Oklahoma faces significant challenges in education, but families are a key part of the solution. Research shows that consistent parental support is essential to a student’s long-term educational achievements. In fact, studies show that a parent’s attitude and actions toward education are some of the most powerful factors influencing their child’s academic success.
But where do parents begin? How can families best support learning at school and at home? To help answer these questions, the Oklahoma Education Impact Initiative (OKEII), a nonprofit organization, has provided a comprehensive Family Resource Library to support families in their child’s education from preschool through high school. OKEII’s mission is to transform Oklahoma’s K-12 public education system through strategic, data-driven solutions.
How can parents support learning at home
Kathy Curry, Ed.D., serves as a research adviser for OKEII and, based on her research in family engagement in education, social learning environments and international perspectives on education systems around the world, she offers practical insights to help parents nurture their child’s love of learning. She also serves as a professor and the Williams Chair of Higher Education in the Educational Leadership and School Administration program at Oklahoma State University.
“It’s important for families to remember that they are their child’s first teacher,” said Curry. “They have a very strong influence on the educational outcomes through the support they give at home. Reading to your child, teaching them to handle disappointment constructively, instilling respect for authority and fostering good communication skills can greatly impact your child’s learning experience.”
Curry also shares that setting clear expectations is one of the most powerful ways to boost student success.
“How we speak to our children matters,” said Curry. “The difference between saying ‘when you pass the test’ versus ‘if you pass’ is subtle but significant because it expresses a greater confidence in your child’s ability and sets a positive expectation for the future.”
Collaboration is Key
Dan Hamlin, Ph.D., an associate professor of education policy and research director of the Oklahoma Center for Educational Policy at the University of Oklahoma, also serves as a research advisor for OKEII and was recently named Oklahoma’s Secretary of Education. His academic research examines the impact of education policies on student health and safety, family engagement, school climate and school choice.
Prior to his appointment, Hamlin shared some insight on OKEII’s research initiative to understand how parents, educators and community members view Oklahoma’s public education system.
“Among the survey results was a key takeaway — respondents understood that parents and students hold a great deal of responsibility in the areas of student behavior, attendance and overall improved performance outcomes,” said Hamlin. “The survey responses were very self-reflective. Families and the general public indicated a shared responsibility in strengthening schools.
“Oklahomans know that when families, caregivers and schools work as a team, the entire education system benefits.”
Practical tips for every stage of learning
Supporting your child’s education doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, small, consistent actions at home often make the biggest difference. From reading together to setting routines that build confidence, families can create simple habits that strengthen learning at every age and stage and help build the foundation for lifelong learning.
Preschool and Elementary School
Reading with children during preschool and early elementary years is one of the most important activities families can do to support academic development. Remember the importance of both structured and unstructured play. Play is a powerful mode of learning that builds cognitive, social, emotional and creative capacities.
- Try to read with your child daily and make it engaging by talking about the story, asking questions and connecting the story to your child’s life.
- Support math skills by using everyday activities (e.g., cooking, shopping and playing with toys) to introduce counting, measuring and recognizing shapes.
- Assist your child with homework, but if they struggle, avoid giving them the answer. Instead, help your child work through the problem in bite-sized steps.
- Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and provide healthy food options. Talk with your child about how good nutrition supports focus, memory and overall academic success.
- Praise persistence and small successes to boost confidence and make learning feel rewarding.
Middle School
- Encourage a consistent study schedule and provide a quiet, organized space free from distractions.
- Teach and reinforce skills like note-taking, goal-setting and breaking assignments into smaller, manageable steps.
- Show how to balance responsibilities by planning and prioritizing tasks. Encourage your child to set age-appropriate expectations for schoolwork, chores and behavior, and check in regularly.
- Foster independence by giving your child more responsibility over time while supporting emotional growth through open conversations about your child’s challenges and feelings.
- Encourage your child to enjoy sports and extracurriculars, but set limits to avoid overscheduling, ensuring that your child has time for schoolwork, rest and family.
High School
- Communicate the importance of academic effort, responsibility and long-term goals.
- Provide a quiet, structured space for homework and encourage consistent routines.
- Monitor grades, attend conferences and maintain regular contact with teachers and counselors.
- Offer support and accountability while allowing your teen to take ownership of their learning.
- Support college and career readiness by talking about careers, hobbies or subjects that your child is curious about, connecting them to school and future opportunities.
For more strategies and insights on the impact of family engagement, including electronic device regulation and homework support, visit www.okeii.org/library.
