Family is the 1st teacher

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"Research is, however, increasingly showing that families make a difference and often a great one" (Schunk, 2012, p.465). 

            And that for me is the most important influence for a teacher to consider. For the others are a microcosm of this influence. If parents are conscious and involved, they would have a positive home environment, which would limit the exposure to media and watch out for the socio-economic status. There are three prime indicators in determining SES (Socio Economic Status): parental income, education, and occupation", (Schunk, 2012, p.465), each of which can be drawn from parental influence. Also, "There are countless stories of successful adults who were raised in impoverished conditions." (Schunk, 2012, p.466). "The effects of the home environment on cognitive development seem most pronounced in infancy and early childhood (Meece, 2002). Children’s social networks expand as they grow older, especially as a consequence of schooling and participation in activities. Peer influence becomes increasingly important with development." (Schunk, 2012, p.468) Hence in the beginning years definitely, parental involvement matters. As per research the 1st seven years hold importance for a child's growth. (Fraga, 2019). As far as electronic media is concerned, "Adults can control what media children interact with and how much time they do so". (Schunk, 2012, 473). 

             In my teaching experience, "...parental involvement in schools has a positive impact on children, teachers, and the school itself." (Schunk, 2012, p.469). The best times have been when parents and I worked as a team towards education of the students. They were my best resource. 

             For example, when working in a school I discovered. Bobo. He was a student who was very weak in Maths and despite one-on-one support, he would not be able to grasp beyond the four operations. He was in grade 6, and a part of the national curriculum where he could drop Maths after grade 8. There were no exams till grade 8. His parents were regular visitors in the school. They knew that he is not able to go beyond grade 3 Maths despite efforts from many teachers. 

The child was a Golf prodigy. I created a special Maths syllabus for him that involved a lot of differentiation of “Content, Process and Product” (Teachings in Education. (2017) using integration of arts and sports in Maths. I focused on 4 operations as Maths skills alone. I suggested to his parents that Bobo drop out of mainstream Maths, learn the special curriculum in school. 

At home they could give him support in basic Maths number skills and let him focus on his passion and excellence, Golf. His parents agreed, the school supported, and Bobo went on to drop Maths and excel in sports with Golf as his speciality. I could not have done this if parents had not supported me and the school completely and given Bobo an environment where his passion and growth was most important.

 

"Some forms of parents’ involvement that make a difference are contacting the school about their children..." (Schunk, 2012, p.470). 

 

References:

1.      Fraga, J. (2019, February 28). First Seven Years of Childhood: Are They the Most Important? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/first-seven-years-of-childhood#3

2.      Schunk, D. H. (2012). Learning theories: An educational perspective (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

3.      Teachings in Education. (2017). Differentiated instruction: Why, how, and examples. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BVvImZcnkw

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