Consider the various ways in which parents are currently being encouraged to become involved in their children(TM)s development and education.

Authors Avatar

Gemma Turner                                        Family Learning BA (Hons) learning through Families, School and Beyond

Consider the various ways in which parents are currently being encouraged to become involved in their children’s development and education.

The benefits of Grandparents involvement in Family Learning.

Introduction:

Family Learning is the phrase we use to describe whole or individuals from families and people who you would consider you have a close relationship with taking part in activities together, to improve their own skills and the skills of others around them across all generations.

‘Families are the main context of learning for most people. Learning within the family is usually more lasting and influential than any other. Family life provides a foundation and context for all learning. (Riches beyond price: making the most of family learning, NIACE 1995)

Family learning can provide emotional and financial stability for the majority of families who take part in and gain from the experience. Self-esteem and confidence are raised throughout the family, commitment to learning is improved as they are able achieve and succeed together. This can provide a more encouraging environment for children to learn in as parents can share their own experiences of learning and gaining qualifications through education.

Overview:

Most families engage in family learning through either of the two processes. Theses are formal and informal learning.

Formal learning includes Literacy, Numeracy and many other courses that are offered to improve skills and qualifications. Helping a child with their homework or going into educational settings, hearing readers and assisting children with learning. Formal

Gemma Turner                                        Family Learning BA (Hons) learning through Families, School and Beyond

learning can take place in a variety of settings such as child care centres, schools and libraries.

Families can also take part in the National Family Learning Week which is held across the majority of authorities once a year in October, originally this was held as a one day event in 1998 and has grown into nine fantastic days of learning fun. All families are invited to come along with their children and grandchildren to join in the activities and to find out more about activities that can involve their whole family. It is estimated that up to 300,000 family members join in the fun of Family Learning Week each year.

Informal learning takes place between family members by sharing knowledge and experiences which can be taken, extended and learnt from to help improve the quality of life no matter what the age or gender. This can also be incorporated in all aspects of family life such as family days out, visiting museums and sharing meal times together. The real value of Family Learning is that children and parents learn together.

Family learning courses aim to help parents and children work together so that parents gain confidence in supporting their children’s learning. It enables parents to understand what their children are learning at school and also to be able to understand the vocabulary used for subjects within the school setting and have an understanding of the relevant strategies that are in place for Literacy and Numeracy. It has been reported that many children show an improved willingness to work in the classroom and are appearing to be more confident in themselves when working alone, in small group or whole class activities (Bastiani, 1999)

Join now!

Parental involvement in a child's learning is more powerful than family background, size of family or level of parental education and, in the primary years, has more impact on attainment than the school itself. (campaign for learning)

There are many different ways for parents to become involved in helping their children learn it can happen as early as from birth right up to sixteen examples include talking to your baby, becoming involved with literacy classes in ways such as helping or

Gemma Turner                                        Family Learning BA (Hons) learning through Families, School and Beyond

teaching reading and ...

This is a preview of the whole essay