Parental involvement in education has always been the foundation of student success and achievement. Without parental input, teachers are less likely to reach optimal outcomes in the classroom. Our mid-COVID return to instruction has presented students and educators with unprecedented experiences and challenges that portend to disrupt education service provision in and out of the classroom. Now more than ever, parents must be front and center in their children’s education.
It’s so important for parents to be fully aware of what their children are learning and how well they are learning it. It’s also important for parents to know what their children can do academically and how that compares to what they are being asked to do during instruction. When school ended abruptly in the Spring, many parents learned for the first time exactly how academically capable or incapable their child was at that time. Some had no idea what their children were or were not able to do. When it comes to our children’s education, we cannot afford to be illinformed.
Parents, teachers need you. Be sure to be front and center in your children’s learning. Please be prepared to support your children’s teachers as they work hard to ensure your children are learning. Ask teachers for lesson plans, necessary materials and supplemental resources. If you know of any great resources, share links with your children’s teachers. Participate in virtual learning exercises with your children. Also, provide your child with opportunities to practice new concepts outside of instruction time.
Teachers, parents need you. Be sure to ask parents to participate in learning activities, especially with very young children. Share lesson materials early so parents can prepare on their end. Ask parents to participate in the teaching process by reading stories, participating in songs or dances or a variety of other class activities. Communicate with parents regularly about class happenings and how their respective children are doing in class.
Teaching children effectively really is a collaborative process. With teachers and parents working together, students have the greatest opportunity to reach optimal academic achievement. The COVID-19 pandemic may have upended education for a season, but working together with parents, our students will have the opportunities to excel academically.
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