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Why Should I Get Involved In My Child’s Education?

No matter what class your child is in, there are many good reasons and opportunities for you to volunteer at school. This will not only show your child that you take an interest in her/his education, but will also display that you consider school to be a worthwhile cause. Parent volunteers can be a source of support for the school community. Moreover, by offering some of your time to the school, and by interacting with teachers, administrators, and other parents on a regular basis, you can gain a first-hand understanding of your child's daily activities and some insight into the trends of school life that will help you communicate with your child as s/he grows and changes (all without intruding in your child's privacy or personal space).

What Can I Do to Help My Child Do Really Well in School?
Other than just being familiar with the trends at school, parents can get involved in their children’s schooling by participating in activities such as arranging melas at school, attending story telling sessions, going with children to the field trips, etc. This not only encourages parental participation, but also gives children a sense of importance and comfort with regards to their schooling.

The best time to start active participation is from parent-teacher meetings that schools schedule from time to time. If you have something to offer, or if you just want to help out in whatever way you can, discuss the possibilities with your child's teacher. It is also a good idea to join or start a parent-teacher association or parents’ advisory council if there exists any at your child’s school.

While trying to get involved through one or many of the suggested ways, always remember that not everyone is suited to a fixed formula of parental involvement. Get involved in activities that suit and interest you most. You can also ask for assistance from the school or your child’s teachers if you cannot understand how to build up your participation in your child’s school.

When you begin participating in a particular way, ask how much time or finances this participation will entail. Also, find out if there are any school regulations that you need to comply with. You should also be sure to always start small in the beginning. Don’t take on too much responsibility all at once. Find out if you can get partners to help you out. Be sure not to give your child extra special treatment while you are volunteering at her/his school, and get frequent feedback from teachers and students you are working with. Finally, don't underestimate the students - you may feel that what you have to offer might not interest them or might be above their heads, but you'll probably be pleasantly surprised. You'll be helping to build skills, confidence and self-esteem that will last beyond their school days.

SOME WAYS TO HELP


The following are just some of the ways in which you can help: 1) Act as a classroom helper.
2) Mentor or tutor students.


3) Help organize or work at various activities such as fun fairs, sports day, school concerts, and other such activities


4) Organize a specific club or interest group (if you are interested in an activity that isn't currently available to students, offer to help get a group started for example, an art club or a drama club).


5) Assist sports teachers with sports and fitness programs or provide support at sporting events.


6) Help the school administrators by providing administrative assistance for e.g. work as a library assistant (if there is a library available at school).


7) Offer to help with story time or reading assistance in the school.


8) Attend school board meetings.


9) Volunteer to speak in the classroom if you have a field of expertise that you'd like to share.


10) Supervise or judge experiments at a science fair.


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About the Sindh Education Foundation
The Sindh Education Foundation, a technical partner of the Releasing Confidence & Creativity: An Early Childhood Development Programme, releases various publications to stimulate a meaningful discourse on the theories and practices of educational and developmental efforts.
Click here to visit SEF's official website: http://www.sef.org.pk