DOCUMENT RESUME PS 028 147 ED 436 294 Amundson, Kristen J. AUTHOR Parents: Partners in Education. Parents as Partners Series. TITLE American Association of School Administrators, Arlington, INSTITUTION VA. ISBN-0-87652-238-X ISBN PUB DATE 1999-00-00 20p.; For other publications in the Parents as Partners NOTE series, see PS 028 145-148. American Association of School Administrators, 1801 North AVAILABLE FROM Moore St., Arlington, VA 22209 (AASA Stock No. 236-014). Tel: 888-782-2272 (Toll-Free); Tel: 703-875-0748; Web site: <http://www.aasa.org>. Guides - Non-Classroom (055) PUB TYPE MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. EDRS PRICE Educational Technology; Elementary Secondary Education; DESCRIPTORS *Family School Relationship; Homework; Internet; Parent Materials; *Parent Participation; *Parent School Relationship; *Parent Student Relationship; Parent Teacher Cooperation; *Parents; Parents as Teachers; Television Viewing ABSTRACT Even after children enter school, parents continue to be the most important adult influence on their lives. This booklet, directed to parents, contains more than 40 ways that parents can work with their child's school to support their child's learning. The suggestions are organized in "Parent Involvement: The 3 V's," visibility, several sections: (1) "Partners in Your Children's Education"; volunteering, and voting; (3) (2) "More Basic than the Basics," delineating the basic skills parents teach their children, including self-confidence, a willingness to work, discipline, "The Three R's," suggestions for good nutrition, and good health; (4) "Beyond the Three encouraging reading, writing, and arithmetic skills; (5) R's," suggestions for enhancing children's education in the arts, social "Helping Your Child Make the studies, science, and physical education; (6) "Using Technology To Turn on Learning," focusing Most of Homework"; and (7) on television and the Internet. The booklet notes that it is most important of all that parents enjoy their children and let them know every day how (Contains 23 references.) special they are. (KB) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) ; /' This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it A Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent II f official OERI position or policy 111 I J. 1) 1% I .IJ p 1 PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 1 ;' ),,, c ) 4-, <A Parents: Partners in Education American Association of School Administrators 1801 N. Moore St. Arlington, VA 22209 (703) 875-0748 http://www.aasa.org Copyright 1999 by the American Association of School Administrators All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the American Association of School Administrators. Executive Director, Paul D. Houston Deputy Executive Director, E. Joseph Schneider Editor, Ginger R. O'Neil, GRO Communications Copy Editor, Liz Griffin Designer, Jim McGinnis, Mac Designs Printed in the United States of America. AASA Stock Number : 236-014 ISBN: 0-87652-238-X To order additional copies, call AASA's Order Fulfillment Department at 1-888-782-2272 (PUB-AASA) or, in Maryland, call 1-301-617-7802. 3 Your Child's Most Important Teacher ou are your child's firstand most importantteacher. When Y you speak the first words to your infant son or daughter, you are a language teacher. When you help your child recognize shapes such as letters, you are teaching reading skills. Before your child enrolls in kindergarten, you probably also teach math, science, social studies, the arts, and physical education. Even after your child enters school, you continue to be the most important adult influence on his' life. Most teachers see children only a few hours a day. Parents are constantly teaching their children. But some parents seem to think that once a child enters school, the only "real" learning takes place there. Of course schools teach chil- dren much of the important knowledge they need, but parents play a critical teaching role in educating children. More than 30 years of research clearly shows that children learn best when schools and par- ents work as a team. That's why the teachers and administrators of your child's school dis- trict have sent this book to you. It includes more than 40 ways you can work with your child's school to support learning. By cooperat- ing, we believe we can make sure every child learns as much as he or she can. You may already be following many of these suggestions and that's great. You may decide others are not appropriate for your child, and that's fine, too. After all, you know your child better than anyone else. But we hope these suggestions will help you realize how much influence you have on your child's learning and even encour- age you to try some new learning activities with your child. We are sure you will enjoy learning with your child. So, good luck. And welcome to our "faculty." 1 Because we believe in the importance of individuals, we often use the singular pronoun. To be fair, we alternate the use of "him" and "her" throughout this publication. 1 Parents: Partners in Education Parent Involvement: The 3 V's How can you play a more active role in your child's education? Here are some ideas: Be Visible Attend parent conferences so you and your child's teacher can get to know each other. Join and support your school's parent organization. When children see that their parents think school is important, they think so too. Volunteer Parent volunteers make it possible for schools to provide many of the extra touches that can make the difference between a good education and a great one. Even if you are very busy, there's a job you can do. Studies show that children whose parents are school volunteers actu- ally do better in school. So ask your child's teacher or principal what you can do. Vote Be an active, informed citizen. You'll be encouraging your child to be a good citizen. Because school boards make important decisions affecting your child's education, make a special effort to learn about and vote in school board, finance and other school elections. Partners in Your Children's education Parents and teachers want the same thing for children the best pos- sible education. And when we work together, we make a strong team. Here are some ways you can help your child's school do a better job: See that your child attends school regularly. Support the school in its efforts to maintain proper discipline. Be aware of what your child is learning in school. 2 Parents: Partners in [duration Let the school know if your child has any problems outside of school that might affect his ability to learn. If you have concerns or questions about any aspect of the school, share them. Your child's teacher can often give you the informa- tion you want. Or, if needed, the principal, superintendent or other administrators are available also. If someone on the school staff has been particularly helpful to your child, let that person know. Everyone likes to hear good news now and then! More Basic Than the Basics You've probably heard educators talk a lot about the "basics." But as a parent, you are the one who teaches your child the basic skills that make learning possible. These skills include: Self-Confidence Children who believe in their own worth are better able to face the challenges of school. They are not afraid to make (and learn from) an occasional mistake. By letting your child know you have confidence in her, you're giving her the confidence that will help her have a suc- cessful school experience. A Willingness to Work Sometimes, parents think that school success depends on a child's natural "intelligence." But teachers say a willingness to work plays the biggest role in school success. If your child is struggling with a sub- ject, give him encouragement by telling him that you know that if he keeps working at it he will succeed. Discipline Children whose parents have established clear and consistent rules for behavior at home have little difficulty adjusting to the specific rules of the school and the classroom. This makes it easier for them to focus and succeed. 