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By Janeen Lewis
o you feel intimidated when you think of talking with your child’s teacher? What if your child complains about problems with his or her teacher? What do you do then? And what if your child is a virtual learner this year? Communication between home and school could be even more complicated than in years past. I’m a parent and a teacher, so I’ve been on both sides of the teacher’s desk. I’ve also felt the challenges teachers and parents feel while navigating remote learning. Here are some tips to help you communicate and connect with your child’s teacher even during unique times.
GET TO KNOW THE TEACHER
Try to introduce yourself and talk to the teacher faceto-face or on a virtual call. If this is not possible, it’s never too late to send an introductory email and offer your support to the teacher. That way, if a challenge does present itself during the year, a teacher’s first encounter with you isn’t a call about behavior challenges or academic struggles.
BE INVOLVED
One of the best ways to get to know your child’s teacher is to be involved in what is going on in the classroom and school. This can be difficult if your child is a remote learner. Even so, find creative ways to volunteer. Ask if you can read to your child’s class via Zoom. Volunteer to
be a room parent. If volunteers are limited at your child’s school, you can still organize signups for supplies and send in prepackaged craft items and snacks for class parties or events. If your career is related to something your child’s class is studying, offer to answer questions face-to-face or virtually. Many employers build in time for employees to volunteer in schools so they don’t have to take time off from work. Ask if you can cut out items the teacher has laminated or track down supplies for a lesson. Come to after-school events, school productions and parent-teacher conferences either face-to-face or virtually so that you are visible and can touch base with your child’s teacher. Even if your school is learning remotely during the year, stay tuned in to what is going on so that you will be in the know.
KEEP COMMUNICATIONS OPEN AND POSITIVE
Teachers welcome questions and concerns and are proactive. As a teacher, I would much rather know about a problem early so that I can deal with it in the best way for all concerned. Your child’s teacher should be open to your questions and suggestions, so don’t be too intimidated to ask. Keep up with written teacher notes, permission slips, report cards and any other written communications the teacher sends home. Sending a quick response to continued next page >>> October 2021 | BostonParentsPaper.com
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