by Dr. Z
July 28 2010
Categories: Parenting Tips
Earlier this week I shared a few tips on how to approach a partnership with your child’s teacher.
It’s important we work together to support and guide the development and learning of our little ones. Children need consistent messages from their parents and teachers and this takes a relationship of mutual respect and two-way, open communication between home and school.
To keep the lines of communication open, here are a few tips:
If you have a concern, share it immediately. Discuss any concerns or questions with your child’s teacher as soon as possible. Teachers are often disappointed to find out you were upset about something that they could have done differently before it became a bigger issue. You may notice something with a staff member or classroom routine that you have questions about. Discuss it directly with your child’s teacher or privately with the school’s director or principal to see if there is a solution or answer to your concern. Be an advocate for your child!
Ask how you can help extend the classroom at home. You are your child’s first teacher. Don’t hesitate to ask your child’s teacher for specific activity ideas that help reinforce learning at home. You are likely to hear that the most valuable thing you can do it to set aside at least 20 minutes each day to read with your child.
Check-in regularly. Along with reviewing reports from your child’s teacher, consider setting aside a few minutes every four to eight weeks to ask for a conference or a call to get a better idea of how your child is progressing and if there is anything you can do at home to further your child’s development.
Positive feedback is always welcome. Teachers love to hear parents tell them how their children are showing evidence at home of what they’re learning at school.
I hope these tips help you kick-off the new school year on the right foot. If you have additional tips or ideas about how to best keep the lines of communication open with your child’s teacher, please share them with us!
