Family Involvement
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What is Family Involvement in Education?
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Family involvement in education means that families are actively learning about and participating in improving education for their children. Some parents and families may have the time to get involved in many ways. Others may have the time for only one or two activities. Whatever your level of involvement, remember: when you get involved, stay involved. You can make a world of difference by your commitment to the education of your children.
Family involvement can be as simple as asking your child "How was school today?" It is important to ask this question every day. This will send your child the clear message that his or her education is important to you and that you expect him or her to learn.
Attending parents' association meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and evening workshops are other ways of getting involved in education. Such work may seem time-consuming, but becoming involved in your child's education pays off in big dividends.
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| What Can You Do To Get Involved in Your Child's Education? |
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Read Together:
Children who read together at home with their parents perform better in school.
Example: Reading a bedtime story to your preschool child. |
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Use TV Wisely:
Parents can limit the amount of viewing and help children select educational programs.
Example: No more than two hours of TV viewing on a school night. |
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Establish a Daily Family Routine with Scheduled Homework Time:
Set aside a quiet, well-lit place, and encourage children to study.
Example: To set a routine -- Check your child's homework every night. |
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Talk to Your Children and Teenagers:
And listen to them, too!
Example: Ask -- "How was school today?" |
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Express High Expectations for Your Children:
Tell your child that working hard stretches a person's mind and helps a person to realize his or her full potential. |
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Keep in Touch with the School:
To keep informed, visit the school and/or talk with teachers on the telephone.
Example: Get to know the names of your child's teacher, principals, and counselor.
"What did you learn in Mrs. Thomas' class today?" |
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Use Community Resources:
Family-oriented community resources may include health care services, housing assistance, adult education, family literacy opportunities, and employment counseling.
Example: Attend the evening classes for Gilbert Stuart parents. |
When parents and families get involved in education of their children, their children improve in school and grow up to become more successful in life. |
