The two pillars of education - Parents and teachers
Parents and teachers are the two most important influences in a young child’s life and development. Parents are a child’s first teacher as they can teach essential life and academic skills while providing love and support. Parents are also a crucial link between children and their preschool.
Several studies have proven that collaboration between parents and teachers improves children’s academic achievement, work habits, social skills, and emotional well-being. Especially since the pandemic, the collaboration between educators and parents has become the foundation of the early childhood education system in the ‘new normal’. It has become crucial for all the stakeholders to come together to support this partnership to ensure that children receive seamless education, irrespective of the pandemic.
Kids ‘R’ Kids, Circa Fishhawk discusses how positive parent and teacher partnership can impact student success:
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Establishment of trust
Children become more invested in their classroom learning when they notice the positive connection between parents and teachers. The evident connection between both parties makes children develop a unique trust in their teachers.
The preschoolers see how their teachers involve and respect their parents. This connection allows parents and children to communicate about the classroom activity. This involvement from parents excites children and they look forward to sharing their successes.
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Problem solving and teamwork
When there is an established trust and a connection between the three parties, namely the parent, teacher, and child, problems are simply challenges that can be overcome together. Tough discussions are not avoided as there is comfortable candor that has been developed over time. Teachers can freely communicate a student challenge while parents can instill more trust in the teacher’s perspective due to the prevailing connection. Additionally, preschoolers feel safe and comfortable about facing any learning challenges as they view the parents and teachers as their cheerleaders. All challenges are solved together as a team that is dedicated to the achievement of a common goal - the child’s learning and growth.
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Meaningful wins
When there is collaboration, the preschoolers’ milestone achievements are more meaningful. The development of a motor skill, overcoming social anxiety, making new friends, the first stage recital, eating a meal independently - all these priceless accomplishments prove that the student, teacher, and parents are aligned in their goals and are a successful team.
5 ways parents can contribute to classroom learning
The teamwork between parents and teachers is the biggest boost for preschoolers’ learning as it creates a strong home-school connection. Here a few things parents can do to strengthen the school-home connection for their preschooler by collaborating with the preschool teachers:
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Quality time
With work schedules running haywire with or without the pandemic, it may seem challenging to contribute to a child’s learning. But it is possible to fuse learning and fun into the time being spent with children. Being available during play dates, cuddling on the sofa while watching an animation, complimenting the child on their small yet meaningful achievements, doing no-fire cooking together, or just taking a stroll in the garden are several ways to bond with a child. These are quality activities that are beyond the daily chores and are very important for a strong parent-child bond. This constant connection enables a parent to be engaged in every aspect of a child’s life, including school. As children communicate more during these quality sessions, any challenges and hurdles in learning will also be discussed and resolved naturally.
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Active partner in learning
Participating in a child’s education may have several meanings. It could mean helping children with homework, returning notes and sending project material on time, and attending a parent-teacher conference when needed. But it can include much more. For instance, working with a teacher to support classroom learning while simultaneously providing insight into the child’s psyche to teachers. Informing the teachers about the child’s routine, any recent changes, language barriers, or any significant information across the year helps a teacher address any gaps efficiently. This goes over and above the conventional involvement parents generally have in their child’s education.
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Share knowledge with the class
Every household has its food, music, and traditions. Sharing the cultural picture with the class enriches the learning atmosphere for the complete class and builds a child’s self-esteem. As children grow older, they begin to see the diversity of the world beyond their home and this knowledge is a part of their learning and growth.
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Discuss school experiences
The constant communication with the teacher provides insights into the topics and discussions in the classroom. Familiarization with the daily routines and activities at preschool will enable a fruitful discussion with the child. The themes and topics can be extended and new information can be shared to strengthen the concept at home.
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Participate in events
Participation in field trips and classroom events such as potlucks, storytelling sessions, and class celebrations helps children create a stronger connection between home and school. Children love occasions where both their family and teachers, the two most trusted people, are under the same roof for some fun and exchange of ideas.
The collaboration between parents and teachers is intended to create a safe space for children where they can learn, have fun, and speak their minds. When parents and teachers are working together to support children’s learning, everything falls in place. Children make a strong home-school connection and become vested in their own learning. And that is a win-win situation for everyone.
Why Kids ‘R’ kids?
The philosophy of “Hug First, Then Teach”, defines every aspect of what Kids ‘R’ Kids, Circa Fishhawk stands for. Unlike many daycare centers or childcare providers, its methodology is a whole-child approach. It constantly strives to strengthen and encourage every child’s emotional, intellectual, social, and physical well-being through the expertise of its childcare providers and a unique partnership with parents.
Kids ‘R’ Kids International is accredited by AdvancED®, the world’s largest education community, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS/CASI). SACS/CASI is an accreditation division of AdvancED®. This accreditation ensures that the high accreditation standards are met and exceeded.
Call today at (813) 654-7000 to learn more about the Kids ‘R’ Kids for more information (Kindergarten to Grade 5) or to schedule a visit.
