It is important to realize that learning does not end at school and that knowledge imparted at home is the foundation of a child’s learning environment. Exploring how parents can contribute to a child’s learning process and understanding the importance of involving parents in the child’s school is important for a child’s development.
Research has shown that students benefit from parental participation in many ways such as better behavior and concentration during the early years, possibly leading to higher grades, better attendance and continuation of education at the advanced level. Looking closely at the research, there are strong indications that the most effective forms of parental involvement are those which engage parents in working directly with their children on learning activities at home. Furthermore, parents can support their young children by having a regular daily routine thereby providing them discipline, which would ideally include involving the children in household chores and responsibilities, getting into bed on time and helping the children get ready in the morning. Showing children that a parent values learning, self-discipline and hard work is important. Guiding television viewing, reading aloud, taking trips together, having books around the house and doing creative activities will stimulate the child’s mind.
Parents must realize that school is not a ready-made package in their children’s lives and that value-centered learning is an important ingredient provided at home. Similarly schools should value the importance of parental involvement and devise strategies to make the learning environment more wholesome. Furthermore, parents should show curiosity in what the child does at school. Parent’s enthusiasm and interest in meeting with the child’s teacher makes the child realize, the value or importance of school.
Nurturing the Child’s Learning Needs
The curiosity of a child is central to the learning process and it needs to be nurtured. The role of parents is very important in this regard and parents should try to enhance their children’s curiosity. For example when animals are discussed in the school, parents can take their children to the zoo to actually connect real life experiences with what the children have learned at school. Even pointing out animals seen everyday such as stray cats and dogs connects knowledge with reality. Alternatively field trips can be organized by the school and parents can be asked to accompany the students and staff as facilitators. Moreover, when talking about fruit, children can be taken to a fruit shop by the parent, and when fruits such as oranges are being eaten, the parent can practically demonstrate how to peel the fruit, showing the children the seeds and unique texture. Parents can also be called in to school and asked to take part in making fruit salads, cutting vegetables and preparing sandwiches. The fascination of a child needs to be incorporated into learning and translating education into knowledge, hence integrating learning and tangible experiences.
Reviewing the Child’s Performance at School
Parents can be made aware of the child’s work on a regular basis and this can be ensured by adopting various practices at the school. Sending work home with the child on a weekly basis is effective as it keeps the parents informed about the work being done in school, along with the child’s progress. Furthermore, a cordial environment should be created at school, whereby parents feel comfortable with the teacher and are at ease when enquiring about their child’s progress. The process works both ways and the school and parents need to give time and importance to the child’s learning.
Developing the Child’s Language Skills
In terms of language articulation and development, parents should make it a point to regularly read to their children. If parents are unable to engage their children with story telling then they can be invited to be a part of story time at the school to learn how to keep the child interested and involved in the story. Parents should also be encouraged to talk to their children, hence developing their confidence in using language and helping them to express themselves, while also building rapport and social skills. Singing different poems and local songs with your child is fun and very interactive as well.
