The National Parent Teacher Organization conducted a study where they evaluated the academic performance of a group of children over time. The factors that predicted educational success were not social status or family income, but actually early parental involvement. Families that fostered environments which constantly encouraged learning were much more likely to have children that flourished academically. 

What Can Be Done

Problem: Most successful intervention occurred early, around three years old. Some parents unknowingly make the mistake of solely relying on pre-school to teach their kids everything they need.

Solution: Parents should try to bring some of the learning done at school into their homes. Even something as simple as reading books with your child can have long lasting effects on their intellectual development. 

Problem: The most difficult task in trying to teach young children to learn to read is figuring out where to begin. Helping your child learn their letters is important ... and then what?

Solution: Teaching children sounds and introducing them to the relationship between words and letters can be great places to begin. Though it may seem daunting, understanding your child’s needs gives you an edge over educators -- you know the best way for them to get information! 

Summary

The research is clear -- early intervention and continued involvement cultivates highly motivated and intellectual students in the long term. Students will not only score better on exams, but also have stronger social skills, increased involvement at school and higher confidence. Check out The Pre-K Letter Learning Kit or The On-The-Go Pack to jump start this process. 

Further Reading

What Research Says About Parent Involvement 

https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/what-research-says-about-parent-involvement/#:~:text=Parent%20involvement%20in%20education%20is,and%20adapt%20well%20to%20school. 

Effects of Early Intervention on Academic Achievement

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8013248/

Any questions?  Please email us at Janice@Neighborhoodlit.com.  Corinne Migliazza is a student at the University of Pittsburgh, an intern at Neighborhood Lit., and the daughter of Janice Migliazza, a Reading Specialist and owner of Neighborhood Lit, Route 34, Colts Neck.