Benefits to Parents of Good Home–School Interaction
As teacher or caregiver, you will quickly learn that there are parents who check in with you daily and are interested in knowing about everything that is going on. There will also be parents who avoid coming in at all. And then, perhaps, the largest group will be those in the middle who check in on occasion, seem happy to hear classroom stories, especially those about their own children of course, and who are diligent about showing up for scheduled conferences. In an upcoming section we will discuss the seeming mysteries of these behaviors. At this point, let us describe the benefits for all three types of parents as they interact with teachers and caregivers. The following discussion, like the one before it, is also based on the work of several writers and researchers (Brown et al., 2005; Copple & Bredekamp, 2009; Keyser, 2006; Powers, 2005; Prior & Gerard, 2007; Swick, 2003).
Some parents have not forgotten their own negative school experiences, but being involved in the classroom can help them be more positive with their own children. If caregivers and teachers listen to and respect them, parents’ self-confidence and feelings of empowerment are enhanced, and they will tend to be more comfortable in the center or school setting. In turn, they will understand better the teaching and caring philosophy of their children’s programs, leading to more skillful participation and supportive attitudes at home. At home too, involved parents will likely have higher confidence in their own parenting and what the home environment should be to promote their children’s learning.
When parents and teachers engage in a team approach, a sense of mutual concern emerges. Parents who feel comfortable at school or center know they have an appreciative place to share stories of their children’s accomplishments and struggles. Also, when teachers respond sensitively to parents’ choices and goals for their children, harmonious conclusions to difficult issues are more likely. As teachers help parents differentiate issues that are developmental and those that are specific to their own children, parents can gain a
One way to promote good home–school interaction is to create opportunities where children can bring their parents to school. Here, parents take part in PE class with their youngsters.
Associated Press
better understanding of their children’s development and capabilities. Perhaps most important, parents with good home–school relationships can leave their children each day with a feeling of confidence and security.