Be your Child’s Partner in Learning
Recently a friend dropped off an Education Commentary from the Times Union newspaper that presented some relevant data on schools. The author wrote: “the qualities of the families from which children come to school matter much more than money as predictors of schools’ effectiveness.”
The research tells us that there are two prime factors in a child’s education: the teacher and the parents. Individually each has an impact on student success in school. The possibilities when a child has both - probably much greater.
So what’s a parent to do? Glad you asked.
Learning begins at a young age. Simply by reading to your child at a young age begins to help students learn about language and communication. Children mimic parents and will “read” the pages to them.
Teach children the meaning of “no.” Parenting is not always fun and having to say no to your child is hard to do. Especially when giving in to the child’s wishes gets you to quiet a lot quicker. Many of the challenges of young children in school are that they are used to getting their way. In school, with lots of students in a classroom, it is impossible to give every child what he or she wants.
At an early age tell them the importance of school. My father impressed upon me at an early age the importance of school and college. His early words made an unconscious impact on me. Your words and encouragement will help your child to push on toward the goal.
Get them to school. I suspect there are only a few who are self-motivated or disciplined. Successful students have parents who make sure they get out of bed each morning and get them to school on time. Successful students have parents who understand that getting up for school is not always fun but their parents push them anyway.
The nice thing about these expectations is they do not cost anything. They do require some persistence and patience. For some parents the challenge is more difficult. And yet, if you want your child to succeed in school you are the partner in learning that your child needs.
Parents: I know you care that your child succeeds in school. Too often I do not get to talk to parents until the child is in trouble. Yet, when I do, I hear the same message: parents care about their children; they want them to succeed; they know that education is important. To those of you struggling, hang in there and do not give up.
Our goal is for every child to graduate. Working without the help of parents we will not reach that goal. With parent help we will all succeed!
Source: Marion Star, OH
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