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5 Things Teachers Wish Parents Knew
I recently had a blog post about what parents wished teachers knew, so I thought I would reverse it and ask teachers what they wanted parents to know. Here are the top 5 things teacher friends told me:
1. We are all on the same team and as teachers, we will advocate for your child as if they were our own. Open and honest communication is paramount for academic success in school. This can mean daily checks, quick texts, or emails. Paying attention to each other respectfully requires work from everyone. If there is something at home that will affect the classroom, we need to know. Teachers are good problem solvers and are happy to assist when possible with an issue. Communication is key to success.
2. What are the things that motivate your child? What can we use as a reward? Would it be computer time, drawing time, candy, or food? Is this a motivator you are okay with if we use it at school, and if needed, something you can use at home if the child has a good day at school? (or even a good afternoon)
3. Even though we have summers off, we are still reading the latest literature, taking continuing education classes, listening to podcasts, and attending meetings. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our craft and get ready for a new school year with new ideas. For us, this is not merely a job, but who we are as people. We love your children and continue to strive to be the very best teachers to meet their needs.
4. What happens in the classroom is not always the way it is shared at home. A simple misunderstanding can lead to more problems if parents only hear one side of the conversation. Communicate concerns with teachers, but be open-minded to both sides. Better understanding and communication help everyone. Again, communication is key to success.
5. Learning goes beyond the classroom. Every time a parent asks a child to do a puzzle together, read together, or prepare some type of food together, it strengthens academic success. When parents actively participate in their child’s education, it boosts the student’s confidence and helps them perform better in school. Reading is the backbone of your child’s learning, and whether you are reading a book to your child or having a family reading time, it demonstrates the importance of reading skills. Making cookies can be a simple way to read a recipe, work on some math skills, and create a family bond. We are a team and everything you do to help your child learn is a great way to strengthen the skills we are working on at school.