Description:
(NC)In creating a three-way partnership among themselves, their child and their child's teachers, parents can go a long way to support their child's success in school.
While most parents are living busy lives, there are many ways to stay attuned with your child's education, and communication with the teachers and your child is key.
Dr. Donna McGhie-Richmond, Educational Specialist with Kumon Math and Reading Centres, says it is critical that a parent becomes involved with their child's education.
"Communication on a regular basis between parents and teachers is critical to a student's success. Parents need to understand what is expected at school and the teacher needs to understand what the child's home life is like," Dr. McGhie-Richmond says. "If they know what each environment looks like then they can work together instead of against each other."
She adds it is important that the teacher and parent understand the other's role and perspective, culture, life experience and language. "Just like a teacher develops a relationship with a child, it is essential the teacher develops a relationship with the parent," says Dr. McGhie-Richmond.
"It is also important to avoid being judgmental and to openly discuss any issues a teacher may have with the parent, and vice versa. Always ask open-ended questions and have an open dialogue. That doesn't just go for parents, but for teachers as well," McGhie-Richmond says.
Communication should not just exist between the parent and teacher. Parents should always have an open line of communication with their child to show support.
It is also critical parents watch their wording to avoid discouraging their child with negativity.
Dr. McGhie-Richmond says it's important to never begin a sentence with 'but' as it always dismisses what the other person just said.
"Use 'and' instead 'and' is more acknowledging and tells the other person that 'this is what you hear and understand.' It is much more inclusive," she says.
- News Canada
How to stay involved:
Email your child's teacher.
Call the teacher and have chats about your child's progress.
Volunteer for activities, and remember, if you are too busy, there are still ways you can be involved and stay informed without actually being on site such as recording your comments in a journal or notebook.
Join a parent group.
Things to ask your child's teacher so you can help at home:
Question the curriculum and expectations of what is being taught.
Ask how your child is doing in class, and his or her progress relative to other students.
Ask how you can help and be more involved.
Source: Dr. Donna McGhie-Richmond, Educational Specialist, Kumon Math and Reading Centres.
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