Christmas WS's!We’d like to welcome another guest blogger to the K5 Learning Blog. Barbara is a former math teacher and mom of two young girls. We're thrilled to have Barbara on board to provide us with an inside view of the classroom. This week, as many of us will be going to ‘meet the teacher’ night, we thought it pertinent to bring you some tips on how to start off on the right foot.
By Barbara Marques
It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year already – our little ones will don their backpacks and head off into the hallowed halls of elementary school. As parents, we hope for the perfect teacher. But whether their teacher is the answer to our prayers or our worst nightmare, we need to forge a strong partnership with them. A sour parent-teacher relationship can set the tone for a difficult school year!
You probably won’t be surprised to hear that the best parent-teacher relationships are built upon communication and mutual respect. Here are a few tips for getting to know your child’s teacher and starting off on the right foot.
- Attend the back to school night. Yes, I know it’s crowded (and it will probably mean that you leave work early and eat dinner late) but it is that important! You will gain insight into your teacher’s personality and teaching philosophy – information you won’t find on the class syllabus. Briefly introduce yourself and your child and ask any questions you have regarding the class or school routine. Just remember this is NOT the time to discuss specific concerns about your child (save those for a private conference).
- Provide an email address that you check daily. Most teachers prefer the convenience of email contact with parents. When you contact teachers, keep your emails short and sweet. If an email requires more than two paragraphs, you should probably opt for a phone call or face-to-face meeting. End your email on a positive note, thanking her for her attention to your concern. In case the teacher does need to speak with you, let her know the best time to call.
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Make her wishes come true! Most teachers post a “wish list” seeking donations of craft supplies and other consumables. Choose a couple of inexpensive items to purchase and send in with your child. This small gesture shows that you support the teacher – and that will go a long way towards establishing a good relationship.
- Read and respond promptly to all communications sent home. If it’s important enough for the teacher to send a note home, it deserves your attention tonight.
- Schedule a parent-teacher conference to address specific concerns. Once the school year is underway (maybe the third or fourth week), make an appointment to meet one-on-one with your child’s teacher. Make a list of your specific questions and email it to the teacher in advance. Listen carefully and make note of any ideas the teacher may share.
- Handle differences of opinion tactfully. You probably won’t agree with everything your child’s teacher says or does. If a conflict occurs, make an appointment to speak with the teacher in private. Be certain that you express your opinion calmly and listen carefully to their point of view. Your child’s teacher is an experienced professional – in most cases you should give them a chance to resolve a dispute before you contact the school administration.
- Send thank you notes for the “little things”. Most teachers work with students well beyond the end of the school day. If a teacher stays late to tutor your child or devotes her weekend to the school science fair, send her an encouraging note. Let her know that you noticed and appreciated her extra efforts. It’s amazing how much a simple “thank you” can mean to a dedicated school teacher!
Remember, every great relationship requires special attention. Following these simple steps will lead to an awesome parent-teacher relationship this school year!
Barbara Marques is a former Texas math and social studies teacher and the mother of two elementary school-aged daughters.
