Teachers - what do you think the role of parents be in education?

Question

My earlier note was worded so poorly, I thought I would try to restate my concerns.
I have a friend whose 10 year old son is struggling with the basics in school - spelling, reading,math & keyboard skills.
I told her of my concerns & that she should be devoting more time to encourage his studies as opposed to letting him play computer games on go onY!A for hours at a time as he does now.
Unfortunatelly my inflammatory statements closed her mind to my concerns.
He is a sweet kid but he is struggling. I am concerned if he doesn't turn his schooling around soon he will be doomed to a gloomy life.
What do you education professionals believe? What can I do to see that her child needs her help?

"What can I do to see that her child needs her help?" should read : "What can I do to show her that her child needs her help?"

Thank you for all the great answers. This child's mother needs to become more involved in his education but unfortunately hasn't so far. I have tried to convince her but she doesn't want to take my advice because of our past. I only wish I knew how to get her to change her mind. Her poor boy may suffer in the future because of her decisions.

Answer 1

Parental involvement is extremely important for both teacher and student sucess! Good for you for encouraging your friend to take an active role in her son's education.
As a teacher, I can tell you that when a student is struggling, there are usuallly better outcomes when the parent or parents work with the teacher to attain the best possible solution for the child.
Teachers care a great deal about the well being and sucess of their students, but they can only do so much particulary at this age level. It's crucial that the parents get involved now rather than waiting for the problem to grow.
I encourage you to keep voicing your opinion to your friend. I would try not to be pushy, just try to find a nice positive way to voice your concerns. It ultimately has to be your friend's decision to get involved, but once she makes the choice to do so, there are limitless tools to support her and her child.

Answer 2

Teachers can't be the only educator to children. Parents must also take a role in the education process, especially if the child is not self-motivated. Parents can help by first and foremost communicating with the teacher. A teacher can identify issues that a child may have and some possible suggestions about how to address the issues.

Fortunately, at the age of ten the child can still turn it around, but if the proper avenues to fixing the problem are not presented to the child he/she will soon loose interest in being successful. By late middle school/early high school kids who have not been academically successful in the past decide they can't do it, and stop trying. Then it is really difficult to help the child catch up.

The key is parents. A teacher only has a child 7 hours a day. Parents have the ultimate influence over the child. Therefore, parents must remain involved in their children's education. It absolutely can not be left solely to the school.

Answer 3

I believe that a 10 year old should have limited use of the computer. Unless,, it is a website that is not only fun but educational also.

I think that the parent should put flashcards in the car and encourage the child to look over them,, you can buy all sorts at Wal-Mart... it not only will fill up the traveling time, but he will be learning at the same time.
The child could even ask the parent the question,,and this will help w/ his reading!,,

There are several programs that are fun that has keyboard skills, and would include all areas of study.

Another thing the parent could/should do is sit down at night w/ the child and look through the binder, and make sure that everything is organized, all papers are signed,, he has all of his supplies, all homework is complete.
Allow the child to take a break, and after baths, clothes are out for the next day,,then go over study card or spelling words.

The parent could even encourage the child to get the child to sharpen his pencil at home, put his name/ heading, and number his spelling paper at night if he knows he will be having a spelling test that next day.
Make flash cards of vocabuary words to help study for the test.

That way,,the child will be walking into a classroom one step ahead, and this will help w/ cutting down on having to hurry and feel flustered.

Anything that a parent can do at night is that much more help to the child.. of course the child needs to help...

Encourage your friend that to help your child be organized, have good study habits, and keep open contact w/ the teacher.. if they see that the parent is working w/ the student and is concerned they will try their best to place or do what the child needs!

I am not saying that as soon as the child walks in to start and not stop working on school work till bedtime... all children need home time too,, and time to relax, and play... If the child has tons of homework,,then that also needs to be addressed.

I hope I helped a little~ I have worked in the school system for 13 yrs.. and have raised two children and this worked for us!

Good luck persuading your friend to play a big part of her childs education.

(Please excuse all grammar mistakes,,, unlike others I don't really care,, I am not being graded on this...! lol)

Answer 4

Parents need to understand that teachers try to give students all the information they need to be able to learn a concept, but practice is needed at home. There are so many things to cover during school and not enough time to just practice. If a student is unable to go home and practice on his own to learn the concept, then unless a parent steps in and helps there is very little hope of the student mastering the skill before the class moves on. Plus, a parent sitting and helping a child practice school work is a good way to build a connection between school and home for the child and also quality time between parent and child.

Answer 5

this parent needs to understand that the parent is the first teacher in his/ her child's life. children usually start school knowing at least how to recite their ABC's. Where does that knowledge come from? the home of course. parents are a very powerful tool in their child's education. It is up to the parent to continue this process so that their child's brain does not turn to mush. Many parents, unfortunately, do not keep up with this educational practice and leave the responsibility solely to the teachers once their child gets into Kinder and the primary grades.
Parents should be involved completely in their child's life. It is a vital part of the child's learning. if the parent and the teacher are not in synch with what the child's educational goals are, then the child will not succeed. Parents NEED to know this.

Answer 6

Plain and simple, Parents need to be involved in their child's education. It is proven that students perform better in school when they have parents who show an interest in their education. I am a senior early childhood education major in college currently. I can only hope that I will have the opportunity to work with parents that want to be a parent of their children's education. Unfortunately, it probably will not be the case.
You are in a sticky situation. Anyone can appreciate the fact that you care enough to show your concerns. However, only the parent can really force the issue.

Answer 7

If a child is not making average growth in his/her academics, it is the parents' duty to do everything they can to get the child back on track. If you're behind, you need to work harder to catch up. Allowing your child to play computer games all day rather than read and study is irresponsible. Our education system isn't what it should be, so being less than average in America is saying a lot with regards to the entire world. If parents don't up their game and enforce those same standards for their children, their children (and our society) is destined to be nothing more than mediocre. If your friend isn't willing to see the bigger picture and make sure her son is making the most of his education, then you're just gonna have to chalk it up as a loss.

Answer 8

Parents have an important role to play.They must motivate &encourage their children to not only do well but score high marks in exams.They must reward their children when they score well .They must always spend at least half an hour with the children to find ourt what they have learnt & what are their difficulties.They must emphasise that "Education is a permenant part of Lif's activity& a natural outcome of Mind's vitality".Tagore

Answer 9

It sounds like your friend does not value education the same way you do and, unfortunately, there isn't much you can read or say to her to open up her mind. Too bad!

Answer 10

They should not let any child who does not do their homework speak, because they know nothing.