Participating in Your Child's School Life
Keep an eye on your academics. Taking an active interest in your Child's Education can go a long way toward assisting her in succeeding. Paying attention to what she is learning in school is one of the most important things you can do. Maintain a record of the subjects she is learning and the assignments she is completing.
Projects, worksheets, and information from the teacher are frequently brought home by younger students. If your child is still in elementary school, have her check over her backpack with you every afternoon or evening.
Take the opportunity to inquire about her current project. Inquire about each item she brings home, and express real interest.
If your child is older, inquire about private lessons. Instead of asking, "How was school?" ask, "What chemistry experiments did you work on today?"
Donate of your time. There are a variety of ways to get more Participate in your child's schooling. One of the most effective is to spend time at the school. Request a list of volunteer options for parents from your child's teacher or administration.
Parents are frequently used as classroom volunteers in many elementary schools. Sign up to help with an art project for a morning.
Volunteer to chaperone a field trip if your child is in middle or high school. On a trip to the state capital, serving as an additional supervisor is a terrific chance to interact with your child, her classmates, and her teachers.
Volunteering can be done in a variety of ways. Think about your talents. Offer to help make clothes for the school play if you are a talented seamstress, for example.
Consider becoming a parent adviser for an after-school program. Perhaps your youngster enjoys chess and wants to attract other children to play with him or her. Inquire with the school about forming a new group.
Make an offer to speak to your child's class. Many schools host a career day, which would be an excellent opportunity for you to share your profession with your child and her peers.
Make contact with the teacher. Your child's instructor certainly has a significant impact on his or her education. Contact the instructor at the start of each school year to establish a line of communication. Make it clear that you're interested in any feedback or suggestions she may have.
You can introduce yourself in the classroom before or after school. Simply put, "Hello, my name is Angie's mother, and I'd like to introduce myself. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you believe there is anything else I need to know about Angie."
At the start of the year, you can also write an introduction note or e-mail. If you have any specific problems, you should contact the teacher during the year.
Prioritize parent-teacher conferences. Meetings between parents and teachers are held regularly at most schools. Put these events in your calendar far ahead of time so you don't miss out.
Try to keep your distance from others. Instead of calling your child's teacher late at night, make an appointment with her during regular office hours.
Pay a visit to the classroom. Sitting in on a few lessons can give you a good idea of what your child is learning. Inquire with the school about allowing parent visitors during lessons. To find out the precise rules, contact the principal's office.
Make sure the teacher is aware that you will be paying a visit. Send an e-mail or a message in advance of your visit, expressing your excitement to see your youngster learn.
After the visit, follow up with your child. Ask specific questions during dinner, such as "How long have you been reading that book?" and "Who is your favorite character?"
Consult with other parents. You will be more inclined to participate in the culture if you get to know the other parents at school. A great way to meet other parents is to join the Parent Teacher Organization or Association. Regularly attend meetings to meet other parents and learn about problems that affect your child's education.
Discuss what your children are learning with other parents. If you are concerned about something going on at school, having a second opinion will be beneficial.
Throughout the year, the Parent Teacher Organization will normally sponsor a variety of events and projects. They may, for example, generate funds for a new computer lab. Joining this group is a fantastic way to collaborate with others to enhance the school.