The Interactive Parent

Act 2, Scene 2

Conversation between student and guardian occurs hours after the school and work day has ended.

Parent:   How was your day? 

Student: Good.

Parent:   What did you learn today?

Student: Nothing.

Parent:   Did you finish your homework?

Student: Yes.

Student puts in earbuds and listens to music while parent goes to prepare dinner and make sure clothes are washed.

How many times has that scene been played in households across America? 

Often times as parents and community leaders, we attempt to engage with our students with limited success. Sometimes its all in the questioning. Instead of asking those input-output questions, try keeping them on their toes by asking a few of the following:

• Teach me what you learned in mathematics today.
• How can you apply what you learned in science to our lives?
• How do you know that number 5 is correct?
• Bring me your homework and agenda book and show me how they are linked.
• Describe a challenge you had today.
• If you could change something about one today's lesson how would you do it? Why?
• What other supplies or support do you need to make you more successful?
• What was the best part of your lunch experience today?

These questions solicit a response that is thoughtful and engaging for student and parent. They provide insight on what is really going on the schoolhouse and how you can better support your child. Research says that being able to teach someone else a skill shows mastery on the part of the teacher. That means if your child can teach you why 646 is written six hundred forty six in written form, then you know they have mastered the skill.

Try it out and let me know how it goes below.