Research demonstrates that effective schools have high levels of parental and community involvement. This involvement is strongly related to improved student learning, attendance and behaviour. Family involvement can have a major impact on student learning.

 

Parents/Carers are the main role models in their child’s life. Parents attitudes and approach to education strongly influences the way their child sees the world. We do not expect parents to be experts in what their child is learning, but to support what they are being taught in the classroom by being genuinely interested and actively engaged.

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By strengthening our partnership, together we can ensure that your child’s future is full of possibilities. Below is an article which again reiterated the importance of families and schools working together. When we do, children are more likely to build good relationships and do better at school.

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#1 Aim high – believe in your child’s potential

When a parent holds high aspirations for their child, they do better at school. Showing your child that you believe in them and their ability to do their best at school is really powerful – it builds children’s confidence and helps them see themselves as someone who can do well.

Research shows that what parents believe about their child’s ability to do well at school is linked to their actual achievements.

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• Praise your child for trying hard (not just for doing well).

• Aim high – let your child know you think that learning and school are important and that trying hard matters.

• Discuss children’s dreams for the future with them.

 

#2 Talk with and listen to your child

Spending time talking with your child helps them to learn and grow. Simple ways to do this include talking about what they’re learning at school and what they enjoy or find difficult.

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• Talk with your child about what’s happening at school.

• Ask open questions that encourage discussion. 

• Talk with your child about current issues and ideas. 

• Ask about friendships and relationships at school. Get to know who their friends are and how they spend their break times.

 

#3 Learn about the world together

Parents, more than anyone, can help their children enjoy learning new things. Children learn by exploring and finding new interests. Children can learn about the world doing everyday things like cooking, shopping, cleaning, gardening, or playing sport. 

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• Give your child the opportunity to discover new things, to explore new interests, and to participate in their family, community and culture. These all help to develop a positive attitude towards learning and school.

• Talk about your own learning. Share the message that learning is important at all ages. 

• Head out to libraries, museums, free concerts, sporting and cultural events together. 

 

#4 Make reading a family affair

Reading to children from a very early age has a lasting positive effect. Reading together can broaden vocabulary, create an environment for learning together and give you things talk about later. Having your child read to you is also a safe and nurturing way for children to practise and learn.

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• Share stories from or about your own family with your child. 

• Read and talk about books and stories with your child. 

• Praise your child when they make an effort and keep trying.

• These days, we read more than just books – reading on hand-held devices (eg iPads) also helps to familiarise your child with technology as well as build their reading skills.

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#5 Create a good homework environment

There are a couple of important things you can do to get the most out of homework. One is building your child’s confidence and the other is to support them to learn on their own. The ways to help them will change as they get older.

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• Create space for homework and try to make homework a calm experience.

• Be available to help if your child has a question. 

• Praise your child for their effort and persistence when they are doing homework.

 

#6 Support good relationships

Parents can help children develop friendships and get along with other people, including their teacher. Children enjoy learning and being at school when they have strong friendships.

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• Be positive about school and respectful of teachers.

• Support good relationships with friends and classmates. 

• If your child has negative experiences at school, you can involve teachers and school staff to help with this.

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Read the full article

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