As students and teachers are fast approaching spring and nearing the end of the current school year, it is understandable that students can lose focus on what has been accomplished. Parents and guardians play an essential role in helping students stay on task and finish the school year successfully. Parents, families, educators and community members are partners in overall student success. Each student needs the support and encouragement of loved ones.
The National Education Association focuses on four ways families can help students succeed: The first is to create a home environment that encourages learning and schoolwork. Student support can be accomplished by establishing a daily routine of meal times, time set aside to read or complete homework and a set bedtime. Ensuring students eat a balanced meal and receive plenty of rest will help them be mentally and physically prepared to learn each day.
Second, parents can reinforce learning at home and show their children the skills they learn to apply to everyday life. Such as, if a child is learning about measurements, allow them to help with a recipe or use a tape measure to check lengths on a project.
Another support family can provide students is to model the habits of a lifelong learner. Letting a child see an adult read, write and use technology will instill a foundation of excellent learning habits. Talk about your failures and successes with your kids, showing them that you, too, are invested in learning.
Finally, parents need to be an advocate for their children. Parents and family members can participate in campus activities such as Parent-Teacher conferences, holiday parties, the PTO or other opportunities. Rockdale PTO meets monthly and actively strives to provide support to all the school campuses and the community. Parents can find membership information on their web site rockdaletxpto.com.
Education and parenting are long-haul endeavors. Make home a place where it is easy for your child to learn. Make sure your child has a place to study. Be available to answer questions. Eventually, a child must take charge of their learning. This means that it is vital for you to 'let go' when your child pursues hobbies and starts reading for their enjoyment.
One way to encourage independent growth is to maintain daily 'quiet time,' even during vacations and weekends. Introducing your child to hobbies, such as an activity as simple as reading the baseball scores in your newspaper's sports section, is an excellent way to make non-homework learning fun.
Active parental involvement can make a real difference at our schools. Whether your child’s campus has all it needs or deserves much more, parents’ participation can help make the most of existing resources and make a difference for your family and the broader school community.
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