| “It takes a village to raise a child”—African quote |
As we embark on the 2012-2013 school year, I would like to share with you some thoughts regarding the importance of a successful connection between home and school. |
As a parent, you are the major provider of your child's education from birth through adolescence. You guide the development of your child and aid them in their lifelong attitudes and interests. It is through your love and encouragement that your child will develop self-confidence and a love of learning. |
Building an effective relationship with their teacher is a critical task; every parent and teacher strive to achieve this goal. As with any relationship, mutual respect, the ability to listen, and lots of communication form the foundation. When parents and teachers work together, everyone benefits. Parents and teachers can provide each other with unique insight and different perspectives about the same child. A successful parent-teacher partnership also shows a child that an entire team of adults is on their side. |
Here are a few ways to develop the home-school relationship:
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| » Be sure to provide details about your child's home life to your teacher. You can help by telling them about your child's family life, including any recent changes (divorce, a death in the family, or illness, for example), important traditions or rituals, languages spoken at home, and other significant details unique to your child. |
| » Ask your child about his or her day. Have them discuss their favorite or most challenging lesson for that day. |
| » Review homework and projects with your child. |
| » Be sure to provide details about your child's home life to your teacher. You can help by telling them about your child's family life, including any recent changes (divorce, a death in the family, or illness, for example), important traditions or rituals, languages spoken at home, and other significant details unique to your child. |
| » Attend PTA and school family events. |
| » Participate in various school events. |
| » Attend Curriculum Nights and Parent Teacher Conferences and discuss with your child some key things you discovered. |
| » Email, call or write a letter to your child’s teacher should your child’s demeanor towards school change. |
| » Contact the teacher should your child have difficulty in a particular concept or subject. |
| » Share with your child’s teacher exciting news, awards, competitions that your child may have attended outside of the school day. |
Ongoing communication is key! |
For parents and teachers alike, the goal is to play active roles in your child's life and to work towards forming a real bond. A strong home-school connection will set the stage for a child who will grow up with a love for learning. |
Wishing you and your child a successful school year! |
