Back-to-school season is an exhilarating yet chaotic time. There’s the frenzy of shopping for school supplies, the whirlwind of events and emails, and the introduction to new teachers and classroom dynamics. Amidst this period of transition, it’s vital for parents and caregivers to establish effective communication with their children’s educators. According to Staci Lamb, an educator and blogger at The Engaging Station, proactive communication can eliminate confusion surrounding assignments, student concerns, challenges, grades, and more. Furthermore, communication fosters connection and community, allowing teachers and parents to best cater to the needs of the students.
Studies reveal that parental involvement in their children’s education has a positive impact on their academic, behavioral, and social-emotional success. By establishing a partnership early in the school year, parents have the opportunity to learn how they can best support their children from the beginning. In turn, parents can provide important information about their children to help teachers build strong relationships, resulting in student engagement, motivation, confidence, and success.
To facilitate healthy communication and open dialogue, we reached out to education and child development experts for the one question parents should ask their children’s teachers at the start of the school year. Here’s what they had to say:
Question 1: “What can I do to help my child succeed in your classroom?”
Dr. Paulo Graziano, a psychology professor and researcher at the Center for Children and Families at Florida International University, recommends asking this question to let the teacher know that you are committed to supporting your child’s educational journey. This question is especially important if your child encounters behavioral, academic, or social-emotional difficulties during the school year. Displaying positivity and appreciation for teachers is also vital. Give them time to adjust to the routine before requesting additional meetings or accommodations. Being helpful by bringing requested supplies and volunteering can alleviate some of the beginning-of-year chaos.
Question 2: “What are the safety protocols at school?”
Clinical psychologist Dr. John Mayer suggests asking your child’s teacher if they are aware of the school’s safety policies and protocols, particularly those related to bullying, weapons, and potential active shooter incidents. It’s crucial to ensure that your child’s school and teachers prioritize student safety amidst the disturbing rise in gun violence incidents. Mayer emphasizes the importance of parents communicating with the school and teachers to safeguard their child’s education and well-being.
Question 3: “What level of support should I be providing at home?”
Katy Carscadden, a first-grade teacher from Reno, Nevada, advises parents to ask how they can best support their child at home, especially for young students. Establishing healthy bedtime routines and providing academic support, such as reading together, are essential. Moreover, young children need social-emotional support from home to feel confident and comfortable at school. For high school students, parents should inquire about striking a balance between self-advocacy and parental support to facilitate positive academic progress.
Question 4: “How does this school create a welcoming environment?”
Parents should ask about the teacher’s approach to supporting, welcoming, and celebrating individual differences and diversity in students, according to Dr. John Mayer. Inquire about the school’s activities, programs, courses, or extracurriculars that serve students of all types and interests. Creating a welcoming environment is crucial for fostering an inclusive community. Mayer believes that parents should encourage educators to take an active role in teaching critical skills beyond academics, including socialization, civic lessons, good behavior, values, maturity, and responsibility.
Question 5: “What skills do you expect from my child?”
Tracee Perryman, author of “Elevating Futures: A Model For Empowering Black Elementary Student Success,” recommends asking questions related to your child’s academic performance. Inquire about the skills your child needs to possess on their first day in the classroom, how you can help them come prepared to learn, recommended resources for additional support, how success is defined when practicing these skills, and methods to track progress. These questions, along with any relevant follow-up inquiries, can help you find free resources, strategies, and tools to keep your child on track.
Question 6: “What is your approach to teaching different types of children?”
Perryman advises asking questions that delve into the teacher’s strategies for managing various social situations within the classroom, particularly related to your child’s temperament. Inquire about the teacher’s approach to teaching children with temperaments similar to your child’s, as well as their methods for handling conflicts between children with different temperaments. Additionally, ask how the teacher incorporates student interests into learning, as this indicates their ability to engage children of your child’s age. Pay attention to the classroom’s visual cues that reveal the teacher’s value of social and emotional learning.
Question 7: “How can we as parents help you this year?”
According to educational psychologist Reena B. Patel, the most important question to ask is how parents can assist teachers throughout the school year. Make it clear that you are part of their team and share the same goals. Education is a collaborative endeavor, with teachers working alongside students, colleagues, administration, and parents/caregivers to ensure the best possible educational experience for every child.
Question 8: “What is the best way to contact you?”
Communication consultant Laura Fredericks emphasizes the importance of establishing open lines of communication with teachers. Ask them the best way to get in touch in case important matters arise. Clarify that hearing from them promptly is crucial to you and ask if you may have their contact information. This mutual understanding allows parents and teachers to reach out when necessary, fostering effective communication and parental involvement.
In conclusion, effective communication between parents and teachers is essential for a successful school year. By asking these questions at the beginning, parents can establish a solid foundation for collaboration with teachers, ensuring their child’s educational journey is supported both at school and at home.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
