Parental Involvement in Education:

Kindergarten is one of the most important school years socially and academically. This year is critical, as it is usually the first time a child is in a more structured environment, away from home longer, and is in a larger physical setting along with older children. Kindergarten can affect the child’s love of learning for years to come. The early primary years bring a time of great social and emotional development (even for parents when it is time to let go a little more).

Parental Involvement in Education Matters:
Please remember, education begins at home.
Parents are always on, and they are always teaching.

Kindergarten Parental involvement in education tips:

• Feelings: Nervous parents make nervous kids. If you are a bit nervous as a parent (which is completely normal), there is no need to share this with your child. Let them develop their own feelings and encourage their confidence and courage. 
• Time: Young children cannot truly understand a clock. For kindergartners, refer to times such as “after lunch” or “after music class”, in regard to their understanding of when you will see them next. This way, they will feel more secure as they begin to develop a routine. For older students, practice the clock with them, however, still use terms that make them comfortable. 
• Talk with your children: Explain information using expressions, details and new vocabulary words, and be sure to answer all of their questions. 
• Sharing habits: Practice sharing at home (either with you and/or a sibling). 
• Growing habits: Give your children the opportunity to zip their own coats, put on their own hats, etc. This is a great time to provide further independence experiences.

Kindergarten-5th grade parental involvement in education tips:

• Communication: Communication is key between the parent and teacher. You do not have to wait to reach out to your child’s teacher. Do it now, let them know about any concerns you may have (social, developmental, academic). Reaching out to simply say hello to your child’s new teacher is a great way to make this partnership positive from the beginning. 
• Concerns: If you have a concern at school, approach the teacher first, and always let them explain their observation. It is best to try and resolve any issues before going to the principal (unless there is a safety concern, approach both the teacher and principal immediately). 
• Document: Always email teachers and administrators along with a phone call (if a phone call is necessary) in regard to any concerns. 
• Routine: Create a healthy routine so your child knows what to expect. Routines provide a sense of security and balance. 
• Model healthy behavior: Model good eating habits, sleep, exercise and taking time for sunshine and fun. Keep an eye out for sitting too long and using computers and mobile devices for hours on end. Also, consider how you treat others, as your children are always watching and learning from you. These positive health behaviors are imperative to the health of the whole child. 
• Love of learning: At this age, we should teach our kids to be proud of their own work; let them discover their own love of learning, solely for the love of learning. There does not have to be a prize at the end for every book that is read. Guide kids toward their interests, and they will blossom. Visit museums, parks, cultural centers, and libraries. They will find their niche quite early if we expose them to different experiences, and this will lead to new journeys and endless opportunities for academic and developmental growth. 
• Encourage: Encourage your children; do not scold them if they do poorly in an area, as this will only create a fear of school and/or a subject. Work with their teacher, support them at home and remain positive. Be aware that your child will shine greatly in some areas, and not so much in others, as this is to be expected. Kids gravitate and succeed toward subjects in which they find interest. Do not punish them for those that are challenging. 
• Social/Emotional: Keep an open for any changes in their behavior. Pay attention and address them quickly, as there may be something going on at school (such as bullying). Let them know that they can come to you for any reason, always. 
• Using homework for discipline: Do not create extra worksheets or make students read more as a basis for discipline (if your child’s teacher is using homework as a discipline tool, you should reach out to him/her). Homework should never be used in this manner.

Most importantly, parental involvement in education
means creating boundaries at home.
Boundaries are the love we give our children
via our actions and behaviors.

Children feel loved and secure when boundaries are created, and parent involvement in schools is critical to success. They will carry this security and confidence into their school lives. Be there, truly listen (not solely hear) and always support them.

For more parental involvement in education articles and resources:

More parental involvement in education articles on ED News Daily can be found via the link.
Parental involvement in education articles online.
National Parent Involvement Conference and resources.

Make a difference today, and take parental involvement in education seriously.

Is promoting parental involvement in education important to you, if so, why? Can you share any parental involvement in education quotes?