Transitions from summer vacations to daily structure of school time can be tough. For kids, parents and especially for teachers.  Teachers everywhere are thinking about the upcoming challenges that will be awaiting them in the classroom, playground, gymnasium, lunch room, faculty lounge and halls of the school.

No matter how long a teacher has been practicing his/her craft, there is a certain excitement about returning to a new year at  school.

The number one thing that determines whether it it s good school year or a great school year is parent involvement. Here are 5 tips that will help make parents and teachers work together for the success of the child.

  1. Provide meaningful opportunities for parents to participate in their child's education. Get to know the families and ask them what their strengths and challenges are in being involved.
  2. Help them connect with new or existing services in the area that can help them with specific challenges. 
  3. Recognize that you are both on the same side and that is the team that wants only the best for the child. 
  4. Understand that children change rapidly and judgments made last year or the year before may no longer be true.  Give the child, parent and teacher a fresh slate.  
  5. Treat each other with respect.  You may find that there are those you don't love or like, but you do have an obligation to respect and treat with kindness.      

Children, teachers and parents are going through a transition and period of adjustment when the school year begins.  If each enters with an optimistic attitude and desire to have a successful and happy year, it is more likely to occur.

Children whose parents are actively involved in their education often score higher on achievement tests than do others who have greater ability.  Social and cultural advantages do not seem to matter nearly as much as having parents involved and working as a team with the school and specifically with the teacher. What parents do to help their children learn is more important to academic success than how well-off or educated the family is. 

Good luck in your partnership to raise bright, resilient, respectful and resourceful children.  You can do it. I have confidence in you.

In gratitude,

Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, family relationship author and keynote speaker

5 Tips For Teachers and Parents
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