Why Parental Engagement Matters: Supporting Your Child’s Journey Through Education
The role you play in your child’s education is invaluable. After all, you are their first teacher and biggest cheerleader. From providing a safe, supportive learning environment at home to being an active participant in their school, you can be a big influence on your child’s success.
Nowadays, many British schools in Dubai encourage parental engagement in several ways. For example, they host regular parent-teacher conferences, invite parents to volunteer in classrooms and school events and involve them in school governance.
What’s more, you can engage in certain activities at home to remain connected to your child’s education.
The Positive Impact of Parental Engagement on Learning Outcomes
Research shows that there are countless benefits to parental participation in their children’s education. Here are some of the more prevalent ones:
1. Better academic performance
Taking a hands-on approach to your child’s schooling can bolster their performance. This means higher grades and better test scores.
Plus, the more you’re involved, the greater the impact on their learning journey. This clearly demonstrates the significance of your contribution to your child’s education.
2. Enhanced social and emotional skills
Parental engagement does not only boost academic performance. Your child’s emotional and social development also improves when you’re involved in their education.
In fact, research reveals that kids with supportive parents exhibit greater self-esteem and fewer behavioral problems. They’re also better equipped to build relationships with their classmates.
3. Improved school attendance
Absenteeism can hinder a child’s academic success. This usually happens for a few reasons (aside from physical illness), including not feeling motivated to attend school or a of lack a sense of belonging.
Fortunately, parental involvement can help here, too. By showing a keen interest in their studies, providing emotional support, and developing a good relationship with their school, parents can boost their child’s school attendance and help them stay on track.
Getting Involved in Your Child’s Education
Grasping the value of being actively involved in your child’s education is crucial. And now, it’s time to discover ways to support their learning journey both at school and at home.
1. At school
Attend parent-teacher conferences
Participating in parent-teacher conferences allows you to discover your child’s strong and weak points, as well as address any concerns.
For example, a teacher may shed some light on a specific area or a subject where your child is struggling so you can address the problem or come up with a solution. For example, you can give your child additional lessons or help them master the subject at home or, if necessary, hire a tutor.
Parent-teacher conferences also help you keep abreast of all school news and upcoming events.
Volunteer in school activities
School events often need volunteers, and many parents are happy to be involved. Those activities include chaperoning school trips, providing assistance in the classroom, or joining the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).
Sign up for school governance
Many schools seek parent volunteers to serve on boards and councils, where they can lend their expertise and help shape school policy.
This provides an excellent opportunity for you to have a say in your child’s learning setting.
Attend school events
Take the time to share in your child’s experiences by attending school events like plays, sports games and student exhibitions.
Your presence at these functions will demonstrate your genuine interest in your child’s education and hobbies, and help you create cherished memories with them.
2. At Home
Volunteer to help with their homework
Although homework falls under your child’s responsibilities, this doesn’t mean you can’t step in. A parent’s support can work wonders for their child’s academic progress.
You can guide them in their research, offer moral support, or simply be there as a sounding board. Knowing you’re there for them will inspire your child and make homework seem much easier as well as help them build confidence.
It will also help if you devise a daily schedule for you and your child to follow. For you, this will ensure you prioritize being involved in their life. And for them, this will help establish a routine that clearly distinguishes between schoolwork and playtime.
Read with your child
Reading is an excellent hobby. It helps with the development of language, cognition and critical thinking skills, and can even encourage a lifelong love of reading.
You can take turns reading a book with your child and then discuss it afterward. Talk to them about the characters or events in the stories. You’ll be amazed by how insightful they can be!
Be a good role model
Your children learn a lot by observing you. So, strive to express a positive attitude toward education and show them it’s an enjoyable and worthwhile pursuit.
You can talk to them about your own learning experiences or let them see you reading books or watching documentaries. Doing these things will help your child develop an appetite for knowledge.
Emphasize mental health and well-being
Mental well-being is just as crucial as good grades. So, help your children develop coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and ingrain the importance of resilience and self-care.
Have fun learning with your child
You can make learning fun for your child by doing activities together, like going on field trips to museums and science centers, going on nature hikes, and turning everyday tasks into games.
For example, you could turn math equations into puzzles or make a scavenger hunt out of science experiments. That way, you can help them positively associate fun tasks with school work and boost their academic enthusiasm.
Reward effort
Praising your child’s effort rather than achievements will help them stay motivated. Every time they work hard at something, express how you appreciate their dedication and commitment.
You could even reward them with small treats, gifts, or prizes for a job well done. This will teach them that it’s the effort that counts, not just results.
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Motivate Your Child by Being Present
Showing your children that you care about their education can profoundly affect their learning journey, and there are many ways to do this.
Start small and build up from there until you’ve settled into a routine. Be consistent. Soon, you’ll notice a remarkable difference in how motivated and engaged your child is with their studies.
Summing up
Parental engagement is crucial in supporting your child’s educational journey. By actively participating in their education, you demonstrate your commitment, provide guidance, and foster a positive learning environment. Your involvement enhances their motivation, boosts their self-esteem, and improves their academic performance. Ultimately, your engagement empowers them to reach their full potential and succeed in their educational pursuits.