No matter how much spare time you have in your busy schedule, there are ways to get more involved with your child’s education. Getting to know your child’s teachers and school administrators can be beneficial on numerous levels. When your children see you at their school, it helps emphasize how important learning is to you and will make them more enthusiastic as a result.
In fact, multiple studies show that children whose parents participate in school events have better grades and test scores, with a more positive attitude towards school. It also helps keep you up to date on the latest school policies and special events. The following are a few basic ways to get involved.
Attend Open Houses
Most schools set up open houses or parent-teacher conference days which give you a chance to sit down and chat with your child’s educators and administrators. Although conferences may be held in the daytime when you could be at work, many open houses are designed to accommodate parents’ busy schedules. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t make all of these, but try to introduce yourself and get on an email list to learn more about school events.
Help Plan Events
Find out who the school activity coordinator is, or talk to your child’s teacher about your desire to help plan events throughout the school year. These could range from school dances to bake sales.
Volunteer in the Classroom
You may not have the time to fully organize an event or take on continual responsibilities, but you can help decorate the classroom for the holidays, set up the classroom with kids labels on desks, or act as a chaperone on a class field trip. It’s best to ask your child’s teacher directly how you can help. Volunteers may be needed to help out with community projects or with the upkeep of the school grounds as well, which you can ask about in the school’s main office.
Share your Skills
Most classrooms welcome guest speakers. If you have a particular skill, hobby, or interesting job, you could come in to give the children a lecture or demonstration. Playing songs, leading craft projects, or helping teach technological skills are all useful ways to share your expertise with your child’s classroom.
Get to Know the Other Parents
While school is a great place for your child to branch out and meet new friends, it also presents an opportunity for parents. Joining the PTA or setting up a parents’ bulletin board is a good way to get to know some other parents in your community.
There are many ways to help out at your child’s school, which can be rewarding for the whole family. Whether you have the time to plan events year-round or only a spare hour to make school name tags, your efforts will not go unnoticed and will help your child feel more supported.
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