School will be starting shortly for children throughout the United States and It's a known fact that parental involvement makes a huge a difference in a child's education. As an educator I think that it is very important to have your child not only ready for school but it is equally critical for all parents to be just as prepared to be involved their child's learning as well. When I say involved, I definitely mean that your child's teachers should know your name, face and how your child being successful this year, is most important to you and your family. If you work a 9 to 5 (like me) there are definitely ways to get this job done, here's how:
1. Schedule to meet your child's teacher within first week of school. Be it before school, after school or on your lunch break you need to meet your child's teacher and inform him/her of your work schedule, how you can be reached and how you are an active participant in your child's education. Also inform the teacher of ways to contact you for anything, at anytime, good or bad- this way you are keeping all levels of communication open and you are expressing that you are receptive to any form of communication. Lastly, discuss with the teacher that you are willing to volunteer your time and or resources to assist in the classrooms success. You have show that you are active, you care, you want to communicate and that your child matters to you the most.
2. Understand the classroom rules & policies. When your child returns home from school on the first day, they are sure to come home with a packet that discusses all of the classroom rules, policies and expectations- READ THIS!! This is the best way to know what your child will be expected to do and not to do. In every school setting each teacher is required to maintain classroom management so that students feel safe and are able to learn. If your child is not behaving appropriately, have that conversation with your child and relay your expectations of his or her behavior in the classroom and at school and how they are directly related to the expectations at home. If you are going to say that you are an active parent/participant, make sure that your teacher is not having to parent your child, that's the quickest way to lose your teachers respect and to find yourself at a meeting with individuals discussing how your child needs to be diagnosed (ADD, ADHD, IEP, Behavior Management Plan). Parents you are your child's first teacher and children learn how to act at home. (PERIOD) There are no Genies in bottles making your wishes/prayers come true, "I hope he/she listens this year..." he/she is not and you already know it- that's your J.O.B.
"Education is a shared commitment between dedicated to teachers, motivated students and enthusiastic parents with high expectations."
3. "POP UP" visits are a MUST. No matter your child's age a "POP UP" is extremely informative and valuable for all parties involved. To get off of your job early to see what your child and teacher are doing says a lot. To the teacher it says, you care and that he/she needs to be teaching, in control of the classroom and engaged with the learning. To your child it says, that you never know when I'm coming so be on your best behavior and to do what you sent him/her to school for: TO LEARN! It also says, "Hey my mom/dad (whoever) took out the time to check on me, that's love." "POP UPs" don't have to be every week, they're not effective that way, just randomly pick a day once a month and see what happens, I promise you, this will benefit everyone involved. Depending on what you observe, take notes and schedule a meeting to speak with the teacher privately later on that week. Most schools do not condone parents randomly coming in and wanting to have a meeting, so do it the right way, schedule a meeting after your 15-20 minute "POP UP" observation to discuss with your child's teacher your concerns. If you do not have any concerns, please call your child's teacher or send a note just stating that from what you've observed, your child is learning and that you are pleased with the job that he or she is doing- it all helps!
4. Write notes. When in doubt write a note! Being a working parent is what we do and it can be stressful! So, if you can't be visibly present or make "POP UP" visits write weekly notes asking how your child is doing, how you can help your child become more successful and if there is anything the teacher or the classroom needs. Your child's teacher will be grateful for the ongoing line of communication, no matter the form of communication. This way you are still an active participant, showing that you care and overall helping your child in his or her success!
When you are more involved, your child feels like you care, so they care and the teacher cares #winning. Continue to sit down and go over homework assignments, look at completed worksheets and tests being returned from the teacher and read with your child daily. It's not easy to be involved physically (all of the time) especially if you are a single parent, however I hope that my suggestions will help you and your child this school year.
Take it from me, I am a teacher (and a parent). As always thanks for ending your workweek with me,
XOXO,
Normal Black Chic