Why parents are going back to school

Moreton Bay’s Birali Steiner School is building foundations for their students’ success by getting parents back into the classroom.

Research shows parental involvement in education increases student performance, which is why the Beachmere school has classes for parents to learn skills their children will be taught.

Principal Chris Jack says hosting the classes for parents allows them to directly relate to their child’s learning experiences.

“A parent asking questions is far more productive than setting homework, so by having parents complete the same school tasks as their kids, we are stimulating this conversation,” Mr Jack says.

Run across the school week and some weekends, teachers volunteer to share lessons from the classroom, such as therapeutic clay work, pastel drawing or subjects like health and nutrition.

Future success

“One of the greatest values of our school is the idea that education is a lifelong pursuit. If we can get parents and their children talking about classroom activities with excitement at home, we are setting them up for future success,” Mr Jack says.

“At our school, our teachers stay with students from Class One to the end of Class Six. Creating a partnership with parents, is just another resource to assist teachers get the best results out of every child.”

Learning curve

Parent Trisha Hanley says she is keen to join the classes because it gives her insight into what her children are learning which supports their personal growth.

“Taking time for mindfulness as a busy parent is something that I appreciate about Birali,” Ms Hanley says.

For more information visit: www.biralisteiner.qld.edu.au

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