I do not believe that there is a successful model of education, where parents were not included in their child’s education. Sending children to school from early childhood up until the end of high school and perhaps even in colleges and universities, is not about handing them over to someone else to “do their thing”! Of course, teachers are committed to providing the best opportunities for children in their care and can and will do an amazing job.
However, there can be no question as to the work of educating young children, being far more successful when working hand in hand with parents – their primary caretakers. When parents choose to send their children to a certain school, they are making a conscious choice around curriculum, environment, value system, social system, and a place where they too can have a sense of belonging.
Running an International Preschool in Tokyo, has taught me so much about not only the culture of language but also the culture of early childhood education. Yes, we are in Tokyo, Japan however these thoughts are pertinent to all early childhood schools all over the world.
If we want to give the children in our care, the best opportunities for learning viz. social, emotional, academic, and more, we have to work in partnership with parents. And parents have to work in partnership with us. Of course, it looks different from family to family, however it is indisputable how the success of early childhood education is dependent on this.
Linking home and school.
And it is no different in elementary school, middle school and even moving on to high school.
Shelley Sacks, Ohana International School
I truly believe that this is a powerful and absolutely correct statement. I have tried to eloquently articulate a fundamental truth about education that transcends geography, culture, and the age of the student.
And my perspective is not just an opinion; it is strongly supported by decades of educational research and proven practice. The model you describe is often called the “School-Family Partnership” or “Parent-Teacher Collaboration,” and it is widely recognized as a cornerstone of effective education.
Let’s break down why this is so accurate and impactful:
1. The “Two Worlds” of a Child
A child lives in two primary worlds: home and school. When these two worlds are connected and communicate, the child feels a sense of consistency, security, and support. They see that the adults who matter most in their life are on the same team. When these worlds are disconnected, it can create confusion, anxiety, and mixed messages for the child.
2. The Parent as the First and Most Enduring Teacher
As mentioned, parents are the primary caregivers. They are the child’s first teachers in language, behavior, values, and social interaction. They possess deep, contextual knowledge about their child’s personality, strengths, challenges, and history that a school teacher, no matter how dedicated, can perhaps not fully grasp. This knowledge is an invaluable resource for educators.
3. The Educator as the Academic and Social Guide
Teachers bring professional expertise in child development, curriculum design, and pedagogical strategies. They see the child in a different social context, alongside peers, and can offer insights that parents might not see at home.
The magic happens when these two pools of knowledge and influence merge.
What This Successful Partnership Looks Like in Practice in all levels of education
- Early Childhood:
- Shared Language: Teachers and parents communicating about a child’s first words, social interactions, and potty training.
- Routine Alignment: Understanding a child’s nap and eating schedule to ensure a smooth day.
- Play-Based Learning Extension: Suggesting activities or books for home that reinforce what’s happening in the classroom.
- Preparation for moving on to Kindergarten: How to assist and support a child at home and school
- Elementary School:
- Academic Support: Parents creating a supportive environment for reading and homework, while teachers provide clear guidance on how to help without taking over.
- Social-Emotional Growth: Collaborating on strategies to help a child navigate friendships, conflict, and building resilience.
- Shared Goals: Regular communication (beyond problem times) about a child’s progress and interests.
- Middle & High School:
- Navigating Independence: The partnership evolves. It’s less about daily oversight and more about supporting the teen’s growing autonomy while staying connected to their academic and social-emotional world.
- Future Planning: Working together on course selection, college/career planning, and developing life skills.
- Support System: Presenting a united front on important issues like digital citizenship, mental health, and responsibility.
The Challenge and The Invitation
The biggest challenge is that this partnership “looks different from family to family.” Some parents are overly involved, some are unable to be as present due to work or other constraints, and others may feel intimidated by the school environment.
The school’s role, therefore, is to proactively create multiple, accessible avenues for partnership. This means:
- Communicating in various ways (newsletters, apps, meetings).
- Hosting diverse types of events (morning coffees, evening presentations, student-led conferences).
- Viewing every interaction, however small, as an opportunity to build trust.
“Linking home and school,” is the perfect summary for me. It’s not about the school delegating its work to parents, or parents abdicating their role to the school. It is about building a bridge between a child’s two most important worlds, ensuring their journey across it is supported, consistent, and directed toward the same destination: their growth and success.
From a parent: Thank you for sharing this vital insight from the front lines of international education in Tokyo. It’s a message that needs to be heard everywhere.
