Parent-Teacher Communication Tips

Starting a new school year can be daunting. With all the changes to your student’s academic life, beginning a new year with a new teacher can be stressful. What do they expect of students? How will they run their classroom? Will their teaching style fit with students’ learning styles? Studies show that children do better in school when parents and teachers communicate often. Here are some tips for communication with your child’s teacher:

Introduce yourself. Start the new year by introducing yourself and your child to their teacher. Smile, shake their hand, and make eye contact. This will set the tone for the rest of the year. Ask any questions and tell them any concerns you have at the beginning of your time together, so there won’t be any confusion or frustration later in the year. Even a simple chat will let your child’s teacher know that you care about their academic success.

Communicate frequently. With a busy work schedule, it can be hard to keep in contact. Often communication is important to understanding what your child is learning and keeping track of their progress, as well as knowing what to prepare for later in the year. Encourage your child to communicate openly with their teacher as well. This is important to fostering a comfortable atmosphere in the classroom.

Use apps to stay in touch. If face-to-face meetings are hard to come by, ask the teacher if they use other forms of communication. Apps such as Remind, SimplyCircle, and Schoology allow teachers to send reminders, assignments, and homework to students and stay in contact with parents. Many teachers utilize these apps, and they can be a useful tool for parents to touch base.

Get involved. Participating in school events or daily classroom activities will  show your interest in your child’s education and future. You will get to know more teachers and administrators, as well as other parents, which can create a network to help your child succeed.

For more suggestions, read:

How to Talk to Your Child’s Teacher  

Talking with Teachers

Sarah LaPorte

Boston Tutoring Services