Whether your child is first starting school or has been going for a few years now, you likely have thought about how to become more engaged in the learning process. That could mean helping them with schoolwork, volunteering at their school, or a number of other things. Below are some ways to get involved in schools as a parent.
Look at the lesson plans
Do you know what your child’s schoolwork is? Knowing what they’re focusing on in the classroom is a good idea.
To help you do so, get a copy of the school’s curriculum at the start of the year to find out what they will be learning about and to brush up on anything you don’t know. If you’re asked to help someone with their homework, it will be much easier just to do it than to try to re-learn everything on the spot, or use you could use Age of Learning to help.
Meet with your child’s teacher
Instead of waiting until the end of the year to find out how your child is doing in school, talk to their teachers whenever possible. By doing so, you’ll learn about your kids’ strengths and any possible learning or behavioral problems that you can work on with them at home.
Get involved in schools by joining the PTA
PTAs, which are groups of parents and teachers, are very important to schools. PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association.
As the title suggests, they are made up of people who work at the school, teachers, and parents of students. The group is involved in many things and has an impact on how schools run in many different areas. PTAs often organize events, such as fundraisers, and send volunteers with kids on school trips.
Joining a PTA is a great way to stay in touch with your child’s school. It also is a great way to meet new people, build your network, and learn new skills.
If you don’t have time to join in the PTA activities every week, there are often meetings every three months where you can have your say and find out what’s going on. That’s a way to stay involved without having to devote time each week.
Encourage your children to enjoy learning
What if you don’t have the time or desire to work directly with the school? You can still do things to help your child learn, both when they are young and for the rest of their lives.
In general, having a positive attitude about learning is a great thing to show your child. Reading with children when they are very young can help them do better in school for the rest of their lives.
Try to make your home a place that values learning. Explain to your little one why learning new things is important in life, both for a satisfying career and for being a well-rounded, empathetic person.
Takeaway on getting involved in schools
There are many ways to show that you care about your child’s school life. Not everyone has the same amount of time to spend on it, but you should be able to find something that works for you and your kids.
Hopefully, these tips help when you find ways to participate with your children’s school. Do you have any other tips that could help? Let me know in the comments!
Hi Christy, you make good suggestions and points here.
Thanks Robbie
You know Christy, your advice rings true. I used to get annoyed when I was growing up because my parents were at practically every PTA meeting there was for me and my siblings. But oh how I wish they were alive today so that I could express how much their involvement with our teachers and school activities, meant to me. They held us accountable, knowing that there were consequences we faced if we didn’t act right, maintain good study habits and God forbid if we didn’t respect our teachers and school administrators. Oh how valuable a parents involvement with their children’s or grandchildren’s learning will propel them to be more responsible, adventurous and well prepared for their life ahead. Thank you for sharing these helpful tips! 😊👩🏻🏫🎈👩🏻🎓🍎
It takes effort to be involved but it is so worth it ~ And yes many teens will find their parents’ involvement to be annoying lol, as you did before. It’s amazing what we see years later when we reflect on experiences, isn’t it?!
Honey, don’t you know it? But I don’t think I would have made it as far as I did without my parent’s hands-on approach. You wrote a great piece with great advice! Thanks for sharing my friend. 🤗🙏🏼😉🌺😊
Your encouragement and the great comments both here and on your blog are DA BOMB Kym!!! :)
Guurrrrrllllll, right now I am grinning from ear to ear, and cheek to cheek (and not the one I am sitting on 😜). You just don’t know how much your kind words mean to me Christy. I humbly appreciate that my friend. 🙏🏼🤗🙏🏼
I’m appreciative of your new friendship as you give off amazing energy, Kym! Keep it up ~ HUGS
Awww Christy, and believe me I feel the same way my dear friend. I love how you write with purpose and you give us something to ruminate about. So thank you and so glad to bring a smile to your face my dear. Enjoy the rest of what this day has to offer my friend. 🌞💋😎💖🥰🌺💃🏼 Cheers! 🥂
Smiling while reading this comment! :) :D
Awww….my heart is going pitter patter! 🤗💖🥰💖😊
Heart to heart connection!!
🥰💖😍