EDUCATION BEGINS IN THE HOME
According to the National Coalition for Parental Involvement, when the family is actively involved in their students education:
- Students do better in school and in life. They are more likely to earn higher grades and test scores, graduate from high school, and go on to higher education.
- Parents become empowered. Parents develop confidence by helping their children learn at home. Many go on to further their own education and become active in the community.
- Teacher morale improves. Teachers who work with families expect more from students and feel a stronger connection to and support from the community.
- Schools get better. When parents are involved at home and at school, in ways that make them full partners, the performance of all children in the school tends to improve.
- Communities grow stronger. Families feel more invested in the school system, and the school system becomes more responsive to parent and community needs.
The people in a young child's home are the most powerful and important influence in his/her life. YOU ARE a living reference book to which your child is constantly depending upon for answers to life's mysteries. We have designed this section of our website to offer tips, strategies and suggestions for spending quality time with your child and contributing to his/her educational experience. Remember, education of children occurs from the time they awake to the moment they fall asleep.
Be generous with praise
Observe your child carefully and comment on the things that are done well. When you see an area that needs improvement, find a positive way to talk about it with your child.
Encourage "personal best"
Help your child by encouraging him or her to do the best in school and at home. Remember, "personal best" does not mean "perfect", and learning is not the same as high grades. Children, like adults, need the freedom to make mistakes and to learn from them.
Make learning a priority
Your attitude toward school attendance, education and involvement in the school makes a strong and lasting impression on your child. Show your child, by example, that learning is a priority.
Show interest in school work
- Talk about school each day.
- Ask to see classwork.
- Have your child read aloud to you.
- Read to and with your child from a variety of material in your first language.
- Encourage your child to discuss new ideas and opinions.
- Show appreciation for good efforts.
Offer suggestions for success
Help your child use the following strategies to improve performance in school:
- Read the assignment when it is given.
- Read the assignment when it is given.
- Keep a list of new vocabulary.
- Proofread assignments to catch errors before writing a final draft.
- Review notes before a test.
Schedule study time
Set up an area for homework away from noise and distractions. Post a family calendar that schedules school project deadlines, after-school activities, mid-term dates, exam periods and report card dates.