The need is urgent
As the world has become a global community, the need to compete academically has become vital. But according to the Huffington Post (12/07/10) when compared with other 15 year olds, the U.S. ranked 34th in reading, 17th for science and 25th for math. Even more alarming than our slippage in world rankings is our school dropout rate in America. According to the Alliance for Excellent Education, seven thousand students drop out every school day. By dropping out these students not only greatly diminish their chances for a good job, but present a potential economic and social burden on society.
Neglecting basic education at home
How has this happened? One finger might point directly at our home environment for education. Too often teachers are called on to provide training for children in areas that should be the responsibility of parents. Why are teachers now required to instruct about character education, teach social skills, or deal with out of control behavior? Parents must once again take an active role in parenting, and not assign this responsibility to the schools. In other words, be a parent! You are responsible for your child's training and guidance that will ensure their success once they enter the school system.
Using the home as an educational foundation
Parents represent a huge factor in the success of their children academically. A child's attitude towards learning begins and is fostered in the home. The following suggestions will add to a child's success at school:
READ, READ, READ! Few activities will strengthen your child's love of learning more than being read to, and reading on their own.
Insist on the use of proper grammar, even in informal settings.
Expose your children to the resources outside of your home. Trips to the library, museums, zoos, plays, and visiting natural wonders open up creativity and learning.
Help your child develop a world vision. Learning about other cultures fosters tolerance and acceptance of those different from ourselves.
Limit TV/computer time! Children who spend limitless time in front of a TV or computer are hindered from creative play. When children must make up their own activities, it develops problem solving skills as well as sparking their imaginations.
Let your children see that you are a life long learner, and that education is a vital part of your life.
Eat dinner together as a family. Do not allow cell phones or other electronics to interfere with family conversation. Encourage young children to participate in the dialogue which will strengthen interpersonal skills.
When more parents take an active role in improving their child's education, fewer teachers will have to say, "I'm not your mother!"