Excited. Nervous. Anxious. Dreading. Ambivalent. These words describe an emotional journey back to school for both children and parents. Besides the new clothes, pencils, notebooks, and lunchboxes, there can be a new opportunity to build a relationship with your child, their teacher, and the academic path they are embarking on.
Most of the time the focus is on the teacher and child content. Schedules, menu’s, daily work, and routine. However, it is important to also consider the family support that is an integral part of the child’s success. When you meet the teacher and administration, here are 10 questions that will spur some interesting and engaging conversations.
What are the academic standards that you use in the classrooms? What do I need to know about them?
How is critical thinking implemented in the classroom?
How are creativity and problem solving skills taught and used in the classroom.
What kinds of questions do you want me asking on a daily basis?
How will you respond if my child struggles in your class?
How do you see the role of the teacher in the learning process?
How is learning personalized in the classroom?
How do I support literacy at home?
Do you focus on strengths or weaknesses?
How can I best support our relationship?
These questions can create an amazing opportunity for both you and your child’s teacher to build a strong relationship, understand each other’s role, and gain a view into your child’s world.
Your child’s teacher will also be asking questions about your home routine, rhythm, and how you and your support structure work together to encourage your child’s development.