MAKING CHILDREN MAXIMIZE EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

MARILOU S. CURA

As parents and teachers, we all want our children to be happy, to succeed and soar. We want them to maximize their education opportunities and lifelong journeys.

We know that education is the pathway to opportunity and success and children who have positive levels of wellbeing are more likely to succeed at school. Research shows that students with higher levels of wellbeing are more likely to be higher academic achievers, to stay in school, have better mental health and a more responsible lifestyle.

As educators we rightly focus on literacy and numeracy, but the school experience is more than just academic achievements and outcomesit’s about growing and supporting the wellbeing of the whole child.

Parents are the first educators of children and we encourage families to be active participants in children’s learning-both at home and at school. This is why a strong partnership between parents and schools is critical to creating a positive environment to underpin learning.

For our children to succeed in all areas of life, we should always put their needs at the centre of our planning and decision making. Only then that every child have the opportunity to connect, succeed and thrive.

— oOo—

The author is Teacher III at San Rafael Elementary School, Macabebe West District