Forming a Partnership With Your Child's Teacher

By creating an alliance with your son or daughter's teachers, you send a message to your child that you care what goes on in his or her daily life and that you are concerned for his or her well being. To form a stronger partnership with your child's teachers, try these helpful hints:

Communicate, communicate, communicate.

• Read all communication from your child's teachers and school.
• Communicate frequently with your child's teachers and keep them informed of things happening at home that may affect your child's performance or attitude at school.

Volunteer. It's not as hard as you think. Volunteer to listen to students read, chaperone, tutor, talk to classes, etc. Ask the teacher how you can help.

Be a "do-er." Attend as many school activities, plays and sports as you can.

Make visits. Attend open houses at your child's school. While there, get a feel for the school, the teachers and use it as an opportunity to create a bond with your child's teachers.

Attend conferences. Attend parent/teacher conferences, or schedule conferences with your child's teachers to chart your child's progress.

Get involved with decision making. Many schools are involved in School/Community Based Management.

Homework. Make sure your child is doing his or her homework regularly. Ask your child to see assignments before they are turned in. Things to look for: Neatness, accuracy, spelling or grammatical errors.

Be a "Joiner." Join your school's Parent/Teacher Association. Attend meetings regularly. Know what is going on at your child's school.