Parents Tips for Communicating with Their Children's Teachers
July 20, 2012
The start of the school year comes with new clothes, new books and, of course, new teachers. As students settle in and acquaint themselves with the change, there are critical things parents can do to support their children’s success in school: the most important of which centers around communication with their child’s teacher.
“One of the most important things a parent can do as their child begins a new school year is to establish a line of communication with his or her teacher,” said Ella Lin, Franchisee of Kiddie Academy of Fontana. “Initiating a dialog indicates to the teacher that the parents are involved and are active participants in their child’s education. It also helps teachers better understand how their children behave in the classroom.”
Lin notes that when parents communicate with educators, they are better able to support the learning process at home by following up with their children about particular assignments or developments. This creates an element of consistency in the child’s life, which can make it easier for him or her to relax and concentrate on learning.
Lin recommends that parents in the Fontana area keep the following tips in mind when it comes to approaching teachers:
Speak Up: If something worries you about your child’s progress or the classroom environment, don’t hesitate to voice your concerns. Parents and teachers should both feel as though they can ask and answer questions comfortably.
Keep an Open Mind: Before approaching a teacher with your thoughts, remember that what you may have heard from your child is only one side of the story. Ask the teacher to explain a situation or circumstance before presenting your case.
Don’t Hesitate to Share: Changes in a child’s home environment, such as divorce or the arrival of a new sibling, can have a major impact on a child’s performance in school. As long as you feel comfortable doing so, share any details that you feel may be affecting his or her mood or behavior.
Be Prepared: Regardless of the nature of your meeting with a particular teacher, be sure to write down any and all questions you may want to address. Doing this will ensure that you get a chance to ask everything.
Stay Up to Date: Keeping on top of homework assignments and school activities will eliminate unnecessary confusion between you and your child’s teacher. Make it a point to become familiar with the school’s preferred method of communicating these details, such as a daily homework folder.
Being a well-informed parent is essential to open communication with your child’s teacher. Read your academy’s monthly newsletter for current information and stop by bulletin boards outside your child’s classroom. Kiddie Academy offers a monthly enewsletter that features parenting and learning topics to help parents with everyday successes and challenges. Subscribe by visiting your academy’s Web site.
Lin notes that at Kiddie Academy of Fontana, teachers keep regular communication with their students and their parents as they grow from infancy through twelve years of age. The school’s curriculum features a well-balanced mix of enrichment, including programs that focus on cognitive, social, physical and emotional development. For more information about Kiddie Academy of Fontana, please contact Ella Lin at (909) 822-7700.
