Building a good relationship with your child’s teachers is crucial to your child’s success in his/her school work. You do not have to wait until your child has challenges at school before you ask to meet his/her teacher.
As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else does. Your child’s teachers will want to get to know him too.
When you have a strong and respectful relationship with your child’s school and teachers, you’re in a good position to give them the information they need to help your child get the most out of his/her education.
You and your child’s teachers can work together to support your child’s learning and wellbeing.
When everybody is working together in the best interests of your child, he/she is more likely to succeed.
Here are some important tips on how to build a good relationship with your child’s teachers.
Tip 1: Keep in touch regularly.
Use your first meeting to create a plan for staying in regular contact throughout the year.
Perhaps you can pass notes back and forth in a spiral notebook or blank journal each week; a brief comment or two will suffice.
If you choose a system such as this, involve your child. Let him pick his favourite notebook, and give him the responsibility of carrying it between you and his teacher.
If you’d rather chat than write, ask his teacher when you might call or meet with her briefly, either before or after school.
You should also make sure that you attend Parent-Teacher Meetings scheduled by the school to help you monitor your child’s progress.
Tip 2: Get to know the teachers.
It is always best to talk to the teachers before problem surfaces. Don’t wait until your child experiences challenges at school before you make contact with the teachers.
Even though some teachers might want to wait until the first school scheduled conference to meet, try to arrange at least a quick conversation at the beginning of the year.
Make it casual; briefly introduce yourself and your child to the teachers and mention any special concerns.
Let your child see you speak with his teachers, or tell him that you did. Children feel safe when the important adults in their lives work together.
Tip 3: Give Encouragement.
Many of today’s teachers are required to work long hours, with limited resources, and with little recognition.
Giving your child’s teachers encouragement, such as compliments and thank you notes, through the year can help them feel valued and appreciated.
Pass along compliments regularly. Everyone appreciates a kind word. If your child comes home telling you about how much fun school was that day, let the teacher know. Say “Thank You” when you notice that your child’s teachers go out of their way to assist your child.
Not only will this help to strengthen your parent-teacher relationship, but it can also help to inspire your child’s teacher to perform better knowing that they are appreciated.
