Nowadays, schools and home seem to be in a constant argument about whose responsibility the child's behavior is. In as much as values are first learned in the home; educators should not discount that the students spend more of their most active hours in school. Hence, the school values have great impact on the students too. It is a two-way street nurturing the student. The responsibility of children's behavior is a partnership and a collaboration between parents and school.
Parents have a unique contribution to make in their children's schooling. They have a different idea of the child than that of the teachers'. The parents know the child's history: physical, medical and social. They know the role the child plays in their home. The parents have knowledge of the significant person the child interacts with. They also have foremost idea on what makes the child happy or sad.
Teachers however, bring in a different perspective as a child development professional who aptly knows the norm-accepted milestones and appropriate behaviors of children. They see how these children interact and behave with peers. They are also able to see and observe the children in a more open and non-biased manner. Teachers may also be resource people to link the parents to services their children may need; psychologist, audiologist, therapists et.al.
It is time to shun the blame-game. A true parent-teacher partnership and collaboration begins with recognizing the strengths that each party may offer. By pooling and sharing this knowledge, they become more equip in helping the child develop into his utmost potential. Generally, parents today express their desire to learn best ways to raise their children. They want to learn how to improve their child-rearing skills.Creating a partnership allows the parents to ask the teacher (expert) and makes way for the teacher to mentor seeking and eager parents.
Through close teacher-parent partnership and collaboration, parents can find ways to become more efficient as parents and as teachers to their children. Parents are children's teachers too. They teach by word, by all they say and do, they teach by example. The close relationship helps parent see that their everyday experiences with their children give teachable moments, opportunity for learning and education. It helps parent realize their share of responsibility in rearing the school-aged children. Teachers can keep parents informed of the children's development; beyond the academic markings and scores. Teachers and schools should offer better feedback about the child's development; emphasizing that schooling is beyond academic markings. Parents learn to appreciate their children's abilities and social character which the child is unable to express inside the home.
Furthermore, parents who gain meaningful partnerships and collaboration with the teachers feel more important. It diminishes their isolation and anxiety in child-rearing.
When parents and teachers collaborate and create a partnership, the teachers and school gain and foster a deep trust with parents too. Parents become more willing to take part and share their time and resources. Often, the school as a community evolves as the teacher-parent partnership is fostered.
But most importantly, the children benefit from all this. The visibility and atmosphere of mutual partnership brings to the children a sense of belonging and hence shows more progress for the children. Children learn through example on how partnerships and collaborations can be maximized. Children learn to take responsibilities for themselves and shun the blaming others or pointing fingers for failures. They become accepting of their failures, in as much as they celebrate their successes. Through partnership and collaboration among parents and the school system; children envision a society of responsibility, initiative and action. We then, are able to rear our children to be synergistic parts of the community, our societies and our country as well.
Experienced Special Education Professional with a demonstrated history of working in the individual and family services industry. Skilled in Assessment of Special Children, Behavior Coaching, Family and Support Group Facilitation, Program Development for children with special needs, Teaching different age groups. Strong education professional with a Master of Arts (M.A.) focused in Special Education and Teaching (30 units) from University of the Philippine, Diliman.. Also a former educator for the De La Salle Philippines, Inc. A woman enjoying the roller-coaster ride of motherhood.
That is a beautiful occupation. And since it is beautiful, it is truly useful. (The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
http://www.hermommyteacher.com
**Motherhood is beautiful, you are on a never ending pursuit learning to educate your children as their best first teachers.**
By Christine P. Garay, LPT
No comments:
Post a Comment