Too many parents leave the education of their children solely to the school system. Learning is a life long experience that should not and cannot be left solely to the school system. Yet it seems to me that a lot of people think it is the teacher’s job to educate their child to everything that they need to know. This is sad.

I think parents need to take a more active role in their child’s learning. Parents need to be good role models by learning new things themselves. They need to follow up on notes from the school and the homework that is assigned. A teacher can only do so much without having support from home.

Students need to take on a personal responsibility for their learning. Teachers can help to motivate them to do so, but the parents are a key component to this system as well. The teacher and parent should work together to help motivate and make the student accountable.

As a teacher, I use natural consequences and role modelling. I have a poster in my class that reads, “Work to Learn – The person who does the work is the ONLY person who learns.” It’s a key ingredient to learning. And I show them how I do my work. My lesson plans are printed off and stored in a binder on my bookcase. I keep a detailed mark book and notes. All of this is transparent and I will show it to the administration, to the parents, and even to my students.

I think we need to continue learning even though it is summer vacation. Summer is an important time for families. It gives parents a chance to spend some quality time with their kids. Time is the most important gift you can give to your child.

I would like parents out there to think of the summer as a time where learning can continue. Please think of ways to extend your child’s learning. Encourage your child to do some creative writing or keep a journal. Go to museums, the science centre, or festivals that promote learning. Don’t let learning stop because of the summer vacation. Perhaps you and your family can learn a new skill together. It will set a good example and help your child tremendously in September when he or she goes into their new grade.