Supporting Parents as their Child’s First Teacher: Aboriginal Parents’ Perceptions of KindiLink

A systematic review of Indigenous parents' educational engagement

“…Mutual sharing between parents and teachers was a beneficial strategy (Barblett et al, 2020). Teachers shared their expertise on pedagogy (Barblett et al, 2020; Barratt‐Pugh et al, 2021; Leske et al, 2015), parenting, life skills (Benzies et al, 2011; Chodkiewicz et al, 2008; Grace & Trudgett, 2012; Hare, 2011), and leadership skills (Flückiger & Jones, 2012). Sharing something by the teachers and making parents feel comfortable practising it was highly effective (Mills, 2004).…”

“…Parents shared information about their children's interests, needs, characteristics and Indigenous culture (Barblett et al, 2020). This enabled teachers to individualise students' homework and provide parents with strategies to support their children's learning at home (Barblett et al, 2020; Barratt‐Pugh et al, 2021). Though the shared activities were new, parents were committed to learning to help their children at home by participating in activities prepared by the teacher (Barblett et al, 2020; Barratt‐Pugh et al, 2021; Benzies et al, 2011; Justice et al, 2020).…”

“…This enabled teachers to individualise students' homework and provide parents with strategies to support their children's learning at home (Barblett et al, 2020; Barratt‐Pugh et al, 2021). Though the shared activities were new, parents were committed to learning to help their children at home by participating in activities prepared by the teacher (Barblett et al, 2020; Barratt‐Pugh et al, 2021; Benzies et al, 2011; Justice et al, 2020). Through dialogue reading exercises, conversational language approaches (Barblett et al, 2020), and book clubs (Justice et al, 2020), daily reading activities became more exciting.…”

“…Across the 41 studies, the findings generally described Indigenous cultural matters affecting the engagement of Indigenous parents in their children's education (see Appendix A for the summary). Qualitative analysis revealed three major themes that aligned with the research questions: (1) the self-perceived roles of Indigenous parents; (2) factors that hinder educational engagement; and (3) strategies that can support Indigenous parents. Across the 41 articles included, 11 records were coded to theme 1; 27 records to theme 2; and 36 records to theme 3.…”

“…For parents with younger children, telling stories about daily activities helped them develop behaviour management skills (Chodkiewicz et al, 2008). Spending time and playing with their children enabled them to identify their child's learning needs and their developmental progress, and build intimacy and deep connections (Barratt-Pugh et al, 2021).…”