Teach English in Dayan Zhen - Hulunbei'er Shi — Hulunbuir

"Parents are the first teachers". This famous line implies that the extent of parents' influence on the learning and development of children is undeniable. From the moment children are born, parents serve as the first teachers as they learn their first gestures, facial expressions and one of every parent's most rewarding moments – hearing their child's first word. As their children undergo formal language training, some parents rely upon the entire work to the teachers not knowing they could also play roles in the success of their children’s language attainment. Parents could take the roles of being a provider, a model, an assistant, and a motivator. Parents as providers are the ones who can give a portion of their time and resources to their children. Some parents are too busy at work that they tend to give their children the full responsibility in learning the language. Another reason is that both parents are not speakers of the language or can't speak the language. So, many children have low motivation in class and have a feeling of being forced. As a provider, letting the child understand the goal and the importance of the English language could make the child have a clear view of why he/she has to attend the language class. Parents should also make sure that they give time to help their child with home works and provide all necessary things that could aid learning such as books, pens, dictionaries, online learning materials, etc. Language is learned effectively when practiced. Parents with English language skills could serve as models for their children through daily dialogues. This enhances the exposure of the use of language out of a controlled environment. It is a great chance for the children to spontaneously make use of what he/she has learned in class especially in speaking and listening. To those parents who don’t have the language skills, it is never too late to make things possible. They could create a learning environment at home where they could also learn at the same time. Allowing their children to be surrounded by the use of English language such as watching TV programs in English, listening to music on the radio in English, using English in basic daily tasks (greetings, counting, telling the time and date) are as much beneficial as having a conversation like speakers of the language. In the classroom, teachers provide feedback to students’ progress or overall performance in class. Parents must be driven to take part in this assessment and communicate with the teacher. This is where the role of an assistant can take place. A teacher is someone who can monitor students’ performance since day one. So, parents should be open-minded to any feedback they have to receive and be ready to consider extra efforts when needed. During this time, parents are able to know their children's strengths and weaknesses. Teachers can also make some recommendations on other ways to improve children’s language weak spots and reinforce English practice at home. Now, it is up to the parents to take action and make the recommendations happen. The most essential factor in learning is motivation. It is the one that dictates a child's performance and attitude towards learning English. Motivation must start at home. Problems in class occur at some points due to factors that come beyond the learning premises such as family problems. In this case, parents should build a positive attitude and handle a calm environment not to let their children be affected by any dispute. Simple ways like regularly asking how their classes go for a day could also make a difference. It can create a meaningful conversation with a good method to help children in their difficulties and challenges in class. Constantly, it could also a way of the parents to gather information about their children's thoughts of the way they learn and their teachers. Information like these is beneficial to both teachers and parents for they would be able to address a problem that may occur concerning their children in the class. Teachers give their best to provide students worthwhile learning experience and growth. However, this role is not only limited to educators in institutions. Parents also have to portray a role as big as teachers do. Both have one educational goal which cannot be effective without the other. Parents' support at home doesn't only improve the knowledge and skills of their children at some point in their lives but also encourages them to be lifelong lovers of learning.