How Can Parents and Teachers Work Together?

Good communication between parents and teachers is essential to a student’s academic success. The more information parents and teachers share with each other, the more children will benefit. Here is some great advice from a co-educational day school in Surrey on how to build a successful teacher and parent relationship…

Parents Evenings

‘Parent Evenings’ are an ideal opportunity for parents and teachers to communicate. Parents can find out how well their children are progressing at school and teachers can give advice to support learning at home. These events are crucial to your child’s development and should not be missed. Use this valuable time with your child’s teacher to discuss classwork or any concerns you may have about your child’s progress.

After School

If you need to discuss an important issue and cannot wait until parents evening, it is important to find a suitable time. Parents often try to speak to teachers in the morning, when they drop their children into class. However, this isn’t always the best time for teachers. They will be busy checking that their class have arrived safely and will need to help get everyone organised for the day ahead. Instead it is best to wait until the end of the day, when the children have left, or arrange an appointment with the school office.

Thank you

It is important for parents to remember that a simple ‘thank you’ can go a very long way. Parents can establish a good relationship with a teacher by providing positive feedback. If your child has enjoyed a particular lesson, encourage your child to let their teacher know. You could also arrange a thank you gift at the end of term to show just how much their hard work is appreciated.

Attendance

Finally, good attendance and punctuality will help to give a good impression to your child’s teacher. Time management is not only an important life-skill for your child, but it can also help to build a good relationship with their teacher. This is because good attendance shows that your child is keen to learn and values their education.