The new school year is about to begin. But that day you send your kid off on that school bus? That doesn't mean you get to wave goodbye to your role in their education.
In fact, studies show that your teacher needs your help all year long to help your kids succeed. The kids who do best? The ones who have support at home and at school.
But what, exactly, do teachers need from parents to achieve classroom success?
We decided to go straight to the source to find out. We asked teachers from around the country for the lowdown on what they need from parents to help kids succeed in school.
Here's what they told us:
Give your child responsibility.
Teachers need parents to allow their children to take some responsibility for their educations.
That means allowing your child to pack and empty his or her own backpack, allowing your child to remember (and do) his own homework, and take responsibility for things like their folders, permission slips, and even their sneakers on PE day.
Yes, forgetting will happen, but with guidance, these responsibilities become second nature and set our children up to be independent students, and, as the years pass, they become productive, independent citizens.
Kim F., former third-grade teacher, Maine
Make math fun.
Parents, particularly parents of young kids, should play games with their kids. Since all games have structure, and structure is mathematical, most games are deeply tied to at least one mathematical topic. The more your kids explore math informally at home, the more likely they are to have a positive attitude toward math in the classroom.
After all, every parent knows to read 20 minutes a night to their kids, but we don't have a similar bit of advice for math.
Kent H., middle school teacher, Alabama
Remember teachers are professionals.
Treat your child’s teacher like you would treat their doctor.
When getting medical advice or a diagnosis from your child’s pediatrician, most of us would never automatically assume that the doctor is wrong and that we know more than the medical professional.
Teachers are experts in their field and have taught hundreds -- if not thousands -- of children in their career. I am not asking parents to blindly accept everything a teacher (or doctor) says — you ultimately need to advocate for your child. That said, treat educators like trained professionals and remember that they have your child’s best interest in mind.
Raymond S., middle school math teacher, Rhode Island
Communicate.
An open line of communication goes a long way! Send a quick email to your child's teacher at the beginning of the year letting them know you support them and can contact you at any time for any reason.
Also never hesitate to contact your child's teacher if you have any concerns at all.
Open communication plays a big role in a successful school year!
Crystal R., elementary school teacher, Wisconsin
But remember teachers are people too.
Understand we have families too. I always have parents who are impatient with grades or think they can contact me 24/7 and get an immediate response. Sometimes we like to leave our work in the classroom and go home to decompress.
Nicole Z., grade school teacher, Pennsylvania
Teach Kids to Follow Rules and Take Direction.
Kids need to come to school being able to take turns. They should be able to sit for the length of a story and pay attention. They should be able to comply with teacher directions, keep their hands to themselves, and stay quiet when asked. When those types of basics are in place, I can teach the content.
Amy G., elementary school teacher, Kansas
Let Go.
Believe it or not, your child is capable of functioning without you by their side ... including walking to class alone.
Liz S., elementary school teacher, Pennsylvania
Visit!
Come visit us at school occasionally. You are welcome here.
Richard W., former elementary school teacher, Ohio
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