You want the best for your child’s education as a parent. Although your child’s school is working toward the same goal, you may feel like you’re on a different page or reading another book.
Your child’s academic success can skyrocket if you collaborate with their teachers to create a positive learning environment. Collaboration with your child’s teachers can provide the support they need to overcome learning challenges and thrive in their academic pursuits!
Use these eight effective strategies to improve parent partnership with your child’s teachers and help them succeed.
1. Be open and honest in your communication.
The best way to build a strong partnership is to keep lines of communication open with your child’s teacher. Take the time to listen to their concerns and respond respectfully when they express them.
Don’t be afraid to voice your reservations. At all times, respectful communication is required.
2. Avoid stumbling blocks in communication.
Educational professionals use their terminology. You must understand their point of view, and they must make an effort to communicate with you in a meaningful way. If you don’t understand something, ask for more information or an explanation.
3. Take part in school activities.
Participate whenever your child’s school organises a workshop or needs volunteers. Work schedules can be complicated, and you may be unable to attend all of them. If this is the case, contact those in need to see if there is another way you can assist.
4. Encourage community collaboration
Participating in school activities is an excellent way to strengthen parent partnership. However, you can achieve the same result in other ways.
Plan weekend playdates with other parents in your child’s grade; bring an approved snack for the class (with the teacher’s permission), or volunteer to listen to children read on a day off. The more present you are, the stronger your bonds will become.
5. Keep a positive attitude
You are your child’s most powerful and effective advocate. It’s natural to become defensive when things aren’t going well for your child. But, before you storm in, reach out to them and discuss their concerns. Pay close attention, take notes, and involve your child whenever possible. Return to the situation with fresh eyes and a clearer mind.
6. Take part in teacher phone calls, visits, and communication
Every year, parent-teacher conferences are held. You will receive an email with a teacher update once a week. But how much time do you devote to planning those meetings? How frequently do you respond to emails?
Spend 10 minutes more reading and responding to emails. Make an effort to respond if your child’s teacher contacts you. The teacher will appreciate your efforts, and you will better understand your child’s school day.
7. Show respect for teachers.
Teachers work with a large number of children throughout the day. It is a difficult job with little recognition. Respect and understanding should always be shown to your child’s teacher. Even if you disagree, listening to and understanding their point of view will make your conversation far more fruitful.
8. Help your child.
You have the right and the need to monitor your child’s school day, but this is ultimately their educational journey, and they deserve a say in it.
When issues arise, always include your child in the discussion. Parent partnerships Inquire about how things are going, where they need help, and what suggestions they have to improve the situation. This may not always be the most fruitful discussion, but it is critical that they feel they have a say in their education.
