Summer’s over! Back-to-school season is here! And are getting more and more excited—perhaps a bit nervous—as the big day approaches.
You’re thinking about all the new back-to-school supplies, outfits, and sales that will make the transition easier.
But more importantly you’re probably wondering if your little one is prepared to go back to school.
To help students succeed this school year, here are some essential tips that teachers wish parents would do, to help their kids to take the new year by storm!
1. Read the Back-to-School Emails
Almost all teachers send out an email or a newsletter to introduce themselves to parents and students before the first day of school.
But read these carefully! Teachers sometimes include tips and tricks to help their new students get back into the swing of school life.
Oftentimes, teachers may provide a syllabus, a map of the school, a list of supplies, and a list of classroom procedures to help you and your little get ready for the year. If you’re missing one of these helpful resources, drop a quick email introducing yourself and simply ask for them. Most teachers would be glad to help.
The more you know about your child’s teacher and classroom, the better you can help your child take on the new year. Plus, having your little one know this stuff before the first day will help make a HUGE impression on their new teacher.
2.Walk the schedule and practice opening the locker – a few times at least!
Although new school outfits look great, nothing feels better than knowing your teen can walk their schedule and open their locker confidently on the first day of school.
They’ll also be able to do it before everyone else, which may help calm the nerves – and the teacher will be excited to see a student who can successfully open their locker without any help!
Soon enough, your student will be the one helping others get to class and teaching classmates how open their lockers! Who knows? They might make a few new friends along the way!
3. Check the effort – not the homework
Remember, teachers only give out homework or assignments when it serves a purpose – even though it doesn’t always feel that way!
Most of the time, what teachers truly care about is whether or not students made an effort to complete the homework!
Check their homework, and ask yourself:
- Are all the questions answered?
- Did they give as much detail as possible?
- Did they show their work?
- Could they have done more?
First, see if it’s finished! Then, check to see if it is correct!
Teachers love seeing students hand in work when it’s clear they’ve put in as much effort as possible.
If you have younger ones, and they are struggling to answer a question, write a brief note to the teacher. That way, the teacher knows you are checking the work and trying to be helpful. They love that too!
4. Build a Working Relationship
Teachers care a lot about their students – that’s why they are committed to each student’s success!
That’s also why it’s important to build a working relationship with your child’s teacher. Teachers wish parents would support
If the teacher thinks they should:
- Practice math problems,
- Work on spelling,
- Practice sight words,
- Redo questions,
- Receive a bad grade,
- Read more books,
- or rewrite a paper,
Support that decision and encourage your kid to cooperate and comply.
Or better yet—if you can—ask the teacher how you can help!
This type of engagement tells the teacher you care about your child’s academic success. And this will go far in the classroom. Having a student with attentive parents can truly inspire teachers to give their best effort for their kids.
5. Trust the Teacher and Communicate with them
Teachers have a packed schedule – with days full of exciting and stressful twists and turns, but knowing how to communicate with them effectively can optimize their time, so they can dedicate more of it to crafting innovative and exciting lessons for your child. It can also be a source of encouragement for a teacher to partner with parents who care.
Make sure to share:
- Details they should know that will help your little one learn,
- Concerns that you have about grades and performance
- Compliments that you have about their teaching (everyone can use a bit of encouragement!)
Every parent will have questions about the school year, but try to avoid bombarding teachers with too much information or ton of questions, especially in the beginning of the year. Better yet, jot down your questions and spread them out over a few emails to avoid overwhelming teachers who are carrying a heavier load during back-to-school season.
Trust the teacher to help your little one learn.
Teachers appreciate personal interactions with parents, but they want to dedicate most of their effort into helping your children succeed!
Summer’s Over…And School is Back in Session!
Let’s face it.
Another summer has come and gone, and your kids grows up faster and faster every year – there are only so many back-to-school days left.
Remember, kids are only kids once, so enjoy every opportunity that you have to spend with your child on the adventure through school.
Build the best relationship you can with the teacher, and make this school year the best one yet.
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