Getting parents involved in their child's education Part 1 - ECD

It is important for teachers to be involved in their class' education, but more often than not our parents take a backstep. This can be immensely frustrating! We know that children benefit more from involvement from both parties, but we don't often see this. So how can we encourage this?

• Create a question box

Create a box with very simple questions in it. Every morning parents need to look at a question in the box and discuss it with their child.

• Stay and Play Day

Have the kids create invitations to their parents, and invite them to the school for an afternoon. Not only will this encourage positive relationships between staff and teachers, but will also encourage relationships amongst parents. This may be particularly helpful for new parents. Have some organised games prepared as well...

• Guest Speakers

Most parents sometimes feel intimidated by their child's education and may not know how to get involved. Have an information session, be open with your parents or get in a guest speaker to specifically discuss learning opportunities for parents.

Lastly, develop a relationship with your parents. Take some time and get to know them, they may just need someone to chat to.

How to show parents just how important reading at home is.

I can remember being read to from a very little girl, and then I started reading myself. I have always loved books, and a good book is a great form of relaxation for me. While this is true for many of us, many children grow up without books in their house and without learning to love books. So how can we change this? And, really how important is it?!

Well to start off with, tell your parents that they only need to do it for 20 minutes a day (I'll explain this just now). Make it fun though! Most of my experiences with children who do not want to read, are simply bored and uninterested in what they are reading. Take topical topics, their favourite show, favourite celebrity and let them read about that.Use the child's interests to allow them to foster a love for reading and books.
But now, back to the 20 minutes, a child who reads for 20 minutes a day, will by the end of their sixth grade have been exposed to 1 800 000 words! That is quite incredible!

Included is an infographic that details the above.

http://www.usd343.net/vnews/display.v/ART/5060992ac7eb2?in_archive=1

So next time you have a parent complain to you about reading homework, show them this!