Parents as partners and supporters of teachers

OCTOBER is a special time for teachers as we celebrate World Teachers’ Day (Oct. 5) and culminate our National Teachers’ Month celebrations. This year’s Philippine theme, “Teacher, Ikaw Naman!,” reminds us that after all that teachers give to our children, it is also our turn to recognize, appreciate and support them.

One of the most meaningful ways we can support teachers is by becoming true partners in our children’s education.

Learning does not begin and end in the classroom. When parents take an active interest in what their children are learning, talk to them about school, establish good study habits at home, attend school activities and communicate with their teachers, children are more encouraged to learn and do well.

Research has consistently shown that children benefit when parents are involved in their education. They tend to have better attendance and behavior, perform better academically and develop stronger social skills. Parents who participate in school activities such as “Brigada Eskwela” and other parent-teacher programs also help strengthen the partnership between home and school. Just as importantly, involved parents remind teachers that they do not carry the responsibility for a child’s education alone.

Perhaps this Teachers’ Month, every parent can do three simple things: Ask your child’s teacher, “What does my child need most help with right now?”; reinforce one learning habit at home, whether reading, practicing math or simply setting aside regular study time; and take a moment to tell a teacher, “Thank you. How can I help?”

These are small actions but imagine their collective effect if millions of Filipino parents did them.

At Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc., we have long recognized the importance of parents and caregivers in a child’s learning journey. Through “PTA Time,” our weekend programming helps equip parents with knowledge about early childhood development and other skills that can help them support their children.

We also created “I Love You 1000,” a 16-episode program focused on the critical first 1,000 days of a child’s development. It provides parents and parents-to-be with practical information on pregnancy care, infant and young child feeding, and early learning stimulation.

The earlier parents become engaged in their children’s development and education—and the more consistently that support continues throughout the school years— the stronger the foundation we build for learning and for life.

As we celebrate our teachers this October, perhaps one of the best ways we can say “Teacher, ikaw naman” is not only by thanking them, but by assuring them: You do not have to do this alone. We are your partners in helping every Filipino child learn, grow and thrive.

If you would like to join us in our mission of advancing Philippine education, donate to KCFI through BPI account no. 0201-0409-14. Send your deposit slip to [email protected] for proper acknowledgment and learn more about our programs at knowledgechannel.org.