Growing in the 90’s-2000’s schools have always been community based. I remember my mother had a direct line to the teacher so that she could call and check in anytime. This is way before we had social media, smart phones and teachers rarely used emails. The system of communication came from robocalls, print outs and word of mouth. Teachers always had access to my mom so they took advantage of this to make sure I would stay on track. Since then, communication has evolved in so many ways and an endless amount of resources. Direct access to teachers helps keep track of your kids’ growth.
Building relationships with your scholars’ teachers will help your child maintain a healthy school/home balance. Healthy relationships allow the teachers to call on the parents and work with them personally in order to maintain math literacy. A parent shouldn’t just wait until a parent teacher conference in order to figure out what your child is having difficulties in. having that parent/teacher relationship will allow you to catch up faster. Even as a teacher, you should reach out to parents early on so that they aren’t bombarded with bad news of grades at a parent teacher conference.
Since COVID parents weren’t allowed to step foot in some schools last year. Parents only have one chance to meet the teacher in person. This is why creating a parent teacher partnership is so essential. We still have lots of ways to communicate to our parents via zoom, google teams, handouts, robocalls, emails, dojo, and even group messages. Parents have so many resources for communication. Even though the dynamic has changed the resources have more than doubled and are at your discretion to use. Maintaining this balance will not only help with the grades and keeping track of current events it will also help with behavior. When a student knows their parents and teachers have a bond they are more relaxed and respectful towards the teacher. To put it all together ‘IT TAKES A VILLAGE’ meaning in order for a scholar to reach their full potential everyone has to play their part. Together the teachers and the parents laythe foundation and set the tone for success for our children.
Over the last couple years we have changed the way we look at education. Teachers and students both had to change their ways they viewed education. What are some ways that you suggest improving parent/teacher relationships?
-Berry
