By Mary Hill
This is the second week in my daughter’s school year. I sent her off to school with this thought and a prayer. This verse is so applicable to all of our lives no matter what stage we are in life.
How can we as parents study to show ourselves approved so that we use knowledge to improve the lives of ourselves and our children? My focus this week will be on equipping ourselves as parents to help our children succeed as learners.
No matter what type of schooling you have chosen for your child, you should remember you are her/his first teacher. It is up to you to ensure that your child or children fulfill their learning potentials. The number one key to success in this endeavor is to arm yourself with knowledge and resources.
Here are some simple steps to follow in helping your child succeed in learning.
How can we as parents study to show ourselves approved so that we use knowledge to improve the lives of ourselves and our children? My focus this week will be on equipping ourselves as parents to help our children succeed as learners.
No matter what type of schooling you have chosen for your child, you should remember you are her/his first teacher. It is up to you to ensure that your child or children fulfill their learning potentials. The number one key to success in this endeavor is to arm yourself with knowledge and resources.
Here are some simple steps to follow in helping your child succeed in learning.
- Take time to pray or meditate about your child’s success in learning.
- Arm yourself with knowledge you need to help your child based on where your child is at in life.
- Create a personal mission statement for this school year. What is your mission for your child’s or children’s education as a parent?
- Set goals for everyday and follow up on them.
- Seek out the resources you need to help your child succeed. Research the Internet for guides; visit your local school district main office or your private school principal’s office and find out what programs are available to help you as a parent. If you are a homeschooler, find a home school association in your area to join.
What is your mission statement this year for child’s education? Mine is that I help her become more self reliant in her learning. I want to lay the foundation for her to be a lifelong learner. She is at the age that she needs to learn how to be a successful scholar.
What is your personal education mission for your children? Write it down or make a printable to keep. I have created a binder to keep my child’s education information in for this year. So far, I have her schedule and a printable of the verse above.
What is the age of your child? Is she/he a toddler? As a parent of a toddler you need to know the ages and stages of development to ensure that your child is on track.
Has your child started preschool or elementary school? Do you know what your child is expected to learn this year at school or in your home if you are homeschooling? What do education experts recommend your children know by the time they finish their current grade?
Resources for parents by age group:
Toddlers:
- http://www.zerotothree.org/ I especially love this section of the resource: http://www.zerotothree.org/early-care-education/school-readiness-interactive-birth-to-3/
- Focus on the Family http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/babies_toddlers_preschoolers/toddlerhood.aspx
Elementary School Aged Children
- http://www.corestandards.org/ — Great resource prepared in cooperation with state education departments to outline children’s learning goals in mathematics and language arts by grade.
- http://pta.org/parents/content.cfm?ItemNumber=2583 This resource has printable brochures arranged by grade levels.
- http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/schooling/help_your_child_succeed_in_public_school.aspx
- http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/more-school-involvement/8-steps-to-homeschool-success
- http://www.youcanhomeschool.org/starthere/default.asp
I have loaded this post down with lots of information that I hope will be helpful to you as a parent. What do you think? What link best helped you today? Let me know in the comments area. Thanks.
Stayed tuned for other posts. I am also working on a post for grandparents about our role in helping our grandchildren succeed in school. I am a grandparent too and really want to help my grandchildren succeed in school.
Love this post. I don’t have kids yet, but think this is SO important. Thanks for linking up at Tell us Tuesday!
Lauren @ muchadoaboutsomethin.com
I love this idea – I really do. I wish that all parents spent this much time and energy on the education of their children.
Thanks for linking up!
Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity
Sarah, thanks. So do I. I really believe in the power of parents as educators. I can’t stress how important we are to our children’s success.
You have some great, actionable ideas here, thanks for writing and posting about them. The resources by age group is really helpful! Thanks for all the hardwork!
Found you on Inspire me Monday
Peter – musicalsaw.com
http://musicalsaw.com/another-recycled-piano/
Thanks so much stopping by. I appreciate the support.
I have a son who just turned 4 yesterday and I teach him at home as well as him already finishing nursery and attending school in September. I truly believe every parent should contribute educationally as well.
My last granddaughter is in high school and my great granddaughter will turn three in December. I’m done with much of this guidance, but this is an excellent way to approach your child’s learning and success in school. Parents have to participate.
Have a terrific day. 🙂