Educating a student typically includes three parties: The teacher, the student, and the parent or guardian.
Education changes all of the time. Curriculum, resources, and, indeed, technology have changed over the years and continue to do so.
Parent resources are essential because, for example, many parents were not taught the style of Math in the same way that Math is taught today. Some parents may agree with the new methods, while others disagree; regardless, parents need to know how to help their students at home.
Homework, guided self-study, and online classroom settings are some ideal opportunities to include quick “how-to videos” or “parent guides” to explain some aspects of a unit or lesson plan that might be confusing.
An estimated 2.7 million grandparents in the United States are taking the lead in raising their grandchildren. More than 6.1 million children under 18 live in their grandparents’ households. But, again, there is a significant learning curve for older generations and a great need for tools to help overcome that learning curve.
There are many parent resources for family engagement or student learning tools for home learning. A niche missing, however, is a tutor to help parents or guardians re-enforce what they are learning at school and do so confidently.
Helping parents is helping teachers by giving parents the tools they need to continue to teach or study with their students at home. By doing so, an extra layer of instruction is provided for the student, so it helps the student too. When parents, teachers, and students work together, everybody wins.
Math and Science typically offer more hurdles for parents trying to do homework with children at home. However, reading instruction has changed too, and can also be challenging for parents and guardians, especially those with K-5 students.
Where to begin?
1. Survey or consult with both parents and teachers. Where is there a disconnect? Gather the data and begin to assess where there needs to be extra assistance for parents and guardians within the K-12 curriculum and learning tools.
2. Include “how-to” videos at the end of each lesson, or provide those with various learning packages to school districts. Remember to SHOW parents what to do, and not just TELL them. This is helpful for students of all ages.
3. Offers a FAQ page or link for parents on your website that will take them to the information they seek.
4. Consider a practice test or assignment that invites children and their parents or guardian to work on something together. This provides a beautiful opportunity for students to teach their parents, which will benefit them.
5. Consider hosting a “Parent’s Night” on-site at the school district or virtually. Provide parents and guardians an opportunity to learn from the experts and become confident in navigating their student’s curriculum and technology.
Remember that timeless saying, “Teamwork makes the dream work?” By teaming up with parents, guardians, and teachers, you are creating a dream team that will ensure success for everyone.
Written by: Meredith Biesinger
