The importance to reading to children of all ages cannot be stated enough. Reading to kids helps improve literacy skills and gives them a love of books and literature. As kids get older, the roles can be switched and children can read to parents, with parents helping out on tougher words or phrases. According to WATE.com, children who are read to at home perform better at school. Parents can encourage good reading habits by reading their own books in front of children, and getting children a library card so their kids can explore all of the fun and educational books the library has to offer.
Parents can be actively involved in a child's education by making sure to set and enforce a specific time for homework every evening. Children thrive on structure and routine, and setting aside time for homework helps them focus on their studies and get all of their work done. Involved parents should look over homework after it is completed and discuss with children the subjects they are learning in their classes. It is important for parents to designate a well-lit, quiet area for children to do their homework.
A child will know her parents care about her school achievements and educational endeavors only if a parent shows interest. Parents should ask children about subjects they are struggling with and praise children for good grades and academic successes. Parents should ask children if they need any help with their homework and provide warm, reassuring support if a child is having trouble understanding an assignment. Involved, interested parents should regularly keep in touch with a child's teachers, ask how they are doing in classes and ask for tips on what can be done at home to help improve a child's chances of being successful.
It is important that a parent not only be involved with a child's academic work but with the school a child attends. Attendance at parent meetings, school board meeting and school-sponsored activities allows a parent to get a better idea of expectations of the school and how well a child is actually being taught within a school system.