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The last key area in which parents need to involve themselves is establishing a good working relationship with
school and classroom teacher. Parents can start with learning as much about school as they can and making a commitment to be involved in school. This could include following approaches: read school handbook about rules and expectations; explore school web site; find out about test scores and how progress is measured; become familiar with state standards; attend school events and parent conferences: volunteer in classroom; chaperone field trips and other events; and join parent and teacher organization at school. Parents should meet with teacher early in year and establish a cooperative, open relationship. It is both teachers’ and parents’ responsibility to discuss noted changes with other one, and it is important to remember that parents and teachers are partners. When there is a problem, worse thing that a parent can do is blindly defend their child without getting all facts and hearing other side of story. Positive communication is essential.
Parenting is not any easy job, and being an involved parent takes time and patience. Try to remember three key areas to concentrate on: making time to involved with children at home; guiding children toward productive activities; and establishing a good relationship with school and teachers. These will help children reach their potential and will strengthen a family bond that will last a life time. Your "A" student doesn’t have to settle for "C’s", and parents can take lead to make sure that doesn’t happen.
To read more about how you can help turn “C’s” into “A’s” see acclaimed series “Helping Your Child Learn” including booklets on Math, History, Science, and 6 other titles at: http://www.sbmag.org/Helping_Your_Child/Help_Your_Child_Index.html or follow link on home page of EducationResourcesNetwork.com.
Copyright usage: No permission is needed to reproduce this story. The About Author statement must remain in tact. We also request notification of where article is being used so reciprocal links can be considered. mailto:barb@sbmag.org
About the Author Barbara Snyder is a retired California Distinguished School Principal and Coordinator For Human Resources. She has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She holds elementary education, secondary, community college, and administrative credentials. She is currently the publisher of http://EducationResourcesNetwork.com, co-publisher of Strictly Business Magazine, http://www.sbmag.org.
