How to Become Actively Involved in Your Child’s Education
Published September 19th, 2006 in Getting Started, Black Education News.By Matthew Lynch
Originally posted on Bahiyah Woman Magazine
“It takes a whole village to raise a child.” African Proverb
Parental involvement is the best predictor of a student’s educational achievement. Parental involvement demonstrates to your child the importance of school, resulting in improved student attitudes, moral, and academic achievement. Parents’ active interest also results in increased attendance, lower dropout rates, fewer discipline problems, and higher aspirations in life. Children who have been supported this way throughout their education are also more likely to consult with parents when making educational decisions.
Education is the key to our children’s future, whether they attend college, take up a trade, or join the work force upon graduating from high school. There is no way to overestimate the importance of instilling the love of learning into your child because it can lead to the development of a genuine love of knowledge, and not just the obligation to make good grades. When this occurs, you won’t have to tell your child to study because it’s already his number one priority.
Instilling in Your Child a Love of Learning
Show interest! Ask questions! To help a child have academic success, parents must show an active interest in their child’s education. This is, in fact, one of the easiest things for parents to do, and it doesn’t depend on their level of education. All you have to do is set aside time every day to talk to your child about school. If you are a working parent who is not at home when your child returns from school, make sure you talk to them as soon as you get home, or at least the first chance you get. Making sure you periodically talk to your children demonstrates your genuine interest in their lives. The lines of communication are kept open and strengthened. Your questions should be a jump-off point for a two-way conversation. Ask open-ended questions, which require more than yes or no answers.
Be a positive role model. Show your child your love of learning by picking up a new hobby, keeping up with current events, or reading a book. These actions will show your child that not only is one never too old to learn, but that learning should continue throughout life. Show your child that what he is learning is an important part of being an adult. Use math to double a cookie recipe. Help your child understand how you use these skills at work.
Visit the public library often and have reading materials available. A child’s success in reading comprehension is directly related to the availability of reading materials at home. Filling your home with culturally relevant books, whether your own or from the public or school library, will develop a child’s comfort with books. In addition to loaning books, many libraries have children’s programs for every age, from toddlers and teenagers. Usually, they also have a section devoted to African American Literature. Make visiting the library a family tradition.
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