Parental Involvement in Education: Strategies for Success

The importance of parental involvement in education can’t be overstated. Studies show that when parents are involved in their child’s education, academic performance soars. When parents engage with their child in the school setting, there is a vast improvement in the development of the student. Parental involvement is crucial to a child’s learning capacity.

Benefits of Parental Involvement in Education

Everything changes when parents get involved. This is a good thing. Some advantages of parental involvement in a child’s education include:

• Lower dropout rates
• Increased teacher job satisfaction
• Better behavior in the classroom
• Better morale in the classroom
• Higher quality of education
• Higher academic achievement

Effective Parent/Teacher Communication

To create an environment that is conducive to parental involvement in school, there must be open lines of communication between parents and teachers. A few ways to organize this type of parent/teacher communication are:

• Teachers:
  Send regular emails to update parents on what is going on at school.

Invite parents to ask questions.

• Parents
  Ask your child questions about their day and what they’re learning. Have regular conversations about their goals at school.

If you have questions, don’t be afraid to email teachers and ask.

Parent-Teacher Collaboration

Parents can help support what teachers are working on at school by creating a learning space at home.

• Provide Resources
  Help your child have what they need by ensuring easy access to pencils, paper, crayons, books, and other school supplies. Provide a quiet and organized space for learning.
• Limit Screen Time
  Encourage study time by reducing the amount of time your child spends on screens. There is much research supporting limiting screen time to promote a healthy learning process.
• Set Aside Specific Times to Learn
  A healthy learning routine will encourage your child to regularly focus on schoolwork during their time away from school.

Be Actively Involved

Parents and teachers alike can be involved in activities that will support growth and learning for the child.

• Be Present
  Both parents and teachers can help by attending parent-teacher conferences, sporting events, and school shows.
• Volunteer
  Parents can be assertive when reaching out to help. Class parties, school field trips, and other events are great ways to help.
• Committees
  The PTA and PTO are great ways for parents and teachers to work together. School committees are another great way parents can be involved.

Encourage Learning at Home

Parents and teachers can encourage children to normalize learning at home.

• Read Together
  All parents should be reading with their children daily. When children are young, read to them. As children grow, discuss books you are reading separately.
• Work on Critical Thinking
  Encourage your child to discuss topics they enjoy as well as current events so that they can develop their critical thinking skills.
• Help with Homework
  Don’t do your child’s homework for them but be available to assist with homework questions when necessary.

Encourage a Mindset of Constant Growth

Your child needs to remain engaged in school even when they’re not at school. Parents can encourage children to keep learning through all experiences. Some ways to increase this growth mindset in your child are:

• Set Goals
  Parents, children, and teachers can set goals together to increase the chances of achievement for the child and the school culture.
• Celebrate Achievement and Effort
  Help your child celebrate when they put forth effort. Don’t save the celebration for accomplishment alone; rather, highlight the occasions when your child is doing their best.

Stay Actively Engaged

Parents can stay engaged in their children’s school by practicing some of the following:

• Understand School Policies
  Make sure you know what time school starts and that your child is arriving on time. Familiarize yourself with the school’s grading system, policies, curriculum, and more.
• Understand the Technology Used at School
  Many schools use apps, portals, and more to communicate and stay up to date. Announcements and newsletters may be posted via email.
• Support Teachers
  Parents can show their appreciation for teachers by being willing to collaborate and cooperate.

Treat Each Other as Equal Partners

When it comes to parents and teachers, collaboration is key. This means treating each other as equal partners. Everyone involved in educating our children should be equally invested in their success. Being invested means sharing responsibility. Communication is key, and students will have every chance to succeed working under this kind of strong teamwork.

Share Accountability

Just as teachers and parents are equal partners in collaborative efforts, they will also need to share accountability. The accountability factor is a three-way split. Students, parents, and teachers will all be accountable for the success of the education process.

Conclusion

When parental involvement is high, students thrive. Staying involved is crucial, and a close relationship between parents and teachers is key to elevating a child’s academic success.

Lionheart Children’s Academy

At Lionheart Children’s Academy, we love to get our students’ parents involved in their children’s education process. We are eager to collaborate with parents and help children stay on track with their education. We want our students to succeed and thrive in their place of education as their parents and teachers work together toward the same goals. With locations in Texas, Colorado, Indiana, Ohio, and Tennessee, we provide a Christian education for our students. We create an environment that sparks their curiosity so that they can grow and thrive. For more information, contact us or visit our website.