From your child’s teacher: “What I wish every parent understood."

Ever wonder what your child’s teacher is thinking? This is it (from a former teacher).

After a parent, a teacher is more than likely the second most influential adult in your child’s life. Think about it, they actually spend more hours in the day with your child than what you do. So a good relationship with your child’s teacher is important, here are 10 things to remember.

1. A set morning routine is important.

Children work best when they work to a strong routine and know what to expect. A good structure in the morning helps to set them up for the rest of the school day. Children need adequate time to prepare themselves for the day ahead and should always have something to eat for breakfast, even if it’s just something small on the commute to school.

2. Being on time makes a big difference.

Sometimes being late to school can’t be avoided. But it is very disruptive to that child, as well as the rest of the class. Missing the beginning of a lesson can mean that the student doesn’t completely grasp the concept being explored and may not be caught up until a later time.

3. Find appropriate times to talk.

Bell times (9:00am and 3:00pm) are not the best times to have an extended chat with a teacher. 9:00am onwards is learning time and talking to a parent during this time generally isn’t fair to the class. 3:00pm can be difficult too, as most teachers are making sure students are being picked up by the appropriate person and not wondering off alone. If you need to talk to your child’s teacher about something that requires more than a few mintues, the best thing to do is arrange a time to meet that’s suitable for both of you, like after pick-ups or during lunch.

4. We wear lots of hats and can’t be responsible for everything.

Teachers have lots of commitments. Besides having their own class, they generally take on extra roles within the school throughout the school year. Taking medication if required, keeping track of of personal belongings and eating all of their food are things that students need to take responsibility for. These responsibilities need to be supported by the parent, not just the teacher. It’s also important to remember that the primary role of a teacher is to provide students with an education. Teachers are not qualified doctors, speech therapists or nutritionists, so if they suggest further referrals as a result of an issue, you shouldn’t be offended.

5. Know your child’s timetable.

Between choir, dance, gardening club, SRC meeting and the zillion other things any one student may be doing, it can be hard for a teacher to remind all students of their individual upcoming events or commitments. Know your child’s routine and what is coming up by following school communication (like notes hiding at the bottom of the school bag), particularly when it comes to carnivals, excursions and other school events. Keeping a calendar can help to make sure you and your child are on top of their commitments.

6. We don’t give out homework to annoy you.

Good homework consolidates what your child has learnt. There is nothing in a students homework that they shouldn’t be able to do, as it should only be revision of what they have already learnt. If you’re doing your child’s homework, not only is it painful for you, but your child isn’t learning anything. If homework isn’t suitable, let your child’s teacher know so that it can be modified.

7. Try not to get defensive.

It might be hard not to get defensive if a teacher is telling you your child is falling behind, or has done something wrong. But it’s important to hear them out. They’re doing this in the best interest of your child. Working with your child’s teacher will always provide a better outcome for you, as well as, your child.

8. Have an open mind.

Children can find it hard to take a perspective on an event and explain themselves adequately. This means sometimes when they tell you about something that happened at school, it can sound worse than it actually is. Voice concerns with your child’s teacher and give them the chance to talk to other students if an incident has occurred that has made your child angry or upset. More often than not, it is easily resolved.

9. Keep in touch, even when there’s nothing wrong.

Sometimes teachers don’t see a parent until they have a problem with something. A good relationship with your child’s teacher goes a long way. It’s good to check in every now and again to see how your child is going.

10. We’re on your side.

We both have the same interests at heart. The happiness and well-being of your child. So work with us. For a teacher, there is nothing more satisfying that seeing a child thrive and that is what we above all aim for. Having your support is a huge help.

What is your relationship with your child’s teacher like? 

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Until two weeks ago I was a teacher and I did this all the time.

Okay, so I’m a little bit in love with my son’s teacher.