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Parents: The first teachers

“It is the sunlight of parental love and encouragement that enables a child to grow in competence and slowly gain master over his environment.” – Felicity Bauer

The sounds of bells summoning students for a new school year adventure echo among the buildings, corridors, and playgrounds. This journey, for the most part, begins with rekindling old friendships and discovering new ones. Although this can be very exciting, it could also pose a time of heightened anxiety fueled by concerns over teachers, classrooms, subjects, and navigating through the building.

A parent can alleviate some of these stressors of their child. One of the most important ways is by becoming actively involved in their education. You are your child’s first teacher.
What this means is that from the birth of your child, time is continually devoted to teaching not only life skills, but also educating them as well: from how to print their name to counting, identifying letters, colors, and numbers, assisting with dexterity, and so much more.

Even as your child begins a new phase in their education, whether starting pre-kindergarten or beginning high school, your continued commitment to be involved is paramount. The possible methods listed below are but a few examples:

  1. Team – Take the time to develop a positive relationship with your child’s teacher and emphasize that you are open to communication both ways and are interested in recommendations on how to assist your child. This could be accommodated by the following: phone calls, text messaging, or comments through the child’s weekly folders. These aforementioned suggestions are crucial to your child’s success.
  2. Meetings/Open House/Orientation – Always when possible, exploit these important events, approaching in a positive manner and inquiring on avenues/methods that can be utilized which would be of benefit to your child.
  3. Parent-Teacher Organizations – Collaboration with these organizations is beneficial in providing assistance for students and teachers. It could possibly range from planning activities, becoming a classroom volunteer, assisting with fundraising and more.
  4. Curriculum – It is extremely important to work with your child on their homework assignments and to review their weekly progress in the work folders brought home. During this time, take the time to review the curriculum and what is being taught. If you have questions, ask; don’t assume. Here too is where an established relationship with your child’s teacher becomes helpful.
  5. Listen – Be especially attentive by asking questions during family times, chores, and conversations between siblings and their friends. This may reveal information pertaining to what is transpiring for your child at school.

    As your child’s first teacher, your positive, active involvement is sending a vital message on how important their education is to you, and that you are working in concert with his/her teacher. By being actively engaged in your child’s education, you are doing what God would approve.

“No school can work well for children if parents and teachers do not act in partnership on behalf of the children’s best interest.” – Dorothy H. Cohen

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