How to get the most value out of parent/teacher conversations
Please click this link to access a really interesting guide on getting the most value out of the parent & teacher conversations.
Getting off to a good start at school is really important, but it doesn’t have to be hard work. Here’s how:
Whether your child is starting at a new school or just a new school year, the chances are he or she will have a new class teacher or even a team of new teachers such as the Learning Group Teachers we have at Upton. If you get to know the staff a little, it will be easier to support your child when they do homework, have any questions about school or need you to speak to the school about any problems.
Check out our tips on How to communicate with your child’s school, and read on for useful advice on how to develop positive relationships with your child’s new class teacher.
1. In primary school there is usually much more contact with school staff than there is at secondary level. Make the effort to establish a relationship from the first day of school. Say hello in the mornings, comment on the activities when you see something you like – teachers seldom get thanked for their work and a little praise goes a long way.
2. Make an appointment – never discuss a serious issue ‘on the run’. If there’s something important you want to discuss, or an issue that needs immediate attention, arrange a time to see the teacher. It will show them that you value their time and want to discuss something in a productive manner.
3. Start as you mean to go on – approach the teacher in an open manner. Walk into a parent-teacher meeting with a positive attitude and plan in advance what you want to say and what results you’d like to get.
4. Deal with issues quickly – if something is bothering you or your child, address it as soon as you can. Approach it with an open mind and find out what the school’s version of events is too, but don’t let the issue linger.
5. Know who to talk to – when an issue arises concerning your child, always start with the class teacher but seek a meeting with the school head or deputy if you need to, after this.
6. Do your homework – before a scheduled parent-teacher meeting make a list of topics you’d like to discuss. Why not read our tips on How to maximize your time at parents evening, too?
7. Finally – expect feedback. Make sure your child’s teacher or teachers know you are always happy to hear about how you can help or support their work through what you do at home. This can be especially useful as your children head into the secondary school years, so do read our feature by an experienced deputy head teacher – Expert view: How to prepare for the exam years ahead.
Source: Supersavvyme.co.uk (2015)