Personal advice from a mother, teacher
Parental involvement can wear many hats during elementary, middle and high school.
As a parent of a soon-to-be first grader, during my son’s kindergarten year, I admit that I found myself overbearing and overprotective. This first year of school taught me many things. Just as my son was learning how to attend school, I was learning how to be a parent of a school-aged child.
Kindergarten mom woes: Standing in the hallway outside of the classroom crying with that same lump in my throat that I had when he took his first steps, packing a 20-pound lunch for fear of the unknown, leaving a change of clothes in the classroom just as I had done since he was eight weeks old at daycare, packing quarters in a million Ziplock bags, monogramming everything in sight, and emailing the teacher asking for camera access to the classroom like we were used to at daycare. Yes, I am “that” mom.
I believe kindergarten teachers are so much more than just teachers, and we were blessed to have such a compassionate and understanding teacher this past year at Stockwell Place Elementary in Bossier City.
Placing my son’s hand in Miss Lacie Everage’s hand on the first day of school was overwhelming and exciting. Not only did she teach him the academic and social skills of kindergarten, she counseled and comforted me in times of worry and shared praises and successes when I second-guessed every hour spent sounding out letters and blended syllables.
Elementary teachers have a gift. Everage always encouraged parental involvement and never made me feel as crazy as I felt.
On the other hand, I am also a middle school teacher, and just like a child matures and grows, I believe that parental involvement changes as your child ages.
I absolutely love parents that are willing to help and are actively involved in their child’s education, and I encourage my students’ parents to call or email me if they have any questions or concerns, and I enjoy getting emails from previous students and former parents.
In middle school, while parents are not as seen inside of the classroom as they are in elementary school, there are definitely ways that parents can help their child and stay involved.
Helping monitor school events, participating in fundraisers, chaperoning classroom field trips, volunteering in the office or even helping the teacher run copies for the class, these are just a few of the many ways that parents can be active in their child’s school.
Without parental involvement, I know that my classroom would not be half the classroom that it is today. Our parent organizations sponsor everything from technology, student events at school and teacher luncheons. They are the heartbeat of our school.
Even though middle school brings a new sense of independence, teaching responsibility and accountability can be encouraged through the use of an interactive student planner where students, teachers and parents work together to make sure that students are completing tasks on time.
Many schools use classroom websites or online gradebooks that can also help parents view their child’s upcoming activities and grades in the classroom. This is a newer way that parents can stay updated and encourage their child to do the same.
While you may think that high school is a time where parents are not as involved or present at school, there are many high school teachers and counselors that would beg to differ with you.
Transitioning from grade school to high school, teenagers are just as impressionable as other grade levels and still need support and guidance. Even teenagers can benefit from a home environment that openly encourages learning, is able to talk about school/social matters, sets attainable goals, helps their child organize and monitor assignments and due dates, and helps with homework or projects if needed.
No matter the age, parents and guardians can support their child’s education, and there is room for all types of parental involvement.
Brittney Trahan is a mother and a teacher at Caddo Middle Magnet in Shreveport.
