Parent Involvement in School Activities
Parents involved in the school's decision-making help their children by deciding what's best for their overall education.
Reports from the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory say that children are more likely to be successful in schools and are less likely to engage in violent behavior if their families are involved in their education. By getting involved in school activities, parents send a strong message to their children regarding their role in the community.
Volunteering
Many parents support their children by attending meetings, planning teacher-appreciation events, organizing fundraisers and participating in many sponsored events. Because many children realize the contributions their parents make to their school, they trust their caregivers more. Thus, they get closer to them ensuring a better interaction. By engaging in these activities, children acquire more communication skills with adults, increase their learning potential, and are more confident around their parents. Parents also gain self-confidence when working and interacting in school with children and understanding the teacher’s job.
Learning at Home
Parents also help their children at home by having dinner conversations, having trips and playing games. All these factors can enrich children’s academic achievement in school. Parents should engage their children in different kinds of activities, such as playing sports, dancing together, swimming and going to the beach. That stimulates their children, making them understand that they are not alone. Children gain skills and abilities, which can directly reflect on test scores and report card grades.
Communication
Parents who have more interaction with teachers can supervise their children’s progress better. This is especially true when parents get familiar with school policies, rules and year-long activities. Children who are aware of their own progress can communicate with their parents about school issues more easily. This ensures that any difficulties be treated in a timely manner.
Decision-making
Parents involved in the school's decision-making help their children by deciding what's best for their overall education. Families who engage in such a practice have the feeling of ownership in school affairs while children get the benefit of receiving the opportunities they need. By realizing that there's a representation of parents in school decisions, children understand that their rights are protected. This strengthens their sense of community.
References
- Project Appleseed: Parent Involvement Checklist - http://www.projectappleseed.org/chklst.html
