It’s hard to believe we’re already into the new school year. It feels like we just celebrate the end of the last one, and yet the kids are hitting the books once more.
Regardless of how fast time seems to be flying, now that the new school year is here, it’s time again to assess how to set your children up for success. Below are three keys to setting your children up for a successful school year:
Be Proactive
The person who initiates communication can set the tone for the relationship. Waiting until you receive that phone call or letter from school before making a formal introduction, creates a reaction versus a proactive purposeful intent.
For example, waiting until there is a problem with your child, can cause a very different interaction with the teacher than if you’d reached out before something happened. It’s natural for a parent to be defensive with an authoritative figure when something goes wrong. This can be even more true if their child is at fault.
On the other hand, it’s imperative to keep in mind that educators are there to support your child’s educational experiences. Parents should see them as a friend or colleague. It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that as with any other relationship, the more you are supportive, the better the relationship works.
Reach out, and let your child’s teachers know you want this year to be the best one yet. Let them know that you’re there for your children, and you want to do all that is necessary to help your child do well in their studies.
Be Present
In order to truly know what is working or not working at your child’s school or in their classes, you must be present. Schools and teachers appreciate when parents step in and help their children.
You may start by doing simple things like:
- reviewing your child’s homework
- sending in an extra set of supplies for the class
- making preliminary phone calls to help set up a field trip, or
- gathering materials for projects.
Those tasks may seem simple, but can really support a teacher in a big way. This is especially true if he/she does not have a class assistant.
Show up to parent night. Attend school functions. This is a clear indicator to teachers and administrators that you are invested in your child’s success. As a bonus, children tend to do better in school when their parents show an active interest.
Be Persistent
Do not be dismayed by a teacher who refuses your support or presence. Begin by making small gestures of a weekly/bi-weekly phone call or email. Sometimes teachers are overwhelmed, and can’t help but think that your interaction with them is just another task on their plate.
Instead of waiting for the teacher to give you a task, be observant. Notice things that may be needed in the class when you drop off or pick up your child. Look at projects details or newsletters to identify ways you could contribute with those activities.
If you see something that feels off or needs addressing in some way, do something about it. Obviously you don’t want to be overly pushy, but you do want to make it clear that you’re in it for the long haul. Who knows? By the end of the year you and your child’s teachers could be working in unison, advocating for your child’s success.