COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER

Back-to-school season is almost upon us! Here are some tips for effective communications between parents and teachers throughout the year.

1. Contact the school before the start of the school year and ask if you and your child can visit the classroom and meet the teacher.

2. As the school year begins, inform the teacher of your child’s strengths and weaknesses, their goals and needs, as well as effective tools and learning strategies that work with your child.

3. The best times to speak with the teacher are before the school year starts, after the winter break and in early spring. Whether attending a scheduled appointment or a parent/teacher interview, it is important to come prepared with clear and concise questions and/or concerns.

4. Think of your interactions with the teacher as part of a team effort with the goal being best outcomes for your child’s development. Approaching matters from the perspective of your child will show you have your child’s best interests at heart. Working together with the teacher also ensures that your child knows there is cooperation between school and home.

5. Take the time throughout the year to let the teacher know that you appreciate the job they are doing. If there are concerns, make sure to note positive efforts as well. Good will goes a long way.

Resources:

(1) Care. -  https://www.care.com/c/back-to-school-special-needs-kids/

(2) Additude - Meet the Teacher: 5 Ways to Improve Back-to-School Communication by Cindy Goldrich, Ed.M. For the full article visit: https://www.additudemag.com/meet-the-teacher-school-communication-adhd/

(3) Scholastic - https://www.scholastic.com/site/pam-allyn/5-easy-to-steps-to-great-communication-with-your-child-s-teacher.html