Angelica Collins teaches her children by playing. When her son was a toddler, Collins discovered that making learning fun and interactive led to greater success.
“When my son was four years old, he told me he was going to be a doctor, now look, he followed through,” Collins said. Her 28-years-old son is a medical doctor working as a general prac-titioner in Veracruz, Mexico.
Dr. Sofia Bahena, a senior education associate with the Intercultural Development Research Association believes Collins’ involvement is positioning her children for success. Bahena says some parents sometimes do not fit in the traditional box the government classifies as “parental involvement.” However, behind the scenes, she finds parents extremely encouraging with their children.
“A lot of successful people attribute their success to their parents, even if it didn’t look like the stereotypical model. Bahena said.
Today, Collins follows the same education model with her daughter Angelica Ruiz, 6.
“My daughter imitates me and what she sees, she learns. I tell her, ‘You’re going to be a success.’ I always tell (my children), remove the phrase, I can’t, and instead say, I can!”
Collins youngest child, Angelica, is in kindergarten at Freedom Elementary. “I know my numbers. I know how to read. I know words,” she said proudly. At Freedom Elementary, Collins serves as a parent volunteer. She works several times a week with Angelica’s teacher by making copies, cutting out letters, or by just being present at school.
“My mother was not close to me and I wanted to be different with my children,” Collins said. Collins involvement with her children continues
making a difference.
Just listen to what little Angelica confidently stated, “I want to be a doctor.” Collins gazed at her young daughter and proudly smiled. Whether Angelica becomes a doctor or not, Collins knows her involvement with her daughter is already making a difference.
“Parents make a difference. Everything they do whether at the school, engaging with the school, encouraging their child, or helping with home-work. Their presence does make a difference and it’s important they work with schools and teachers and begin that relationship as partners,” add-ed Bahena.
If you would like to meet with Parent and Community Education Coordinator Mr. Randy Escamilla to discuss parental involvement or is-sues at your child’s school please feel free to call him at 210-882-1600 ext. 5125 or e-mail.