Research shows that children whose parents are involved in their education are more likely to develop a positive attitude towards learning. Therefore, in order to change that we should build positive personal relationships and mutual respect with families. We frequently think, “those who need to come, don’t turn up,” referring to parents whose children have problems at school. We assume that they don’t want to be involved, when in fact, many circumstances may hinder their participation. Scheduling or transportation issues, technology obstacles, language barriers, and cultural differences can impede the communication between parents and teachers and make it difficult to form relationships. Some parents believe that they are not welcome, and some others don’t know how to be involved.
Moreover, schools and teachers should take an active role in helping parents discover a variety of ways to be involved in their children’s school life. Technology plays a significant part in overcoming obstacles and facilitating more effective communication. EZ Stickerbook, an engagement and rewards platform with a complete messaging interface, has helped some families in my class to become more involved in their children’s education.
Two mothers
Ms. Laurie is a busy doctor who has four kids (in 6th, 3rd, and 1st grades, and one in kindergarten). EZ Stickerbook allows her to see all her kids’ progress at school, all class and school announcements, and to message the teachers with any concerns or questions, no matter how busy she is.
Eileen’s mother believes that she can’t help her daughter because she hasn’t completed high school. To feel more confident, she needs to know everything we’re doing in our class, including assignments and goals, and to have a platform to ask me for help. With EZ Stickerbook, Eileen’s Mom can have all these things on one platform.
Andy’s mother wants to follow her son’s progress at school and his piano classes. However, she works long hours, so she needs easier engagement tools that work even with her busy schedule. With EZ Stickerbook, she can communicate directly with his teachers and see the stickers Andy has from his school and also from his piano instructor. She can use the Parent app from her mobile for that. It makes communication simple for busy parents.
Information and communication
Immediate and personalized information about their children’s school day allows parents to monitor and take part in their education. Therefore a Parent App on their mobile phones makes it easier for them. A two-way flow of information about homework and achievements generates positive relationships between home and school. Parents and teachers are the most important partners in a child’s education. And nowadays, we can use technology to foster high-quality, successful parent involvement.
Analia Rossello
I’m an English teacher with many, many years enjoying classroom time with first-graders, as well as with high school students. I really love teaching; I love planning and creating the best content and activities for my students, those that will give them enjoyment and learning at the same time. However, what I love the most is watching them while that magic happens and after that, when they’re praised or rewarded for their achievements. That completely fills my heart!
