Parent/Teacher Corner

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!

This is my first year being on both sides of this desk. Trust me....it is a little uncomfortable on both sides! The crazy thing is-both people want the same thing...what is best for your child! 

Come with a list of questions/concerns: This is your scheduled time to get anything answered. Make sure you take advantage of it. It is really easy to forget what you had on your mind when you are having a discussion with someone that has their own agenda.

Don’t be afraid to ask about your child’s friends/social interactions: Believe it or not, the people your child hangs around with have a HUGE impact on their academic success and behavior. After all... they spend more time with them each day than you! I am speaking first hand on the ability of other children’s influence on another child.

Make sure you leave knowing your child’s strengths and weaknesses: The reason you need this information, is so you know how to help your child at home. When you notice your child struggling, use their strengths to build them up. For example, tell them that you really like how they did a great job on their spelling test. Make sure you encourage, encourage, encourage. Most of the time they are very hard on themselves. If you congratulate them on doing something well, they are more likely to take a chance on something that they are not so good at.

Don’t wait until the teacher contacts you if you have a concern: As a teacher, I cringe each time I send home a failing grade. When you see this ask your child what happened, Chances are they have already had a conversation about it with the teacher. I have noticed the kids in my class blaming everything but themselves for failure. Even if you have the absolute worst teacher in the world, ultimately you are in control of your learning. As a parent I have seen my own children not wanting to accept responsibility. I want to be more conscious to make sure they take responsibility of themselves.

Make sure that you are on time: Usually these conferences are scheduled back to back and you want to make sure that you get the time allotted to you and make the most of it.

Please share things that you see at home with the teacher: Sometimes kids will share their struggles more freely at home than they will at school. If something is bothering your child let the teacher know.