Ideas for Parents

*      Set the climate for learning at home.

*     Establish routines for children around schoolwork.

*      Set your expectations for learning.

*    Be a learner role model. Let your child see you learn about and explore new things.

*     Provide the tools your child needs to read, write and do homework.

*      Ask your child questions about his schoolwork.

*      Talk about school and classroom projects, homework and school issues. Show him/her you are interested.

*     Practice using open-ended questions when talking with your child to find out more information.

*      Talk to your child’s teacher about curriculum, your child's grades, homework expectations, etc., and discuss with your child.

*     Let teachers and the school know when you feel you are not being heard.

*      Build learning relationships with your children.

*      Recognize yourself as an important teacher of your child.

*      Take advantage of school parent-child activities.

*    Practice parent-child responsive strategies.

*     Ask your child about school and have discussions about learning.

*     Look for parent workshops available to you at your child's school.

*     Ask who the parent liaison is in your school, or work with your child's teacher to understand the parent services available to you.

*    Tell teachers and staff about the kinds of supports you need as a parent.

*      Seek out new ways to engage your child in learning; share new things you have learned.

*     Apply strategies learned in workshops at home with your children.

*    Ask teachers for ways to better support the learning that is happening in the classroom.

*      What support can you provide at home?

*     Learn how to best structure time for homework.

*     Provide experiences for children that support learning.

*     Take advantage of sharing information and learning within everyday routines and experiences

 (e.g., mapping the bus route, buying groceries).

*     What skills have you gained to share with other parents?

*    Mentor other parents to help them support their children's learning.

*      Form parent networks and join parent organizations.

*     Assume leadership responsibilities when comfortable.

*     Advocate for parent involvement.

*      Model for your child the importance of being a leader.