As a student, you likely spent more time listening than talking to teachers during a typical school day. As a parent and advocate for your child, you suddenly have the opportunity to initiate conversations, express appreciation, discuss concerns, offer encouragement and even disagree with the teacher. Generally, teachers and parents desire the same thing--the best learning experience possible for your child. Communicating effectively with your child's teacher can help make it possible to accomplish that.
Identification
Effective communication occurs when the listener understands the message you send. Our messages include much more than words, however. Tone, attitude and timing can all affect what the listener hears, whether you intend it or not. When you write the teacher a note on Tuesday explaining your child will be late for school on Thursday, you communicate respect for the teacher's time and classroom schedule. If you add a little more information, maybe that your child has a dental appointment and will probably have a tooth filled, you can alert the teacher to a possibly stressful situation that might make the student more distracted than usual in class.
Benefits
Most students do better in school when parents and teachers talk often, according to the University of Illinois Extension program. They tend to have higher grades and test scores and improved long-term academic achievement in high school and college. They generally have more positive attitudes and behavior as well. Educators also note that parental involvement generally increases the success of school programs, which improves the overall effectiveness of your child's education.
Characteristics
Parents can communicate with teachers through the standard parent-teacher conferences, written notes, email and telephone calls. Other opportunities include joining the school's parent-teacher organization, volunteering for field trips, helping with special classroom projects, working as a lunchroom monitor or playground helper and running concession stands at school games. These tasks give you time to speak with your child's teacher outside of the classroom and become familiar with other school staff. Your involvement also communicates your commitment to your child's education. Most schools have evening and daytime volunteer opportunities that fit almost any work schedule.
Time Frame
Meeting with your child's teacher early in the school year gives you an opportunity to share information regarding your child's personality, learning style, home life and other issues that might affect his school performance. It is also important to keep his teacher informed about situations throughout the year, such as a divorce, bullying on the playground or other concerns. When a teacher knows about stressful issues affecting your child outside the classroom, she can suggest additional resources, try altering her approach to discipline or call on other staff members to help resolve the problems.
Considerations
The U.S. Department of Education notes that effective parental involvement includes talking with your child daily about school. Reviewing homework, keeping abreast of upcoming assignments or tests, discussing classroom activities or listening to stories about lunchtime interactions communicates to your child how much you value his education.
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