How To Form A Team Between Family And School
Imagine that you have to stop a soccer ball and you are alone. Then think that that ball turns into ten balls at a time. Can you handle it all without help? Probably not. It is a simple example, but it serves to illustrate the importance of the group that is supportive, helps each other and rows in the same direction. And that is why it is so necessary, in matters such as children’s education, to form a team between family and school.
It is popularly said that a child’s mind is like a blank book. Your experiences will be the ones that will write the story of your life. And these experiences will be based on their experiences with family, but also with friends, at school, etc.
That is why it is so important that we all row in the same direction so that that blank book that is the mind of a child is not filled with contradictions, nonsense and insignificant experiences.
Family and school
Family and school are the two great institutions that will educate and train the individual for a good part of his life. Thus, they must be complementary and collaborative, but never rival.
For this reason, and given that the school environment and the family environment are different and each one has its particularities, we are going to give a series of keys so that each of them seeks the involvement of the other.
Keys for parents to improve their involvement
What can the school do through its teachers, professionals and teachers to achieve greater involvement of parents in the training of their children? Let’s see some interesting keys:
- Active listening to the concerns of parents : parents know their children well, their peculiarities, hobbies, habits, routines, customs … As teachers, it is important to listen and support them.
- Interest : if behavioral changes are observed in a child, their school performance is reduced or their attitudes change from the school to the family environment, communication is basic and must be fluid.
- Personalized meetings : it is interesting that the meetings between parents and teachers are personalized, since each child is different and has their concerns, their difficulties and their own strengths.
- Clear explanations : As teachers, the relevant explanations will be offered to parents in a clear way, without fear of extending and covering all points, including aspects that can be improved.
- Talks to reinforce : it is also interesting to maintain fluid communication in order to reinforce those behaviors that are being positive at school and that deserve to be maintained in the family environment.
Keys to involving teachers
Let us now understand how to form a team between family and school from the perspective of the parents. That is, involving teachers in the daily work with children so that they are an active part of their education beyond mere classes. In this sense, it is convenient
- Value the professional’s work : as parents, we must, in addition to valuing the teacher, trust their criteria and listen with respect to their decisions and contributions.
- Frequent communication : It is important to maintain frequent and fluent communication, at least speaking once every trimester to deal with possible problems that arise.
- Request for help : As parents, we will ask teachers for help when we have educational problems with children. They will help us solve any questions that may arise.
- Do not undermine the authority of the teacher : It is important not to question the authority of the teacher, much less in front of children. The little ones must understand that the teacher is their reference and must treat them with respect and consideration.
- Talk to children : It is also important to talk to children at home about their life at school. Thus, parents can keep up to date with their progress and locate possible problems that arise at an academic, social or behavioral level.
- Reinforcement : it is also interesting to reinforce the learning received at school at home. Thus, interest in culture, reading, art or science is fostered and a good atmosphere is created.
- Participation in activities : Finally, it is important that parents collaborate and take an active part in the activities carried out by the school. In this way, the work of the teacher is supported and their work is valued.
You already have some interesting ideas to know how to form a team between family and school from the point of view of the parents and the educational institution. Together you can create an indissoluble bond that will help children a lot.