As a parent of a school-aged child, there are several things that you can do to support your child’s teacher. By doing them, you assist the teacher in providing your child with a good education and you build a positive relationship between you and the teacher and your child.
Many schools have a back to school night before school starts. Be sure to attend this event. Take a moment to introduce yourself to your child’s teacher. Let her know that you are willing to help is any way that you can and that you want to be involved and to help out in the classroom.
Ask your child’s teacher how she prefers you to contact her. Can you call her at school? Send her e-mail? Drop in to chat?
Volunteer to be a room mother. Depending on the needs of the teacher, a room mother can do various things. The mother may help with school parties on holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. The mother can chaperon field trips that the class takes.
Volunteer to help out in the classroom. Spending one hour a week listening to children read is very helpful to the teacher. Or, help students with their spelling or math. If you can play the piano, volunteer to play when they have singing time. Help out when the teacher has special projects that may need extra adult helpers.
Attend all parent-teacher conferences. Go prepared to ask specific questions. While learning how your child is doing scholastically, there are other things that you should be concerned about. For instance, ask how your child is getting along with other children at school. Does your child have friends and playmates? Does anyone bully your child at school? Ask if your child is respectful in class and is not disruptive.
Join PTA. Support the activities that the PTA sponsors. If they host a read-a-thon, volunteer to bring treats or to chaperon. If the PTA puts on a school play, volunteer to help with costumes or the sets. If they hold a science fair, help set up tables, direct traffic, and clean up afterwards.