The clock is ticking and a new school year is upon us. As children get ready to return to the classrooms, teachers are spilling the tea and dishing on things that they want you to know before school starts. The experts at TODAY.com compiled a group of K-12 educators who are giving insight as to what your child’s teacher wants you to know before school starts this year.
Have your child attend parent/teacher conferences.
Parent/teacher conferences aren’t just for parents and teachers. You can invite your child to attend as well. Todd Bloch, a middle school science teacher in Detroit, shares his advice on this point with TODAY.com.
“We generally want students at parent-teacher conferences,” he said to the popular outlet. “That way, kids and their parents can hear feedback at the same time and nothing gets lost in translation.”
If there is a topic that is “adult-only,” simply have the student excuse themselves for a moment.
If there is a problem, tell the teacher first.
If there is a problem, show the teacher respect and reach out to them first before reaching out to the principal or another parent. Letting your child’s teacher address your concerns first will help to establish not only respect between you and them, but trust as well. The teacher is the one that is in the classroom with your child and knows exactly what is going on.
“Teachers not only have a (documented) history of children’s behavior, they can provide a safer space for everyone’s voices to be heard,” Edia Rivens, an elementary school teacher in Queens, New York, told TODAY.com.
No texting or calling your child during the school day.
Keeping in contact with your child when they are not in your presence is important. But during instruction time, it is disruptive. Parents need to hold off on texts or calls, unless it is an emergency, until after class.
Don’t take your child out of school to vacation.
Planning family vacations are extremely important; however, plan them around the school year. Schools allow a certain number of excused absences, but if you exceed those to go on vacation, your student may be considered truant. When a student is considered truant, the state unfortunately gets involved. Also, you don’t want your child missing out on important instruction. Just wait on the trip and plan for scheduled school breaks.
Lastly, remember…
Communication is key!
Make sure to establish open communication with your child’s teacher. Let them know that there is nothing more important than your child’s education. Assure them, that you are a part of the team and can be reached at anytime.
Colorado middle school teacher Zander Epps told TODAY.com that communication, “It’s a two-way street. We have a responsibility and the expectation to reach out to parents about grades, assignments, and any behavioral issues, but we also like knowing anything important that might affect students’ education. We care about kids — and their families.”
Want more tips from teachers about how you can get an A++ this school year? Click here to read more.
