focus on their homework and school projects. Encourage a love for reading, writing, or other skills by providing a variety of books and engaging in reading together. A positive learning environment fosters curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.
Make sure that the types of activities you are doing to create a positive learning environment are also fun! Ask your children what they would like to do, let them be a part of the process, and choose some activities you can all do together.
Be Engaged in Homework and Projects
Show interest in your child’s homework and school projects. Ask them about their assignments and offer your assistance when necessary. However, avoid doing their work for them; instead, guide them and encourage them to find solutions independently. Your involvement shows them that learning is essential and that you value helping them with their education.
Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences provide an excellent opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and address concerns. Attend these meetings actively, prepared with questions and insights about your child’s strengths and areas for improvement. Collaborating with teachers strengthens the partnership between home and school, benefiting your child’s learning experience.
Additionally, having a positive relationship with your child’s teachers can show your children how much you care. If something is going wrong, or if a teacher may have a misunderstanding about your child, you can have all your concerns addressed and clarified. This can also show your child that you are there to support them, through the good and bad.
Engage in Educational Activities
Look for educational activities that align with your child’s interests and passions. Visit museums, attend educational workshops, or participate in community events that promote learning. These activities not only enrich your child’s knowledge but also create memorable bonding experiences.
This would also be a great time to figure out what your child’s learning style is! Learning styles are important because each person learns, processes, and retains information differently. For example, a child who learns better by visual learning probably wouldn’t benefit from listening to an audiobook but rather a youtube educational video.
Encourage Extracurricular Pursuits
Support your child’s involvement in extracurricular activities like sports, arts, or clubs. These activities help develop essential life skills such as teamwork, time management, and creativity. The confidence gained through these pursuits often translates to improved academic performance.
Volunteer together
Pick a place you and your family can spend some time volunteering together! This could be a museum, the humane society, or a food pantry. The time spent volunteering teaches your children the importance of giving back to others in the community and also fosters a stronger bond between you and your family.
Furthermore, volunteering at your child’s school is a great way to further connect with your child and other children as well. Just being present at your child’s school can be a great way to communicate that his or her education is important.
Share a Meal
As parents, we often are busy juggling a multitude of things on top of providing for our little ones. Some days we have more time to spend with our children than others… one simple way to get to spend time with your child, busy or not, is to share a meal together.
Sharing a meal, breakfast, lunch, or dinner, is extremely important and can be a crucial period for parents to ask questions and be further engaged in what their child is doing day-to-day.
Set Realistic Goals Together
Discuss academic and personal goals with your child and set realistic milestones to achieve them. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and provide encouragement during setbacks. Goal-setting fosters a sense of purpose and motivation to excel in their studies.
