Even the best school can fall short when it comes to meeting your child’s needs. There will be years where your child has a teacher who does not quite “get” your child. And, even if your child has the teacher of the year, that teacher is still trying to meet the needs of 20+ kids each day. There is no way any human can possibly be all things to that many children. As a parent, there are things you can do at home to help fill in the gaps.
5 Ideas For Parents To Help Their Children Where The School System Falls Short;
- Keep the lines of communication open with your child’s teacher. Most teachers are happy to have parents who are involved and ready to reinforce lessons at home. Ask for suggestions on ways to supplement in-class work at home.
- Many parents who find the idea of homeschooling appealing but cannot, for whatever reason actually homeschool their children, are jumping on the afterschooling bus. Afterschooling can be classified as anything from helping with homework to supplementing in class lessons, to teaching additional subjects outside of school. There is a vast network of parents who share ideas and methods here.
- Outside Help. Not everyone is comfortable helping their child in every subject. Additionally, if your child has special needs, you may need help devising methods to help your child master certain skills. The good news is you are not alone! There are a variety of special education resources available to help you help your child. It can be as simple as an internet search for tips on teaching math facts to something more comprehensive like hiring an online special education tutor. If you feel like you are in over your head, do some research to learn how much help is actually out there for you.
- With the internet, it’s easy to find or start a group of like-minded parents. Depending on your goals, you might be able to find an existing group. If not, use social media and local contacts to start a group of your own. You will be able to take advantage of everyone’s strengths and ideas to help all of your children succeed in school.
- After a full day of school, few kids are enthusiastic to come home and do more school at home. Learning happens all the time. Get your child involved with cooking and baking to boost math skills. Watch documentaries or TED talks together. Listen to quality audiobooks while you drive around town. Make reading aloud a family activity – no matter what your child’s age. All of these activities build various skills and will ultimately help your child in school without it feeling burdensome for either of you.
There is no such thing as a perfect education. Remember, you know your child best. Trust your instincts and be ready to try a variety of things before finding the best way to supplement your child’s education.
As a parent, what are some additional ways you help supplement your child’s education at home?
As educators, what additional ideas do you have to ensure each child receives the opportunity to maximize their success?
Please share in the comment section below.
