Ideas to Participate in Your Child’s Education

Family involvement in our children’s education is very important in America’s school system. The following ideas to participate in your child’s education discuss a sense of commitment to sparking children’s education interest.

In the United States, parental involvement in your child’s education is part of the federal education plan. Participating is recommended and sometimes required by some school programs.

How can I participate in my children’s education?

Discuss School with your child

Talking to your child is one of the most consistent ways to participate in their education. Talk to your child about their school day. Ask specific questions that encourage you to talk about what they learn each day. Ask specific questions that prompt detailed answers.

Below is a list of questions to consider when discussing school experience with your child:

• Inquire about what was learned in math, science, social studies, English, or Spanish class?
• Discuss what he/she is learning in computer class, arts, library, or physical education?
• What do you like the most about what you’re learning now?
• Ask about areas of struggles in any class?
• What did you learn new today?

Sometimes we focus on asking short questions that do not generate a conversation with details. Once your child sees your interest, he/she will feel more comfortable to share about their daily activities and school learning. This is something I’ve experienced with my kids. Because they see my interest in their education, they have shown interest in my work. Therefore, every day, we talk about their progress in school, and they ask about my day at work.

Participate in school activities

Elementary schools offer a variety of activities to help engage families. Many school activities teach parents how to participate in their child’s education. Nevertheless, some of the essential activities include back-to-school night, open house, and parent association meetings.

Participation shows your child that school is a priority in your household. For the most part, participation connects us with other families in your child’s classroom or school. Engaging in school activities with other families is a fun way to contribute to our kids’ education.

Connect with the school

Communication with your child’s teacher is of paramount importance to participate in your child’s education. Hence, there are different ways you can connect with the school. In addition to parent-teacher conferences, you can contact and communicate with teachers via emails. For example, you can email questions pertaining to assignments or upcoming activities.

Some teachers use email accounts to communicate weekly assignments with their parents. Therefore you should ask to be added to the class email list to receive emails. Some elementary schools use remote applications to communicate with parents. A top-rated app used by schools is the ClassDojo application. The ClassDojo app allows teachers and parents to share information about academic progress.

Another way to stay in touch is to call the teacher if you don’t have an email account. Otherwise, you can also send written notes to communicate immediate information. Immediate information may include a child’s absence from school or a homework question.

What if you don’t speak English?

It is a federal requirement that each school provides interpreter services to help parents communicate with teachers and school staff. Many schools use a telephone interpretation service to help bridge the communication gap between schools and families. Over-the-phone interpreting companies are available 24 hours a day and provide interpretation services in more than 75 languages.

Lastly, participation in your child’s education of paramount importance to encourage kids to engage and succeed in education. Your collaboration and interest will show the school that you’re committed and interested in your child’s academic progress.

Sharing is caring!