Parental participation in school life is the main factor 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 they are doing.
Pupils become more and more independent and independent every year. However, parent-child communication and parent-teacher communication are always necessary. It is important not only to talk to teachers and listen to their opinions, but also to get the most out of it.
Talk to the child
Try to find out if your son or daughter has any problems that should be discussed with teachers. Explain that you want to be aware of what is going on to help in any situation, whether it is academic achievement or a relationship with classmates.
Make a list of questions
Prepare yourself thoroughly for the conversation. This will help you find out what you need to know and stay on top of the subject. If you want detailed answers, ask the right questions. Start with what you care about the most, and don't wait until the last minute of the meeting. There may be such questions in the list:
- What is my child's strength and what is not?
- Does he or she do his or her homework on time?
- How does my child cope with tests and tests? Explain what this assessment means.
- Does he or she actively participate in general discussions and class activities?
- Who does he or she talk to during the change? Is he or she friends with other children? How does he cope with group tasks?
- Do you think my child needs help with some subjects? What should I do?
- If your child requires a special approach, additional classes or optional classes, find out how often they go and how well they are doing. Ask if the school has an individual curriculum and how it is designed.
- Perhaps it makes sense to switch to home schooling? What do I need to do this?
Tell us about your child
We know our kids better than anyone. Try to tell us what a child loves and does not love, what is his or her passion, what are his or her strengths and weaknesses, what can motivate him or her, what has worked and what has not. Children learn more than just mathematics or reading. Their personality is formed. Everything that happens outside of school has an impact on learning and behaviour at school.
Teachers need to know about the family environment, friends, daily activities, and sleep patterns - everything that can affect the child's image. Talk about it.
Be prepared to cooperate
Helen Keller wrote, "We do very little alone. Together we are able to roll up mountains. We share the same goals with teachers: to educate the child and teach him/her how to interact socially. Do not disagree with the teacher's opinion - do not hesitate to object. Discuss disagreements.
We have to take into account that children behave differently in different situations and with different people. Look for common ground and develop a school-house partnership. This is teamwork.
Ask for explanations
We need to meet with teachers so that we know what is going on at school. Ask us to explain everything we don't understand. Ask to give real examples, even cases from the world practice, to better understand the position of teachers.
Not enough time?
Parents' meetings are held only a few times a year, and there is often not enough time to ask about everything. Don't get upset, just tell the teacher that you have additional questions and arrange to meet another day.
Consider a plan of action
Ask the teacher to advise on how to help the child with their homework, daily routine, self-organization, behavioral problems, and so on. A list of recommendations is an action plan.
Keep track of progress and try to keep in touch with the teacher (over the phone, via email or in meetings). Review this plan together. Make sure it is in writing to make sure you have the same expectations.
Be forward-thinking
In many schools, teachers' active interaction with parents ends after primary school. However, it is possible to insist on meeting with the class teacher or with all subject teachers at once. Talk to the school psychologist or other specialist and find out how to organize it.
Don't wait for the report cards to be issued to identify problems. It is better to keep in touch with the school and avoid unpleasant surprises. And if all is well, be happy and praise your child.
Be honest with your child
Talk about everything that was discussed at school. Take note of the positive aspects and point out the problems without much trouble. Show plans with the teacher.
For middle and high school students, honesty and direct participation are particularly important, as the desire to be self-sufficient increases at this age. Let the child become an active participant in his or her own success.