Teach English in Wanji Zhen - Huai'an Shi

One of the most critical factors in a student’s academic success is parental involvement. It is undeniable that other factors such as socio- economics and choice of school also play important roles. However, studies have proven that they have little bearing on the academic success or failure of a student (“How Parent Involvement Leads to Student Success,” 2018). As a result of parental involvement in their child’s education, student motivation, grades and behaviour improve. This observation is also true for learners of the English language. Learning a new language can be particularly difficult for young learners whose competence in their native language is not yet fully developed. Because of this, parents of such students should employ strategies to help their child or children. Young language students will benefit greatly if their parents learn the language themselves, work closely with teachers and prod their children along through the learning process by focusing on their interests. By learning the language themselves, parents can become an effective second teacher to their children. Recent studies have shown that generally, “when parents increase their own education, the entire family benefits.” ( Kim et al., 2019, 7). For parents who are not native speakers of English, learning the language might seem to be a daunting task. That might be true but it is much easier for the adult than the child. More importantly, when parents learn the language alongside their children, they allow their kids to see them in a new light. When children see their parents struggle, make mistakes and overcome, the experience becomes a first-hand lesson that they too can master the work that is required. Additionally, joint learning  allows children and parents to explain parts of the language to each other  allowing the child to practice and gain confidence in their own abilities with the English language. Learning together also strengthens the relationship between parents and children as both are a source of support and motivation to one another. By working with their child’s teacher, parents can help students to learn English. Both parent and teacher can share important information about the student’s strengths and weaknesses This information can assist both in formulating strategies which  will help the student to learn English. It is ultimately the responsibility of the parent, especially if English is not his/her  native language, to approach and meet with the teacher to discuss the syllabus, assignments and the progress of the student. By working with the teacher parents can learn how to help their child get resources they can use at home such as books, videos and games and develop their child’s study skills. (“How parents and teachers work together,” n.d ) Moreover, by working with the teacher, parents are able to support their child’s learning of the English language from the comfort of home. This creates consistency as learning continues at home and allows the student to revisit work done in the classroom. Also, the opportunity to learn something new is present, which can result in improvements in the student’s performance and confidence when using the language. Furthermore, by focusing on the child’s interests, parents can help students to learn English. It is much  easier to get a student motivated and excited about what he or she is learning when it is something they enjoy doing. For young learners, this may take the form of creative activities such as drawing, stories, singing, and play. In fact, a study from The LEGO Foundation entitled, Learning through play: A review of the evidence, proves that children learn best through such an activity and that it plays a “central role in learning”. This information should also be seriously considered by parents when preparing materials which  aid their children in learning English. Additionally, parental observation of what interests their child, coupled with including the student in the process of choosing activities of interest also aids the child in his/ her  learning of this new language. When a child is included he or she is more motivated and excited about learning the language and consequently they are able to retain and apply what they’ve learnt to real life situations. Parents who study the language along with their children, work with their child’s tutor, and choose meaningful activities for them are able to help students learn the English language. The above are but a few of the number of ways that parents can assist students in learning English. Ultimately parental participation and collaboration in their child’s learning of English in various ways are crucial for the student to not only learn the language, but to enjoy doing so.   Bibliography “How parents and teachers work together.” Cambridge English, University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/learning-english/parents-and-children/information-for-parents/tips-and-advice/how-parents-and-teachers-work-together/. Accessed 3 February, 2020.   “How Parent Involvement Leads to Student Success.” Waterford, 2018, November 1, https://www.waterford.org/education/how-parent-involvment-leads-to-student-success/ . Accessed 3 February, 2020. Jacobs, Kim, et al. “Defining Our Work: Families Learning Together”, National Center for Families Learning, 2019, p. 7.   https://www.familieslearning.org/uploads/media_gallery/NCFL-Defining_Our_Work_F3.pdf. Accessed 5 February, 2020.      “Learning through play: A review of the evidence.” The Lego Foundation. (n.d.). https://www.legofoundation.com/media/1063/learning-through-play_web.pdf. Accessed 6 February, 2020.