Teacher Communication is Vital for Success

During the week, most of a child’s time is spent at school, and during home-hours, much of that time is spent working on homework and other projects. While many parents take the time to choose a quality school for their children, parent involvement doesn’t stop on the first day of school. By opening lines of communication with their children’s teachers, parents can gather ideas about how to help their children throughout the year, discover more about the school’s academic and extracurricular programs and how they work, and become more confident about the value of their school participation. Open exchanges between parents and teachers only helps improve academic performance and the overall experience of school. This partnership is a three-way relationship between the parent, the child, and the teacher, and by working together, it can undeniably help students reach their full potential.

The Parent-Teacher Partnership

Teachers are knowledgeable about teaching just like mom and dad are knowledgeable about their child. Parents should share what they know, from what excites their child to what their struggles are to what their learning style is. This information can only help them in the classroom. Numerous parents wait until parent/teacher conferences to speak to their child’s teacher about their expectations. However, ongoing communication beyond scheduled meetings provides teachers with the information needed to tailor a learning program that will specifically benefit the student and track their progress.

There are many ways to build a relationship with a teacher that goes beyond this. Many teachers will be open to email messages and written comments in a folder or on homework. Volunteering in the classroom is also a wonderful way to get involved and see what happens during the day. Teachers appreciate knowing that parents are there to help and reinforce the learning that is taking place in the classroom. Lastly, while interacting with a teacher is valuable, parents should also respect their time and confirm that their methods of reaching out to teachers are not interfering with their commitment to other students.

The Parent-Child Partnership

It sometimes may not seem like it, but children want their parents involved in their education. Not only will they witness the importance that mom and dad put on their schooling, but it will also build a foundation for other forms of family involvement.  If a child is struggling in school, that student needs their parent to be able to provide assistance. Having open communication with the teacher will further give you the tools to work with students at home. In addition to the extra help, there are many other advantages for students when parents become more involved. Evidence exists that it increases academic accomplishment, boosts motivation for learning, improves behavior, leads to more regular attendance, and creates an added positive attitude about homework and the school experience in general.

Active parent-school communication has advantages for teachers, students, and parents. Parents are a child’s greatest teacher and role model. But, by taking the time to form a positive two-way relationship with their school teachers and open a line of conversation, parents can enhance the progress made throughout the year.