4 Tips for Communicating With Your Child's Teacher

Many Osceola County parents are experiencing distance learning for the first time. While we are used to helping with daily homework, it can slip our minds that there may be other simple ways to get more involved in your child’s education, especially during this situation where being immersed in our children’s education is the only option. But what more can you do? One excellent way to support your child’s overall educational development is to maintain positive parent-teacher communication.

Maintain a neutral tone

No matter what you need to discuss with a teacher during a parent conference, using non-threatening, supportive language is a good approach. During parent conferences, even if it’s a virtual meeting, show your child’s teacher respect and refrain from statements that could feel attacking. Remember to follow the same standards when writing emails. Ask questions and refrain from making assumptions. Your child’s teacher will appreciate your effort to establish an open line of communication, so it’s wise to start off in a positive light.

Be patient

As a parent, you’ve no doubt had to grow your patience muscles! In the same way that it’s necessary to exercise patience with your little one, it’s helpful to give the same treatment to teachers. They are often overwhelmed with daily tasks, so they may take up to 24 hours to respond. Be patient with the teacher, and your reward will be valuable, open dialogue!

Problem-solving skills

Encouraging independence at a young age helps children grow more confident when they need to go out in the world without parental guidance. When they enter school, children get to practice being away from you for short periods of time. Since problem-solving skills are a big factor in developing independence, allowing children to work through academic and social difficulties on their own can enhance independence down the road. Ask your child’s teacher how they are doing with problem-solving skills and resolving conflict on their own.

Is your child ready for the next school year?

By discussing strengths and weaknesses, you can get a better understanding of how to help your child this summer. Ask your child’s teacher what areas your child could focus on to help bring their learning to the next level and what areas they are having difficulty in.. This is a great place to start because once you know what skills your child is struggling with, you can ask their teacher for tips to fill in the gap. You have the same goal as your child’s teacher: to support their educational growth. Communicating frequently and effectively using the above tips can greatly improve your child’s educational experience.