Tips for Developing Open Communication with Your Child's Teacher

Parents may not communicate with their child's teacher for many reasons. It could be that parents feel intimidated or uncomfortable reaching out to the teacher, or they may feel intimidated by the teacher's authority. It could also be that parents are overwhelmed with other obligations and don't have the time or energy to focus on their child's academic progress. Another reason could be that parents aren't aware of the importance of communication between them and the teacher or don't know how to start a conversation. Either way, communication is key when it comes to a child's success, so it's important for parents to be proactive and reach out to the teacher in order to get the most out of their child's academic experience.

As an educator and former classroom teacher, communicating with parents helped create a solid academic team for their child and it allowed the child to feel support within and outside the classroom. throughout the years, I have provided some insightful tips to get started with this process.

Here are 5 tips when communicating with your child's teacher.

1. Start Early

As soon as you learn the contact information about your child's teacher, begin talking with them about your child and provide them with specific areas that will help them understand your child more especially in their learning. The best time to speak with them is at the beginning of the year events such as Open House or Meet the Teacher Day. The sooner the better to begin open communication.

2. Take Advantage of Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are a great way to stay informed about your child's progress and to stay involved in their education. It's important to meet with your child's teacher to discuss any issues or successes, and to ask questions. Plus, it's also a great opportunity to get to know the teacher and build a positive relationship with them. Usually, parent-teacher conferences are available two or three times a school year. If you are not available for an in-person meeting, email your child's teacher or try to schedule a phone/virtual meeting.

3. Speak Up! Use your voice.

It's important to be an advocate for your child and to ensure that their needs are being met in the classroom. You do not have to wait until a Parent-Teacher Conference to address an issue. If your child is having an issue in their learning, it's best to start by having an open and honest conversation with the teacher to try to understand the situation more. Ask questions to get clarity on the issue and to come up with potential solutions. It's also a good idea to speak with the school administration, guidance counselor, or behavioral specialist (if available) if the issue can't be resolved with the teacher alone. Do not let the issue go unnoticed.

4. Participate in the School and/or Classroom

As a parent, I'm always happy to support my children's school events! Participating in school events can be a great way to show your children how much you care about their education and how proud you are of their achievements. It can also provide a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents and build relationships with the school staff. If there are school events coming up that you're interested in participating in, I'd recommend reaching out to your children's teachers or the school's administration to learn more about how you can get involved.

5. Show Your Support to the Teacher

One great way to encourage your child's teacher is to write a thank you note expressing your appreciation for the hard work they do. You can also let them know that you value their teaching, and if possible, offer to help out in the classroom or provide resources to help them with their teaching. Additionally, recognize their efforts in front of your child, such as praising them for their hard work or pointing out any successes they had in the classroom. For my children's teachers, I love writing small handwritten notes to them especially during the potentially rough weeks (such as around testing, after holidays, or towards the end of the school year) to share my appreciation for what they do. I use blank note cards and envelopes like these:

Super Cute! 😍

*Click on the picture for more details.*

Final Thoughts

Overall, when speaking to your child's teacher, the best approach is to remain polite, friendly, and professional. Ask questions that are relevant to the topic at hand and try to be concise. Be sure to express your appreciation for the teacher's hard work and dedication. If you have any concerns, be honest and clear about them in a respectful way. Above all, remember to listen carefully so that you can fully understand the teacher's feedback.

Teachers are here to support your child's growth, development, and success. They are dedicated to helping your child reach their full potential and providing a safe, nurturing learning environment. Teachers provide guidance, encouragement, and feedback to help your child reach their goals. They are also a source of knowledge and understanding, assisting your child in understanding the world around them. So build a team with your child's teacher in order to continue the success through their learning into adulthood.