Being involved with your children’s school is a great way of showing that you’re all on the same page and willing to help should your children need it. It’s important that children can see school as a place were their efforts lead to success, so parents being instrumental and involved with school-life simply encourages them further.
Even the busiest families can get involved. Determine the amount of time you can realistically devote to your child’s school and find an activity that fits your schedule. Here are a few examples for inspiration:
If You Have Three Hours a Day
1. Volunteer
Many primary schools welcome an extra set of hands for classroom projects and parties. While you may wish to work with your child’s teacher offer to help in other areas of the school as well, from the main office to the art room. It will give you more insight into the school, and it will give your child the space he or she needs to develop a sense of independence.
2. Organise a homework club
With many parents working 9-to-5 jobs, children are left with little structure during those hours following the end of the school day. You can hold a homework club at the school, a public library or community centre for those few hours at the end of the day.
3. Get involved with extra-curricula activities
Extra-curricula activities enhance children’s educational experience and, for many, provide a positive way to develop a sense of belonging. Drama clubs, hobby clubs and sports teams often require a time investment many teachers lack. A parent volunteer can play a vital role in ensuring these activities are available – whether it’s running the programme, being an extra helper or acting as a chaperone.
If You Have Three Hours a Week
1. Get involved on the policy-making level
School committees involve the community in policy-making and building trust between parents and schools. These teams of teachers, administrators and parents meet on a regular basis to discuss problems within the school and develop solutions.
2. Help produce school newsletters
If you have writing or publishing skills, your school may need you. Because you can do this work from home, this may be the perfect way for parents who aren’t available during school hours to contribute.
3. Set-up a book club
Is your child’s English class reading “Great Expectations”? Have the community join in by gathering copies of the novel and discussing what you’ve read as you go along. This doesn’t have to be in person, instead think about setting up an online forum or blog for parents and children to contribute towards.
If You Have Three Hours a Month
1. Get involved with your school’s PTA
The Parent-Teacher Association is perhaps the best resource for finding out what you can do to help your school. In addition to keeping you informed about school events, it provides a support system. Some PTAs offer childcare at their meetings, making it even easier for parents to attend.
2. Help with social events
A large part of what a lot of PTA’s do is social – so if you only have time out of work hours, try helping to organize an evening event, for example a mum’s netball match, or a night out in a convenient location such as local pizzeria or friendly pub.
3. Get neighbourly
If you live in a neighbourhood with many school-aged children, get your neighbors together for a barbecue and discuss issues affecting your kids and schools. You may find your neighbours have concerns similar to your own. Brainstorm ideas and present them to your school administrators. This is also an opportunity to organise sharing lifts or pick-ups from school.
4. Chaperone school trips
Most trips require a specific ratio of adults-to-children. Volunteer to join a class on a trip to a museum or help out at the school disco.
If You Have Three Hours a Year
1. Attend the school open day and parent’s evenings
Open days and parent’s evenings are your introduction to your child’s environment for the entire school year. Use this opportunity to learn about the curriculum and expectations for your child. Talk to the teachers and have a look at the classrooms and resources available.
2. Share your expertise
Do you have an interesting job? A fun hobby? You may be able to supplement a unit of study with a classroom presentation.
3. Participate in a fundraising event
Cake sales, car washes and car-boot sales or fairs are regular events at most schools. The funds raised support a variety of programs in the school. Volunteering one Saturday afternoon to help with one of these fundraisers will draw you closer to the school and demonstrate to your child the value you place in their education.
A positive and supportive school culture will bolster academic achievement and minimise behavioural problems. Parental involvement is crucial to building this culture. Children need to know they’re not making their school journey alone.