Parents, do you ever wonder what teachers really care about? Here are 10 things teachers want parents to know:
1 – please get your child to school on time. Coming in late gets your child’s day started on the wrong foot and often leads to stress and anxiety.
2 – let us know about family issues that may affect your child at school (a move, a family member’s illness or death, separation/divorce, a pet’s illness or death).
3 – we need your help. Listen to your child, yes, but also listen to what we tell you about what is happening at school. We are not judging you so please do not make excuses for your child. We need to work together to help your child overcome hurdles.
4 – understand that we are in this profession because we care about children and truly want the best for your child. Please listen to what we have to say before automatically believing your child’s side of the story. (Most children are motivated to NOT get in trouble, so their side of the story will understandably be a little skewed. It’s not a bad thing, but please understand that you probably need to get more perspective on what happened.)
5 – know that if we ask you for support in some area, we are not asking you to “fix” or to punish your child. We need your suggestions for how to help them overcome their current challenge.
6 – please keep us posted with any changes in how you can be reached (by phone or email).
7 – please ask us how you can help us in the classroom. Sometimes we need volunteers to help with specific activities, sometimes we need extra snacks provided for students who are hungry. Sometimes we just need a pat on the back! But the offer to help in some way lets us know that you value the work we do.
8 – please read any communication that is sent home from school. Whether it’s paper, an email newsletter, a text message — please read it. We are making every effort to keep the communication channels open. We need you to meet us halfway.
9 – please return any forms (permission slips, conference time requests, etc.) as soon as you possibly can.
10 – read to your child as many evenings as you can — even when they are reading independently. Make reading enjoyable and something you do together. Not only does this give you valuable “quality time” with your child, but it models the importance of literacy.
