Now that find ourselves in the interim period between academic years, it’s worth taking a moment to strategize about how to begin again with a fresh slate in the fall, and set your child up for success. One of the elements that (almost always) changes from year to year is your child’s team of teachers. A strong partnership between parents and teachers is essential for a child's success, and the new year offers a new opportunity to establish that relationship. While you play a vital role at home, teachers are your allies in the classroom, providing guidance, support, and fostering a love of learning. Here's how you can work together to create a team that maximizes your child's potential:
Open Communication is Key: Different teachers will have different preferences for communication—norms can vary from school to school, from grade to grade, and from individual to individual. Check in early on in the year and during initial parent-teacher conferences about the best way to communicate. It’s always appropriate to discuss your child's strengths, challenges, and learning goals. Utilize tools like email, online portals, or even quick notes in your child's agenda to share updates or ask questions.
Be an Active Listener: Pay close attention to the teacher's feedback during conferences or progress reports. Ask clarifying questions and discuss any concerns you might have. Remember, teachers are there to help, so be open to their suggestions and work together to find solutions.
Become a Learning Partner: Express interest in your child's curriculum and ask for ways you can reinforce learning at home. Review homework assignments together, ask questions about concepts being covered, and provide additional practice if needed.
Celebrate Achievements, Big and Small: Let the teacher know when your child excels at a particular subject or demonstrates significant improvement. Positive reinforcement, both at home and school, builds confidence and motivates students to keep striving.
Advocate When Necessary: If you have concerns about your child's progress, learning style, or behavior, don't hesitate to advocate for them. Work collaboratively with the teacher to develop strategies and support systems that address these needs.
Empower your child: As students enter their middle and high school years, they should be expected to develop formal communication skills of their own to be in touch with teachers if they need clarification on an assignment or have questions about schedule. You can support this process by including them in communications from a young age.
Remember, a strong parent-student-teacher relationship benefits everyone. By working as a team, you can create a positive learning environment where your child feels supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Bonus Tip: Take the initiative to get involved in the classroom community! Volunteer for school events, join the PTA, or simply offer a helping hand with classroom projects. Not only will you gain valuable insights into your child's school life, but you'll also be demonstrating your commitment to their education.