Something I’ve realised as I sit with my children doing our online learning is what I was missing. Some time ago, back when things were normal, I wanted to be move involved, to know what they were doing at school. So here is some useful advice on how to be more involved in your child’s education.
Although I am not a fan of homeschooling my children, never mind whilst living through a global pandemic, there has been one major thing that I am exceedingly grateful for. Before the pandemic, I wasn’t really sure what my kids were learning about when at school. I knew some of it, but I didn’t know what maths topics were or what English grammar they were learning that week. Homeschooling them has meant I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in their education, to know what’s going on. This is a good thing.
Disclaimer: This is a guest post.
How To Be More Involved In Your Child’s Education
Your child’s school experience is such a huge part of what sort of adult they grow up to be that it makes complete sense for you to be involved in it. As this private school in Hertfordshire believes, children should be nurtured by both parents and teachers in order for them to become passionate life-long learners.
School takes up a big part of a child’s life. They meet lifelong friends there, they learn about who they are as a person, their strengths and weaknesses. For them to get all they can from the experience, you need to be aware of what they are part of. This means getting involved.
How can the average, busy parent be more involved though? What if your time is limited? We can’t all volunteer to help on school trips or join the PTA – time is of the essence for many parents. But don’t worry – there are still lots of ways for you to help your child’s teachers create the best learning experience possible for your child.
Communication is key
We all meet our child’s teachers only a few times a year. If you’re not at the door at pick up time, then parent-teacher evenings are usually the only time we get to see them. How then can you effectively communicate? Email is the best answer to this conundrum. Most teachers are happy for parents to keep in touch via email. If you have any concerns then let your child’s teacher know and tell them that you’re always available to chat.
Sharing your profession
Offer to give a talk to your child’s class on careers day or as a special ‘show and tell’. Don’t worry if you don’t feel your career is very exciting, you’ll be surprised at how interested children are in what adults get up to at work!
It is a hard task to introduce your profession to your children. They might not understand what you do and might not be interested in it. It is a good idea to show them the value of the profession and how it can help them in their future.
You can also teach them about the work ethics that are required for this profession, or even a general work ethic such as keeping time and being responsible – this might require an investment in a watch for your child – make sure they have a working watch battery – and use it to encourage them to learn to be a conscientious timekeeper. Teach them about safety, responsibility, and commitment. You can also teach them about their future career options if they choose this profession as their life’s work.
Help on special events
School plays or festivals always need as many helping hands as possible. If you can schedule a day off from work, then do it. The experience of seeing your child enjoying themselves with their classmates is a wonderful feeling.
You will also gain insights into the dynamics of their class and how your child behaves. Not only is it useful for the teacher to have the extra pair of hands but your child will enjoy having you there too.
Always show an interest in your child’s lessons; if they share something with you, make sure to pay attention and ask questions. When a child knows you’re invested, they will try extra hard at school.
These are great ways to be more involved in your child’s education. By all means, only take on what you can. Getting involved in volunteering at your child’s school is great, but don’t let it be more important than the rest of what you’re doing.
Leave A Comment