3 Parents: Partners in [ducation Good Nutrition One important way to help a child do better in school is to make sure she eats a healthy breakfast. Studies show that children who eat a good breakfast perform better in school than those who skip break- fast. It's your responsibility to see that your child eats a healthy diet that is low in "junk foods" such as sweets and potatoes and includes Dairy products, Vegetables and fruits, Breads and cereals, and Meat, poultry, fish or appropriate substitutes. Good Health Good health involves more than an occasional trip to the doctor. It also includes a good diet, and making sure your child gets enough exercise during the day and adequate sleep at night. It's also impor- tant to make sure your child has no hearing, vision, or dental prob- lems which often create learning problems. When your child is ill, he should probably not attend school. But if he will be absent, please notify the school. If your child's illness lasts longer than a few days, the teacher may be able to send work home so he doesn't fall too far behind. 7 4 Parents: Partners in [ducation The Three R's The Three R's: Reading Children who are good readers have a head start in learning all subjects. Here are some ways you as a parent can encourage your child to read: Read to and with your child. Make story time a happy time. Believe it or not, the simple act of reading a book with your child is probably the most effective way to encourage your child to read independently. (Besides, reading with your child is fun.) Sometimes, stop while reading and ask questions: "What do you think will hap- pen next?" "Why do you think the little girl in the story did that?" Let your child choose favorite books most of the time. But occasion- ally, choose something a little more challenging. And encourage your child to read aloud to you by alternating paragraphs or pages. Be a reading role model. When your child is doing homework, read a book or a magazine. Talk about what you read with your child. Let your child see how you use reading in your job. All these are ways you can show your child that reading is an important part of life and is a "grown-up" activity. Keep reading material handy. Reading is a skill, and like other skills, it improves with practice. So make it easy for your child to read. Keep a book in the car so you can read to her while you're waiting in the bank line. Put a basket of magazines next to a com- fortable chair by the TV as an alternative activity or on your child's bedside table so she can spend a few minutes reading each night to wind down before going to sleep. Visit the library regularly and consider getting a library card for your child. Public libraries offer a wealth of learning opportuni- ties. While you're checking out books or magazines, you can also check out the other services that are available. Can you and your child use library computers to explore the Internet? Does the library offer special programs for children? 5 Parents: Partners in Education If your child is just learning to read, use every opportunity to encourage him to practice this skill. Ask your child to read signs when you're out for a walk or a drive. Make labels for items in your house to help your child recognize the names of familiar objects. If your child is older, start a parent-child book club. A small group of parents and children can choose books to read and discuss together. Not only will you introduce your child to some wonderful literature (and rediscover some yourself), you'll also have a chance to have some in-depth conversations with each other. The Three R's: Writing The ability to express thoughts clearly in writing is an essential skill. In fact, many people argue that you don't really understand a thought until you can express it clearly in writing. Here are some ways to help improve your child's writing: All writing is based on spoken language, so talk with and lis- ten to your child. As you share experiences and talk about them, you help your child develop an understanding of and a love for words, which will translate into better writing. Let your child see you writing. Don't let your child think that writing is something that only happens in school. Write letters to family and friends, business correspondences, and perhaps even an occasional story to share with him. Sometimes read what you've writ- ten and ask your child for his thoughts or suggestions. As your child sees you revising what you've written, he'll learn the importance of editing and revision to good writing. Help your child write her own books. She might choose to write about a special interest, such as a hobby. She could write about your family perhaps interviewing an older family member and then translating that information into a book that will no doubt be trea- sured for generations. Once the book is written, encourage your child to illustrate it and make a cover. These books make great gifts for rel- atives and friends. 9 6 Parents: Partners in Education Encourage your child to write letters. Even young children can write to friends and family. And older children can also write let- ters to companies and agencies to request information, samples, brochures, and so on. When they receive replies, they'll have an incentive to write again. Also, if you have a computer and access to the Internet, your child can use e-mail to write to family and friends and contact organizations. The Three R's: Arithmetic Some people think that in the age of the pocket calculator and the home computer, it isn't necessary for students to perfect mathematics skills. But children still need strong mental math skills (the ability to do math in their heads) so they can work with calculators and other technologies. After all, these technologies are only as accurate as the person controlling them. A calculator, for instance, can compute, but it can't think. Without a strong math foundation, children can't judge whether answers are correct. If a child accidentally multiplies 30 time 40 when trying to calculate 3 time 40, he needs to quickly 1,200 cannot be the answer realize that the calculator's answer he is after. Here are some ways to foster mathematics skills in your child: Help your child see how she uses math every day. Does she look at the clock to see how many minutes remain before her favorite TV show? That's math. Is she figuring out how much she has to save so she can buy a favorite game? That's math, too. Have your child help with family shopping. A young child can identify numbers as you go up and down the aisles. An older child might add the cost of two or three items and determine how much change he should receive. (Let him buy these items and if he has figured correctly, let him keep the change.) Still older children might use ads to compare prices and determine the best buys before going shopping. Cooking is an excellent way to put math skills to work. As children follow a recipe, they see the importance of following direc- tions. When they use measuring cups, they see fractions at work. And best of all, everyone can enjoy the results! 0 1