Editorial

Parents can add to kids’ education

By: centraljersey.com
Students throughout central New Jersey will head back to school next week, causing many parents to breath a sigh of relief.
Summer is over, after all, and the kids will be out of the house.
But the school year offers a different kind of challenge to parents, who have spent two months trying to keep their children occupied and out of trouble. It is back to the books, and parents play an important role in keeping students focused.
That’s why we’re offering parents a little advice that, hopefully, will help them make the first day of school, and the following school year, successful:
– Set the tone early.
Make sure children understand homework is important and there are consequences for failing to keep up with schoolwork that reach beyond the grades they receive from their teachers. That means making it clear sports, television and other outside activities must take a backseat to homework.
This does not have to be punitive. Parents should do more than turn off their children’s television set or take away their video games. Parents should sit with children as they do their homework, help them when necessary and make it clear they support their children in their schooling.
– Make learning a part of life.
Children need to see learning is as important outside of the classroom as it is inside. Parents should read regularly, both to their children and for their own pleasure. When children see parents value reading, they learn to value it as well.
Parents also should incorporate math and other subjects into everyday tasks so they understand the subjects they learn in school have utility outside the classroom. Have them calculate the various combinations of coins and bills needed to pay for a new video game or pair of shoes or figure out how to divide a gallon of ice cream evenly to ensure everyone gets some for dessert.
This will help them connect their math schools to things that matter to them and make them better learners now and for the rest of their lives.
– Get involved.
Not everyone is cut out or has time to volunteer in the classroom, but there are other ways to show an interest in school – including staying in contact with teachers and attending school functions.
– Be a good role model.
Parents do not have to be perfect, but it is important to remember children take their cues from parents. Experts say, if parents are excited about school, then children more than likely will be excited as well.
Educating children is not just a teacher’s responsibility. Parents must be involved.
Here’s hoping everyone has a good school year.