Elementary Education - Making a decision to best suit your child
Deciding what type of elementary education your children should receive is a difficult decision these days. It is important to find out as much as you can before your child begins their elementary education. There are public and private schools, home schooling and cyber-schools. What should you choose? There are many factors in determining your top choice for your children’s elementary education. Can you afford private school? Do you have the patience and time to commit to home schooling? Are you and your child adept at using a computer? In the public school system, teachers, principals, and others working in the educational system have a lot of pressure put on them to help the children they teach meet all the requirements required by the state.
Before my first child started his elementary education, my husband and I considered all the options. Although we would have preferred our children’s elementary education to be at a Christian private school, realistically, we couldn’t afford it. Home schooling wasn’t an option because we didn’t have the time to commit, plus we felt our son wouldn’t excel in a home school program. I do not think cyber education existed then. Public school was the only viable option for the elementary education of our children. Our son is now in fourth grade and has been in public school for his entire elementary education thus far. Our daughter is now in second grade. Both of my children have excelled thus far in public school because they have been fortunate to have excellent teachers along the way. I think one of the keys to your child’s elementary education is to be involved. I can offer some advice from the prospective of a public school parent.
1.Volunteer in the classroom on a weekly, bi-weekly, or once a month basis. If you work and you cannot offer much time, volunteer for special occasions such as class projects or parties.
2. Get involved with the PTO; be an officer or simply volunteer for PTO functions, such as fundraisers, book fair, Santa Shop, science fair, etc.
3. Attend PTO meetings. It is important to be aware of what is happening in the school as well as your child’s classroom.
4. Attend parent-teacher conferences. You will find out important information about your child’s progress and you will be able to discuss any problems your child is having.
5. Know the children in your child’s class. It’s important to know who their friends are, and sometimes, unfortunately, who the bullies and difficult kids are.
6. Talk to your child’s teacher whenever possible, especially if you have concerns or questions. An open dialogue with the teacher is the best way to know if your child is having any problems in their elementary education.
Whatever option you choose for your children’s elementary education, choose what is best for your family. Be sure to do your homework and research each option before you make a definitive decision.