| These days parents seem to argue back and | | | | has found that parental interest in their |
| forth over the right type of education for | | | | child's education was the single greatest |
| their kids. Should they go to public school, | | | | predictor of achievement at age 16. |
| private school, Montessori, or should they | | | | |
| homeschool? They weigh the pros and cons and | | | | Set an Example |
| try to convince their friends and family | | | | |
| members that their way is the right way. But | | | | Children model what they see in the world |
| at the end of the day- what really matters is | | | | around them. Parents that show an interest |
| the parent's involvement in their child's | | | | in education and reading are more likely to |
| education. | | | | have children that value the same things. If |
| | | | they see you taking an interest in math or |
| Keep reading to find out the top reasons why | | | | science, they are much more likely to do the |
| it is so important to be present in your | | | | same in their own educational endeavors. |
| child's education and why the rest is just | | | | |
| personal preference. | | | | So when it comes to your child's education, |
| | | | the key is to be present and involved. Ask |
| Involvement Means Early Reading | | | | them what they did in class that day, sit |
| | | | down and do homework with them, and above all |
| Early reading experiences with their parents | | | | else read and play with them often. If you |
| prepare children for the benefits of formal | | | | take their education seriously, so will they. |
| literacy instruction. Parental involvement in | | | | |
| their child's reading has been found to be | | | | Lastly, think about your own educational |
| the most important determinant of language | | | | choices when planning for your child's. If |
| and emergent literacy. Furthermore, parents | | | | you don't have the expertise or knowledge to |
| who introduce their babies to books give them | | | | teach your child properly, do something about |
| a head start in school and an advantage over | | | | it! Life is about learning, so why not take a |
| their peers throughout primary school. | | | | few college courses or learn a new skill? |
| | | | Your child will look up to you for taking the |
| Prepare Yourself for the Teenage Years | | | | time to better yourself, and you can pass the |
| | | | knowledge down to your children when the time |
| Although parental involvement has the | | | | is right. There is nothing more valuable or |
| greatest effect in the early years, its | | | | sacred than a good education. Cherish it, |
| importance to children's educational and | | | | and help your kids make the most out of each |
| literacy outcomes continues into the teenage | | | | and every opportunity that comes their way. |
| and even adult years. For example, research | | | | |