If you have a young child in school, you know how important it is for them to have a good teacher. You also know how important it is to have open communication between you and the teacher.
Sometimes it can be difficult to develop the relationship you want, so here are some tips for better communication between you and your child’s teacher.
Meet Them Early
Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher as soon as possible. You don’t necessarily have to wait for back-to-school night. Come to the classroom and meet her. Express your desire to help in any way that you can, and provide your contact information, including your cell number and email address.
Find the Best Method
If you want to have good communication with your child’s teacher, you need to find out the best method to communicate with them. Ask them how they prefer to talk, whether it be through phone calls, emails, or notes. Also ask when is the best time of day or week for you to call them or meet them in person. Respecting their schedule will allow you to have better quality communication.
Learn Classroom Expectations
When your child is in school, they have a set of rules to follow. Find out what the rules are, and find out what the teacher expects of her students. What is the daily routine in the classroom? What behaviors are highlighted? What are rewards for doing well, and consequences for behaving poorly? You’ll be able to understand the teacher’s expectations and help enforce them at home, too.
Check In Regularly
There might be parent-teacher conferences a few times per year, but you shouldn’t wait for them to check in with your child’s teacher about their progress. Call the teacher every couple weeks or so, or at least once per month. Ask how your child is doing, what areas they could use improvement in, and if there is anything you can do to help.
Participate When Possible
It’s a good idea to be an active member of your child’s classroom. Lots of teachers appreciate a parent’s desire to help out, so show yours and follow through. They might need parent volunteers for field trips or special events. They might need supplies for projects. Whatever it is, do what you can to participate.
Voice Concerns Early and Respectfully
If you have any particular concerns, whether it be about something the teacher is doing or something else, talk to the teacher as soon as possible. Don’t wait for things to escalate any further. Always approach the teacher in a respectful manner. Do not get angry or be accusatory. Be open to hearing their side of the story or their opinions.
Don’t Go Over Her Head
Your child’s teacher has direct authority over her classroom and your child. If you have a concern about something, go directly to her. Do not circumvent her and go to the principal or other superior without talking to her first. It’s disrespectful and won’t help you build a better relationship.
About The Author
Mark Weatherford is a high school English teacher and father who loves to give advice in his free time. He is an outspoken advocate of grammar checkers and always encourages his students to proof their work with them to ensure their work is clear, concise, and abides by all the proper grammar rules.