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We don’t really like to go to parent-teacher meetings and communicate with teachers, and often find out that a child has problems only from a diary entry or a phone call from a class teacher. Psychologists working with children and adolescents are strongly advised to establish contact with the school in order to avoid critical situations.
Parental participation in school life is a major factor in determining the success of children, regardless of age. If parents are interested in school news, the child realizes that learning is important and we care about how he is doing.
Every year students become more independent and independent. However, parent-child and parent-teacher communication is always necessary. It is important not only to talk with teachers and listen to their opinion, but also to get the most out of it.
Talk to your child
Try to find out if your son or daughter has problems that would be worth discussing with teachers. Explain that you want to be aware of what is happening in order to help in time in any situation – whether it is academic performance or relationships with classmates.
Make a list of questions
Prepare well for the conversation. This will help you find out everything you need to know and stay on topic. If you want detailed answers, ask the right questions. Start with what excites you the most, do not delay until the last minute of the meeting. The list may include questions such as:
- What is my child good at and what is he not so good at?
- Does he or she turn in his homework on time?
- How does my child cope with tests and tests? Explain what this rating means.
- Does he or she actively participate in general discussions and class activities?
- With whom does he/she communicate during breaks? Is he friends with other kids? How do you deal with group assignments?
- Do you think my child needs help with certain subjects? What to do?
- If your child requires a special approach, attends additional classes or electives, find out how often they take place and how he is progressing. Ask if the school has an IEP and how it is developed.
- Perhaps it makes sense to switch to home schooling? What is needed for this?
Tell about your child
We know our children best. Try to tell what the child likes and dislikes, what he is fond of, what his strengths and weaknesses are, how he can be motivated, what worked and what did not. Children learn more than just math or reading. Their personality is being formed. Everything that happens outside of school affects learning and behavior at school.
Teachers need to be aware of family environments, friends, daily activities, sleep patterns—anything that can affect a child’s perception. Talk about it.
Get ready to cooperate
Helen Keller wrote: “On our own we do very little. Together we can move mountains.” We have common goals with teachers: to educate the child and teach him social interaction. Do not agree with the opinion of the teacher – do not hesitate to object. Discuss disagreements.
We must take into account that in different situations and with different people, children behave differently. Look for common ground and develop school-home partnerships. This is team work.
Ask for an explanation
Meetings with teachers are needed so that we know what is going on with the child at school. Ask to explain everything that you do not understand. Ask for real examples, even cases from world practice, in order to better understand the position of teachers.
Little time?
Parent meetings are held only a few times a year, and there is often not enough time to ask about everything. Don’t get discouraged, just tell the teacher that you have additional questions and arrange to meet another day.
Think over a plan of action
Ask the teacher for advice on how to help your child with homework, daily routine, self-organization, behavior problems, and so on. The list of recommendations is the action plan.
Track progress and try to keep in touch with the teacher (by phone, email or meetings). Review this plan together. Keep it in writing to make sure you have the same expectations.
Be far-sighted
In many schools, active interaction between teachers and parents ends after primary school. However, you can insist on a meeting with the class teacher or with all subject teachers at once. Talk to a school psychologist or other professional to find out how to organize this.
Don’t wait for timesheets to be issued to discover problems. It is better to keep in constant contact with the school and do without unpleasant surprises. And if everything is fine, rejoice and praise the child.
Be honest with your child
Talk about everything that was discussed at school. Point out the positives and point out the problems in no uncertain terms. Show the plans you made with your teacher.
For middle and high school students, honesty and direct participation are especially important, since at this age the desire to be independent is exacerbated. Let the child become an active participant in their own success.