How involved should I be in my child’s education?
The first and most influential teachers in a child’s life, parents play the most pivotal role in their educational journey. Beyond ABCs and 123s, learning truly transcends the classroom when it is supplemented through additional resources and activities.
The Dynamic Nature of Education
Education isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience; it's rather a dynamic process that involves a collaborative effort between parents, educators, and innovative learning approaches. According to a long-term research conducted over thirty years by People for Education, it is proven that parents who are involved with their child’s education are the best predictors of student success; and one of the best ways to get involved is through supplemental learning.
Understanding Supplemental Learning
What is supplemental learning? It refers to activities and resources that exist outside the regular curriculum, the kind that supplement the foundational concepts being taught in school. Think of it as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Benefits of Supplemental Learning for Children
Everyday activities turn educational. Play catch to explain Newton’s law of gravity, bake up a batch of cookies together to understand measurement, learn math with legos - the possibilities are truly endless. With the right lens, you can turn every daily chore into a full-blown learning experience.
Tailor-made approach. The best judge of your child’s learning style is you. There are more ways to learn than the traditional pencil-and-paper assignments. Foundational concepts can be practised through a combination of hands-on activities, educational day-outs, fun games, and so much more. Find what interests them and make it educational.
Building a bond for life. Beyond obvious academic advantages, supplemental learning gives parents and children an opportunity to create lasting memories. A day out to the zoo to learn more about carnivores isn’t just an education trip after all. As children grow, they associate learning not only with school but also with cherished moments spent with their parents.
The Continuous Journey of Parental Involvement
As a parent, your involvement in your child’s education is a continuous journey of discovery, growth and shared experiences. Drawing from my firsthand experience as a homeschooling mom of three, I’ve enjoyed every second spent with my daughters, exploring these waters together. If you'd like to get an in on this, then you can try out my self-curated, supplemental learning curriculum.
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