Self-Esteem ~ The School/Home Connection
Mar 28 '02
The Bottom Line Teachers realize the importance of good self-esteem, parents desire their children to maintain it, and children prosper when a healthy one is produced from youth.
One contributing factor toward a child’s overall self-esteem is arrived from his/her educational experience. Teachers realize the importance of good self-esteem, parents desire their children to maintain it, and children prosper when a healthy one is produced from youth. These foundational years provide a launching pad for future endeavors. I view the teacher/parent connection as a partnership with a common goal – to assist the child during this important developmental stage and inspire them toward becoming the best they can be. Both parties spend a great deal of time with the child. Thus explaining the importance for all of us to realize children are greatly influenced by how they feel they’re judged by adults.
Understanding that we play an important role in the strengthening of the child’s self-esteem allows for us to realize that children are more likely to embrace the learning process when parents are involved. These children are more prosperous at school, exert effort, and are happier in general. Research shows that these children have better report cards, greater achievement, and a higher self-esteem. Whether the participation is inside or outside of the classroom a strong message is displayed that education is important, thus creating a connection between the home & school experience. You will literally be showing your child that you care!
“Parental involvement in the education process is an important element toward academic success, and a wonderful way to show your child you care.” Lisa~ Early Childhood Educator
When my oldest daughter entered Kindergarten seven years ago I was aware of the importance in partnering with her teacher(s). As a full time work-at-home Mom I also knew it was not going to be easy to fulfill this desired obligation. However… I was determined to provide this link. Each year I have been involved with her education experience. Naturally when Marisa entered Kindergarten this tradition continued. The manner in which this unfolds varies, but nonetheless the outcome has been similar; my children know that we care about their education.
What precisely does parent involvement mean?
~*~ Listening to your child!
~*~ Attendance at school meetings.
~*~ Attendance at school conferences.
~*~ Attendance at school and classroom events.
~*~ Serving as a school volunteer.
~*~ Observing your children with home studies and providing a comfortable homework area.
~*~ Showing an interest in schoolwork produced.
~*~ Displaying child’s work in prominent place.
~*~ Listening to what your children vocalize with regard to their school experience.
~*~ Showing support for the education system – being a liaison/advocate for your children.
Parent involvement in the education process isn’t a luxury reserved for the stay-at-home mom/dad, or part-time employed parent. Rather it is an essential element for success of the school experience. Considering that classroom ratios are upwards of 20-30 students to one instructor, it becomes easy to assess why parental involvement is needed.
Each of us possesses talent that will provide beneficial accommodation for the education of the younger generation.
~*~ A listening ear? Super, elementary children gain tremendous reading power in a one on one reading extravaganza!
~*~ A craft? Great, most teachers have an open invitation for parental assistance in this area.
~*~ Perhaps your contribution will be in assisting with hall bulletin décor, aiding with PTA poster production, and other decorating elements.
~*~ Gardening? Superb! Volunteer assistance with campus beautification and help teachers introduce garden rich ideas into the class environment.
~*~ Dust & clean the classroom after school hours. Spiffy up a class bulletin. Cutout projects at home for the teacher.
On the home front your role becomes directed toward your children. Have an area where his/her schoolwork will be displayed. Take a picture of the bulletin accumulation, and then file the work away at month’s end. Create an inviting area for your child to achieve homework success. Depending on your child’s learning style this area will differ. Some children produce better while sitting in a bean bag chair and using a lap pad. Others may need the tradition of a table with chairs or a desk. You know your child best. Whatever the environment, sit down by them and offer interest and help as needed.
Happy Parenting!
© 2002
Lisa_J
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Location: Pacific Northwest - Washington State
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Mom of two wonderfully spirited daughters. Childcare Director. Spectator fan of dance.
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