The first institution from where a child learns is his or her parents at home.

According to Jim Trelease, an educator and author to a number of publications on reading, children spend 7,800 hours at home and 900 hours at school in a year. This highlights how it is critical for parents to make effective use of the valuable time for a child's education and character-building.

Thus, it is crucial for parents to get involved and provide support for their child's schooling. Research has found that parental support and involvement in school activities positively contribute and reinforce children's education and decrease dropout rates.

Muller (2009) states, "Family-school and community partnerships are redefining the boundaries and functions of education. They enlarge parental and community capacity; they create conditions in which children learn more effectively. In these ways, they take education beyond the school gates."

In recognizing this important partnership, Bengkurong Primary School has developed intervention programmes that involve parents for their child's learning.

Under the leadership of Headmistress Cikgu Atikah Rumaizah binti Dr. Haji Harun, the teachers, parents and school staff have raised their momentum in working together towards improving learning.

In the most recent Check Point Assessment or CPA (June), the Bengkurong Primary School performed above the set target, with 28 per cent of students achieving A-C in 'three subjects - English, Mathematics and Science.

Upon reflection, the school recognize show it is critical to build and strengthen parental support and involvement in children's learning. With the Primary School Assessment (PSR) closing in 55 school days, the headmistress and her team continue to endeavour in strengthening partnership with parents to raise students' achievements.

The school's Home-Link programme, for example, involves leveraging on `WhatsApp' Group communication for Year 6 teachers and parents, through which homework reminders, information on extra classes as well as tips on teaching and learning are posted, allowing better parental supervision in children's learning activities at home.

The more active communication between the teachers and parents has led to greater awareness, support and involvement in children's learning.

Another mechanism for parental engagement at the school is the 'Parent Teacher Meeting' (PTM), which is a must for government primary schools after every assessment.

In leveraging on PTM, Bengkurong Primary School has introduced an activity called 'Buddy Time with Parents' within the PTM. This involves parents being present with their child during a written test period. They are able to observe how their child performs in the written test and upon finishing the parents will be given an answer sheet giving them a chance to discuss their child's answers.

Through such discussions, parents are able to better understand their child's strengths and weaknesses. Teachers can also directly answer parents' concerns and provide feedback as well as tips on how to help improve their child's performance.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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