How to Communicate with Your Child's Teacher

Parent involvement in education is important. Communicating with your child's teacher in an effective way is vital to his school success. Here are a few tips for talking with your child's teacher.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Meet your child's teacher before the school year begins. Introduce yourself and provide contact information--home and work numbers and email if possible.
2. Inform the teacher that you want the lines of communication open. If she knows your want to talk to her, she'll be more likely to contact you before any major issues with your child crop up.
3. Attend parent-teacher conferences. This is key. Teachers take a lot of time preparing for these conferences. They gather grades, work samples, and other data to present to the parents. Show the teacher that you are interested in your child's progress and that you appreciate the teacher's effort.
4. Schedule an individual conference if you are unable to make it to the pre-scheduled ones. Teachers will be happy to meet with you before or after school to discuss your child.
5. Volunteer to help the teacher if possible. Offer to assist with holiday parties, read a book, or go on a field trip with your child's class. There aren't enough hours in a teacher's day--he will appreciate the extra help.

Tips & Warnings

• Refrain from contacting your child's teacher when your are upset or angry. When emotions are running high, it's likely nothing will be resolved and hurt and resentment will follow. Wait until you're calm before picking up the phone or sending an email.