How to be involved in your child's education

Get involved in your child’s education

By Nola Nala

It’s very exciting, one more year and I will be a qualified teacher. I can’t wait to do my part in our country to educate and improve the lives of many students in the coming years. I have been doing research on how to best teach my students and what are some of the ways to ensure the best results. One of the proven ways that has stuck out for me is parental involvement in students’ education. Busisiwe Dube, primary school teacher of 25 years agrees that it is one of the most vital yet lacking tools in our school system especially schools in black communities.

Parent involvement has been proven to improve grades, increase children’s self-confidence and produce better behaved children at school. Dube warns that if a parent is not a part of their child’s education, the child knows he/she can get away with anything.

But there is hope! Parents can start doing things now to be more involved in their child’s educational career. Here are some tips:

1.  

  Ask them how their day was: Dube encourages that as parents you should be interested in how your child spent their day parents shouldn’t just leave it at “It was fine.” Ask them for the high and low lights of the day. “Children love talking about teachers” she adds. So ask them who were the best and worst teachers for the day and ask them to validate their responses. Use his/her answers to judge in what areas your child is struggling and excelling and you’ll know where to help. This exercise sheds light on your child’s interaction with the teachers and again, you can judge whether you should be concerned or excited.

2.    

Check your child’s books: Over and above asking how the day was, check your child’s books. “Gone are the days when we all believe children don’t lie” jokes Dube. You need to ensure that you check for yourself to corroborate what your child has said and ensure consistency.

3.    

Establish supportive household routines: According to Better Homes and Gardens this remains crucial throughout your child's school years. After school monitor tv time, set aside reading time, maintain strict bedtimes and ensure a healthy diet. Such little things keep your child in check and ensures consistency.

4.    

Create a positive relationship with the class teacher: Or your child’s favourite teacher.  Dube says that it allows the child to trust both the parents and the teacher. It makes the child understand that both parties have his/her best interests at heart and that school isn’t just a place to be babysat. Also the teacher will always keep you in the loop with all the important details involving your child.

5.    

Make it your business to know what your child is learning: Dube states, “Many parents complain that they don’t understand the new education system.” So her solution is that parents should make it their business to go down to the school and find out how things are done. Teachers can put subject matter into context for parents so they can better understand what the children are being taught. Making helping with homework easier.

There are so many more things that parents can do to show support of their child’s education. If parent’s just put in a little effort throughout the school years, there will be and improvement that not only benefits the child but also the parents.