5 Things Your Kid's Teacher Needs
Apples, shmapples — here are five core values that will make or break your bond with your kid's teacher.
- Engagement
It may sound obvious, but participating in your kid's education, even minimally, can do wonders. "Children whose parents are involved with their education generally tend to be less disruptive in class," says Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association. Your involvement also shows the teacher that you support her role in educating your child. Also, don't skip the school's open house, even if it's your kid's third or fourth year there. Another great way to make an impact is to attend a few PTA meetings. If all else fails, ask the teacher if there's something she can use, such as tissues, pencils, erasers, or crayons.
- Trust
Teachers have a deep appreciation for parents who really listen to their opinions and consider their expertise, especially when it comes to bad news. You don't want to believe that your child would ever push another child on purpose, but that might be exactly what happened. If the teacher's telling you something about your kid that's upsetting, keep your cool. And even if you don't ultimately agree with the teacher's opinion, you'll have increased her trust in you simply by listening and considering what she's shared with you.
- Communication
You may think it's enough to just sign off on permission slips and report cards, but communication about your kid's health, happiness, and progress needs to flow both ways. Most teachers are shocked at how little parents share about what's happening at home. But don't wait for a crisis to connect with your kid's teacher; you can share the positive developments, too, such as how well he's doing with his piano lessons or how he's taken to reading the Harry Potter series.
- Appreciation
"Kids can't show gratitude toward their teacher every day, so it's important for parents to do it," says Kennon McDonough, a school consultant to San Francisco Bay Area preschools. "Teaching is a very high-energy job, and it's not given as much value in society as it deserves." But that doesn't mean you have to buy extravagant gifts. Teachers say a muffin, flower, or even a note from a parent will make their day.
- Respect
Teachers' number one request of 21st-century parents: Get off your cell phone to say hello to the teacher when you pick up your kid. Another frequent parental faux pas? Dropping your kid off at school late. You don't want your kid and her tardiness to be the reason why everyone else is running behind. Likewise, be sure to return forms like permission slips within 24 to 48 hours of receiving them; your child may forget about them, so check her backpack daily. And if you make a mistake? Just apologize and move on!
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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
