A key component to every child’s success in school is the classroom teacher. But the reality is that teachers face an overwhelming number of responsibilities, deadlines and expectations. As a parent, you can contribute significantly to your child’s teacher excelling in the classroom by helping her with routine tasks and offering meaningful encouragement.
Offer Hands-on Help
If you are able to assist in the classroom, set up a regular time each week to come in and help. Teachers have a never-ending list of tasks that need to be done and those tasks can keep them from the most important thing: preparing lessons to teach. If you are unable to go to the classroom to help, offer to take some projects home. There is always something to cut out or make that can be done just as easily at home.
Do Something Thoughtful
Teachers experience discouragement and fatigue just like anyone. An act of kindness can go a long way in renewing a teacher’s hope. A small, unexpected gift such as a package of stickers, a gift card, a rubber stamp, or a basket of snacks will always be appreciated. Buying one large holiday gift from the entire class can be much more meaningful and memorable than many mugs, bottles of lotion, and candies.
Praise and Give Positive Feedback
Oftentimes parents only talk to the teacher when there is a problem or they are unhappy about something. Instead, make a point of praising the teacher and letting her know what she is doing well. Point out successes in her classroom in general and with your child specifically. When you lay a foundation of encouragement, you also earn a greater chance of being heard if there is a problem in the future.
Praise the Teacher to the Principal
Teachers are responsible to their principal and want to be seen as competent and respected by the parents. When your child’s teacher does something well, let the principal know! Principals usually only hear complaints and it is refreshing to hear a parent sing the praises of a teacher.
Offer Your Expertise
Teachers are always looking for expertise in different areas of the curriculum. If you studied history in college and specialized in the Revolutionary War, by all means volunteer to do a presentation or project with the class when they are studying the topic. If you are skilled in a particular craft or hobby, see if there is a way it can fit in with something the teacher already teaches as a lesson enhancement. If you aren’t able to actually visit the classroom due to time or work constraints, offer materials or information that the teacher would find helpful while preparing lessons.
There are many ways to help your child succeed in school. One of the best places to start is with the teacher!
Sallie Schaaf Borrink - Sallie Borrink is a professional writer with extensive experience with business clients, the consumer market, and online destinations.
Join the Conversation