It may seem counterintuitive to reach out before the start of the school year. Still, it is just as important as ever to start building a robust and collaborative relationship with your child’s teacher at or before the start of the school year.
The reality is that parents and teachers have to re-establish their connection every year at some point or another. The best time to do this is early and often before problems arise. Thankfully, this process can be much smoother by fostering a positive relationship with your child’s teacher.
If you haven’t done it yet, then here are five ways to build a partnership with the teacher of your child.
1. Follow Up
Be proactive and make sure they have your contact information, email, phone number, and address and have the same information for them. Stay in close communication with the teacher after the beginning of the year. Follow up on any communication you initiated to make sure that they understand your role as the parent in the classroom.
For example, the teacher may need you to accompany the class on a field trip. This is an excellent opportunity to reaffirm that you will be there for the journey and that you understand the teacher’s expectations for your role as a parent.
2. Work Together
Teachers are often busy but are always willing to work with cooperatives and ready to support the classroom. Be willing to help the teacher in any way that would make their life easier.
If a teacher asks you to help with fundraising, collecting homework, running errands, whatever it may be, be willing to go above and beyond for your child’s sake. This would be a great way to build a partnership with your child’s teacher.
3. Set Goals
Research shows that children with involved parents are more likely to show academic growth. However, you need to be specific with your intent and create a concrete trajectory on your plans.
Consider setting some realistic and attainable goals with the teacher, such as cooperating on making sure that homework is completed early or supporting the teacher by volunteering at special events.
4. Be a Translator
If the teacher doesn’t speak the same language as your child, be a translator. The teacher will need to communicate with your child, and you can make sure that the teacher gets the right message across. A simple phone call can mean the difference between a parent coming to pick the child up early or riding the bus home.
5. Listen
Listen to the teacher and their ideas for your child. The more you listen to the teacher, the more chances you can support your child’s growth with the teacher. After the school year is over, create a dialogue to discuss what you can do to help the teacher and give your child a solid foundation for their success.
Conclusion
Building a solid relationship with your child’s teacher can be challenging, especially if you feel overwhelmed by the demands of your job and your family’s needs. Still, the benefits of a strong relationship with the teacher will be felt throughout the year and far beyond.
Take the time now to make an impression with your child’s teacher and learn to get involved with their classroom.
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