© 2024, Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Investigaciòn y Postgrado, Venezuela
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Sandra Milena Hincapi Bernal, Estela Maldonado Duran and Edni Rosalba Belisario
sidering that quality education translates to enhanced child learning development. However,
it is also argued that the family has the potential to expand the scope of primary education.
According to
Blanco & Umayahara (2004), family involvement in education implies “opinar,
tomar ciertas decisiones, proponer y disentir en los diversos espacios de la institución educativa”
(p. 26)
2
. Therefore, the act of participating goes beyond merely attending school meetings, pro-
viding contributions to educational institutions, or volunteering in the institution. In this sense,
mothers have the opportunity to approach institutions and establish direct contact with teachers
to better understand how they can support their children's education, which not only improves
children's living conditions but also significantly contributes to their learning process.
The contribution of parents or mothers can manifest in various ways by providing support to
their children's education. According to
Silinkas & Kikas (2019), parents or caregivers have the
possibility to complete school tasks or assignments together with children, establishing a con-
ducive learning environment at home. On the other hand,
Benner et al. (2016) point out that
parents can play an active role by providing stimulation and educational enrichment activities,
thus promoting the holistic development of their children beyond the classroom. Additionally,
collaboration in parent-teacher organizations is also a significant form of involvement, as it
strengthens the connection between school and home, promoting a more robust and beneficial
educational environment for students.
One of them involves establishing a daily structure that includes dedicated study and exploration
time, resulting in the creation of a stable routine for children. Furthermore, in line with these
support strategies, it is essential to share the experience of reading by practicing reading books
together and engaging in conversations about the stories to cultivate a love for reading. At the
same time, by engaging children in conversations about a variety of topics, their vocabulary
can be expanded, and the development of critical thinking can be fostered, known as "Mea-
ningful Conversations." These practices, supported by
Silinkas & Kikas (2019) and Benner et al.
(2016)
, reinforce the fundamental role of parents in education and the holistic growth of their
children.
On the other hand, a connection with nature can be a valuable means to stimulate children's
curiosity by exploring the environment through outdoor outings. Active involvement extends
to practical activities such as cooking, measuring, and building together, allowing the application
of mathematical and scientific concepts in real situations. Additionally, artistic expression can
be encouraged by involving children in activities like drawing, painting, and crafts. Support in
school tasks when needed promotes the child's autonomy, and supervising and selecting online
educational resources are also part of the process. All these concrete actions by parents signi-
ficantly contribute to the education and comprehensive growth of children.
2
Our translation: opining, making certain decisions, proposing, and dissenting in various spaces within the edu-
cational institution.