What Your Child's Teacher Wants from You

When it comes to school, it's never too early or late in the year to be of help to your child. However, the beginning of a new school year is a great time to set new goals and standards for your child. Working with your child's teacher to help your child is one area to focus on by understanding what your child's teacher wants from you.

Although it is your teacher's job to teach your child academics, there are things you should be doing outside of school to help your child learn. These will help your child perform better in school and make it easier come parent-teacher conferences.

What Your Child's Teacher Wants from You at School.

Supplies . Be sure your child is prepared with any supplies needed for school. Some teachers have a few extras or will even supply for the child themselves under extreme financial hardship. Be open and talk with your child's teacher if you are having trouble getting the proper school supplies for your child.

Regulations. Be sure you and your child know the school rules. These could include absences, tardiness, lunch policies and more. Most schools will pass out a handbook at the beginning of the year so you and your child know what is expected. Teachers appreciate it if you read this handbook and go over it with your child.

Class Help . When a teacher asks for help in the classroom, do what you can to volunteer. Either help with class parties or fundraisers, or you can send in needed supplies for daily use or special events. Teachers need the parents to work together for the better of the entire class.

What Your Child's Teacher Wants from You at Home.

Manners. Home is the place to teach manners. Your child's teacher is busy teaching lessons and is not necessarily there to be a babysitter or teach your child how to behave in different settings. As a parent, you need to be sure your child knows the rules and will behave at school.

Be a Parent. You are responsible for making sure your child gets enough sleep, wakes up and gets ready for school on time, takes care of his or her hygiene, has acceptable shoes and clothes and adequate nutrition. When your child's needs are cared for, he or she can do better in all areas of life, including at school.

Help with School Issues. You may find it best to make a separate study area for your child to do homework without distractions. Be available to help your child with homework as needed. Also, if you notice that your child may be having a problem at school, notify your child's teacher as soon as possible to try to resolve issues quickly.

FURTHER READING:

Valerie Strauss; The surprising thing teachers want from parents; http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/daniel-willingham/how-can-parents-help-teachers.html