The Role of Parents
Parents can do several things to enhance learning potential. First, capitalize on the excitement and enthusiasm by setting personal goals. It’s a good time to talk about expectations and establish parameters. To maintain a high level of excitement and enthusiasm, parents must demonstrate those same emotions. Visit the school, go to meetings, talk with the teachers and get involved with school projects and fundraisers. Establish a plan of communication with the teachers and let junior know you’ll be at the door step the first sign of trouble. Research suggests involved parents have children who perform better in school. No involvement, less achievement. Student interest fades as parent interest fades. Most parents sit back and let the teachers take control claiming, “That’s not my job.” Parents get caught up in work, mowing the lawn, managing family affairs and lose sight of one big responsibility — that of being cheerleader. Excitement and enthusiasm must be nurtured to be maintained.
Keeping Your Child Organized
Everybody needs a two-way plan of communication with teachers. This is essential to the discussion of a problem and recognizing achievements. Giving a child a notebook (depending upon age level) to record homework, special projects and important dates, will help keep him organized and will provide the opportunity for discussion and dialogue. Set a time each day to review the contents together. Do this for the first 21 days of school and it will become habit. Remember the 21-Day Plan? Establishing consistent times for dinner, homework, play and bedtime helps children focus on what needs to be done. Regular routine helps develop a comfort zone. Contact the teacher to determine homework policy, expectations and opportunities for parental involvement. Have a list of questions to determine your child’s progress. When will the teacher contact you? What will they be learning? What do test scores suggest about your child’s learning potential? How can you help? A high degree of interest sends a clear message that performance and learning are important. Most teachers will send home an information sheet covering the basics.
A Child’s Most Important Teacher
Some parents feel they are intruding on the teachers (or principals) time by asking questions. Every effective teacher knows that communication with parents is an important part of their job. They will always find time for the parent who wants to help! Don’t procrastinate. Do what’s best for your child. Not all students have the same learning style. Teachers strive to identify each learner’s style and accommodate the differences. Find out ASAP what programs are available if extra help is needed. Parents are a child’s most important teacher. What we do and say on a daily basis shapes attitudes and how they feel. A confident child sees himself succeeding in any situation. A child lacking confidence is filled with doubt, fears failure, and takes few risks. Two parents told their son every day, “You will achieve wonderful things in your lifetime,” and “Someday, you’re gonna be somebody.” The son knew he had their confidence and support. As a result, his behavior demonstrated that support. Little chests expand and eyes fill to the top with encouragement. The son believed he could achieve wonderful things and that someday, he was going to be somebody important.
Why 6,570 Is Magic Number
A child hearing these two statements every day hears them 365 times a year. In 18 years, that’s 6,570 times. Compare the self-image of this child against the child who is never told he’s wonderful or special. Difference? Huge in terms of outcome. Parents are the most honest and trusted people children know. They believe what we say is true and begin demonstrating a corresponding behavior. A remarkable and wonderful thing happens as they mature. They achieve remarkable and wonderful things. Every child should feel special and have his mind filled with words of encouragement. Any time you have a captive audience, riding in the car, eating dinner, when the electricity goes out, or saying prayers, talk about becoming “Somebody.” Talk about:
· Respect and the importance of obeying parents and teachers,
· Being honest, straight-forward and truthful,
· Working hard and giving the best effort in school,
· Being a role model for brothers, sisters and classmates,
· Staying healthy physically and mentally with proper nutrition, exercise and rest,
· Avoiding abuse of the body by using harmful substances,
· Using setbacks to learn and grow from,
· Setting goals and dreaming big. Believe it and achieve it, and
· Believing in one’s self, no matter what
Postscript
Parents demonstrating a positive attitude toward teachers, school and learning empower children. Kids who are organized, get a good night’s rest, a hearty breakfast, practice good hygiene, understand hard work, have needed supplies, and a support system at home perform better and enjoy school more. A large part of maintaining excitement and enthusiasm about returning to school remains with the parent. For 22 additional “Back to School” topics, log onto www.oldeducator.com.
