teacher with father and son
Several studies show a child of an involved parent has a higher level of academic achievement, improved behavior, and a more positive attitude about school and homework.
1. Get Acquainted
Hopefully you attended Open House or Back-to-School Night, it’s a great opportunity to introduce your child and yourself to their new teacher. Showing the initiative to break the ice is a great first step.
2. Reach Out
If you missed a face-to-face meeting with the teacher, an introductory email is a great opportunity to introduce yourself and your child. Every child is different, making effective communication between you and the teacher very important. Give a brief summary of your child especially if there are important health or learning issues. Right from the start, you will be making it clear you are an involved parent.
Make the first email positive, using it to establish and open the lines of communication with their teacher. Take this email as an opportunity to express the excitement your child has for the school year and your willingness to being a team player in your child’s education. It will provide the teacher valuable insight and show you are an engaged parent who is willing to work with them.
3. Volunteer
Teachers rely heavily on volunteers. Pitch in when you can. Reading to the class, tutoring, or organizing a classroom event are all good ways to help out. The teacher will appreciate your efforts and it will give you a chance to see how the teacher runs her classroom and how she interacts with her students.
4. Maximize Conference Times
Consider these opportunities to gather as much information as you can about how your child is viewed by their teacher. Ask about your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Not only is it a time to hear about your child’s academics, but also how they interact socially, participate in the classroom, and their independent behavior. So you won’t feel pressured to remember all the questions you want to ask, write them down prior to the conference.
5. Periodic Check-Ins
Emailing is a bridge between home and school. Share important information with the teacher. If a significant home front event occurs like a family member’s illness, loss of a pet, or a parent being stationed overseas, don’t keep it a secret. One of these situations could have a great impact on your child’s behavior and school performance making it critical their teacher is in the know.
If all is going well, a brief monthly email to check in on your child’s progress should be sufficient. If there are school issues, a weekly check-in might be needed for a while to get your child back on track. Confront problems early instead of letting them linger on.
Word every email carefully. Sometimes digital communication can cause more problems than it solves. A neutral or positive email usually translates well to the teacher, but when an issue occurs words and tone could get misinterpreted causing the situation to become more exasperated and confusing. A one-on-one meeting would provide a clearer setting for a conversation with the teacher verse trading emails.
6. Face to Face
Choose your words wisely. Don’t accuse, ask. Don’t disagree, discuss. Avoid saying “you need to” or “you have to.” Use more inclusive phrases “how can we” or “could you please.” Take a positive, team player approach, carefully listen and find a solution to help your child solve their issue.
7. Stay Involved
Show up for school events. Attend class performances, chaperone field trips, and join the Parent-Teacher Association. A high level of participation shows the teacher you value all the school does for their students. Your attendance will give you more interactions with teachers, administrators and other parents.
8. Say Thanks
Don’t miss any opportunity to let the teacher know you appreciate how much he or she does for your child. Recognize the teacher during Staff Appreciation Week, for their birthday and on holidays. The teacher will be grateful your family’s appreciation.
A strong relationship between parent and teacher will lead to a successful school year for your child. Start building a positive one at the beginning of the school year. Everyone wins – you, the teacher and most importantly your child.
Sara Kendall is a freelance writer and mother of two daughters.