10 Ways to Get Involved in Your Child's Education

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by Eileen Bailey
Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Often I am asked how parents can get involved in their child's education. They might work or not have the resources to spend time volunteering or going on field trips. They are concerned because they know that when parents are involved, children do better in school. But you don't need to spend time every week at your child's school to be involved. The following are ten ideas to help you become involved:

Talk with your child each day about school. Ask questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer. Instead, use questions like:

• What was your favorite part of today?

• What didn't you like about the day at school?

• What story are you reading right now? Do you like the story? Why or why not?

• What is your favorite subject?

• What subject don't you like?

Using open-ended questions fosters discussion. Asking questions such as "Did you have a good day?" requires your child only to say "yes" or "no." Your child may resist your questioning in the beginning but as you continue to ask questions every day, he will begin to open up and talk to you about what went on during school.

Attend Back to School Night. Last week we talked about what parents should look for and ways to make Back to School Night a success. Attending this night gives you the opportunity to meet your child's teacher, see the classroom and meet other parents.

Meet with your child's teachers. If you have concerns with your child's progress or want to head-off any potential problems, contact your child's teacher and set up an appointment to speak. Teachers are often very busy, especially in the beginning of the year and don't always have time to speak with each parent individually. Teachers are, however, usually willing to sit down with any parent in an effort to help their child succeed.

Volunteer. I know I said in the opening paragraph that getting involved doesn't necessarily mean volunteering, but it is certainly one way of doing so. You might only have a few hours a month, but offer to help put books back on the shelf in the library, organize the classroom closet, or be a chaperone on a field trip. Whatever time you can give, the school probably has a need for your time and talents.

Be available for homework help. Let your child know you are around and available should he need help with homework. Your help might be in keeping your child focused, reading a chapter together or reviewing for a test.

Seek outside help if needed. If you aren't able to help with homework because of time constraints or because you don't have the knowledge (high school math is a great example of this), ask a high school student or teacher to help out or look into hiring a tutor. Being involved doesn't always mean you have to do the work, but knowing your child needs help and looking for that help is important too.

Create an environment for studying. Where does your child do his homework or study for tests? Is it right in the middle of family activity? Find a quiet place your child can work and fill it with the supplies needed: pencils, paper, dictionary, ruler, etc.