Good parent/teacher relationships

Another school year has arrived and it's time for the kids to become familiar with a new teacher. While the kids meet their instructor, it's important for parents to do the same and establish a good relationship with the person responsible for their children's education.

Preparation
Marilyn O'Brien, who spent 25 years of her teaching career as an elementary school teacher in southern Ontario, suggests that parents speak positively to their children about school. "The child should come to school the first day anticipating that it will be a positive experience," she says.

Partnership
Partnerships between parents and teachers go a long way in improving your child's education. "Children should view parent and teacher as allies," O'Brien says. "Both put in place a structure that will enhance learning." For an effective partnership, you and the teacher should be available to each other to communicate and provide feedback about your child.

Accessibility
If the school holds an open house early in the school year, this is an ideal time to make your first contact. Otherwise, you can call the school to arrange a brief meeting with the teacher. Let the teacher know the purpose of the meeting and how much time you need.

You'll want to find out:

• How does the teacher prefer to be contacted?
• When is the best time to call?
• Is the teacher available by e-mail?
• Is there any standard testing scheduled during the year?
• When are parent-teacher meetings scheduled?
• When are report cards issued?
• How are homework assignments noted? By the child in a daily planner? By voice mail, or on a school Web site?
• Does the teacher look at the child's daily planner, and is it appropriate to leave brief messages there?
• Is there a weekly or monthly summary of your child's classroom activities and study topics?

Communication
You should provide the school with your contact information (day and evening telephone numbers, e-mail addresses), and other information such as allergies. Other issues you may wish to discuss are the areas of study your child finds particularly challenging or if your child needs help with organization skills. A phone call or a brief meeting can help you and the teacher resolve any problems as partners.

Let the teacher know if something happens that temporarily prevents you or your child from fulfilling your homework duties. This could be as simple as a quick note in the daily planner.

Acknowledgement
Dr. Linda Albert, author of Coping with Kids and School, suggests occasionally writing a brief note on brightly coloured paper to thank the teacher when your child has a learning accomplishment or expresses interest in a classroom event. A teacher's job becomes more rewarding when parents acknowledge and appreciate the role teachers play in educating children. These short notes will go a long way to strengthen your relationship with the teacher.

The pay offs of a healthy relationship between parents and teachers are plenty. Any problems will be identified early, so they can be solved early. You'll know what's happening in your child's classroom so you can be involved and reinforce your child's learning at home. The teacher plays a rewarding part in a child's development, and you can rest easy knowing you've done your best to support your child in his or her studies.