Family School Partnerships

Last week we printed the first 5 things that your child's teacher wants you to know. Today we continue with our list:

10 THINGS YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER WANTS YOU TO KNOW

“What is the one thing you’d like parents to know as their children join your class this year?” This was the question we recently asked some local teachers as they prepared for the school year ahead. Each of these experienced educators had a different perspective, but all agreed that you play a huge role in your child’s chances of school success.

6. Remember…homework is for your child, not you

The only way a teacher can determine what your child knows is by receiving work that is truly his. By all means, encourage, support and show your child how to answer homework questions, but don’t do the work for him! Teachers tell us that they gauge what a child has learned and understood by what they are able to remember and complete independently. Doing homework by themselves also helps children learn to be responsible for the quality of their work.

7. Have a Plan B for sick kids

What happened when you last went to work feeling unwell? Did you have the best day ever? Teachers tell us asking kids to manage the demands of a challenging classroom when they are ill is unfair. They recommend that families have a system in place so that sick children can stay home and get better, both for their own sake and the sake of their classmates and teachers. Of course, you’ll know how to sensitively and sensibly manage a tummy ache that mysteriously appears on the morning of a spelling test, however teachers remind us that children can’t learn or behave as well as they might when they are sick. And if the teacher catches the bug, the whole class’s learning may be interrupted if the teacher has to take sick leave.

8. Let kids know it’s OK to ask questions

Teachers note that some children are so conscious of looking foolish in front of their teachers and peers that they are afraid to raise their hand and ask a question in class. You can be a good role model for your kids and teach them to believe that no question is a dumb question. Kids do ask silly questions…sometimes over and over again, but that’s part of being a child. When you respect your child’s questions and encourage his efforts, teachers tell us that he is likely to be more willing to give unfamiliar things a try at school.

9. Balance screen-time with reading-time

The time children spend on ‘screens’ alarms many teachers. There’s no doubt that computers, iPads, smart phones and other devices are a great sources of information and enjoyment, but teachers also tell us that books still have value. They offer children quiet opportunities to explore using their imaginations and to expand their knowledge. Teachers encourage families to fill their homes with books that kids can read, look at and find answers to life’s many questions in. They also advise you to encourage your kids to join and borrow from the public or school library. This will empower them and expose them to a variety of resources that will broaden their horizon.

10. Find ways to tell your kids you love them

Teachers say that kids who are confident and know that they are loved often find is easy to be kind to others. You can remind your child of your love for him by tucking a note into his lunch box or sending him a text message to let him know that you are thinking of him. As they get older, your children might not want to hold your hand or give you a kiss as they walk through the school gate – but no matter how old they are, they will always need affirmations from you. You may need to be inventive as you find discreet ways to build your child’s confidence, but the most important thing to remember is that secure kids are usually happy kids…. and happy kids find it easier to learn and make friends.

This article was written by Sonja Walker

Kids First founder, teacher & author