Helping Your Child to Succeed
How Parents & Families Can Communicate 
Better with Teachers and School Staff

Whatever the purpose of your meeting is, feel free to tell the teacher your concerns. (For example, your child doesn't seem to get along with he other students or your child seems bored with school work.)

Explain your concerns to the teachers and staff at your school. Your child's teacher may have suggestions to address your concerns. The teacher may help you set up an appointment to speak with a counselor or school psychologist who can offer advice.

Examine your children's school environment

At an "open house" or other school activity, look around you at the classrooms and displays. They are a good indication of the learning that's taking place at your children's school. here are some things to look for:

• Pay special attention to student work that is shown on bulletin boards or throughout the rest of the building.
  
• Take note of the special facilities:
• Is there a library at the school?
• Is there a computer lab?
• Are there specific rooms for art, music and other subjects?
  Acquaint yourself with any school policies that you may not be aware of. For example, find out what you need to do if your child is absent from school. For example: Is a written note from parents required?
• Get a sense of your child's daily routine. For example: Where is your child's homeroom located? Where do the children go to eat lunch? Where do students gather for the bus at the end of the day?

If you're upset with a teacher about a grade or incident involving your child, don't rush to contact the teacher or school immediately. You may say something you don't really mean.

Try to calm down and remember: there are two sides to every story. Don't reach your conclusions before you've had a chance to hear the teacher's side.

Teachers - like all of us - are human and sometimes make mistakes. But it may be your child who is in the wrong. Above all, stay calm and try to work through any disagreement with your child's teacher or school.

Don't hesitate to contact your children's teacher

Don't feel that you must wait for a problem to contact your children's teacher. In fact teachers appreciate it anytime you make an effort to write or phone them.

The key is to establish a positive relationship with your children's teacher as early as possible. Communicating with the teacher early in the school year will make it easier for you to talk to and understand the teacher when real a  concern does arise

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