Key Things to Tell the Teacher About Your Child/Teen

While your child's teacher is an expert in education, parents know their children best. It is just as important for you to share significant information about your child/teen and family as it is for the teacher to share information with you about learning progress. 

Research has proven that all students do best when parents and teachers work together as partners in your child's education. The start of the new school year is a perfect time to meet with your child's teacher and/or Guidance Counselor to establish positive communication and lay the groundwork for a cooperative relationship throughout the school year.

Here is a list of important information that should be shared with your child's teacher.

1) Health Issues- If your child has a serious health condition, has life-threatening allergies, or uses an inhaler, the school must be informed of all the details and medication to ensure your child's safety.

2) Family circumstances- It is not easy for parents to share confidential information about death, divorce, recent moves, or other family issues, however all of these situations directly impact your child/teen's emotional wellness and school success. Most schools have social workers and guidance counselors to support your child.

3) Personality traits or behavioural issues- Perhaps your child is painfully shy and is worried about making friends, or has difficulty with change and transitions. Or perhaps your kindergartener has been having tantrums at home, or your teenager lacks self-confidence. It's best to share the individual needs and strengths of your child with the teacher so they are in the best position to help them and plan for their success at school.

4) Learning issues- Many students of all ages struggle with ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, stress, OCD, Asperger's/ASD, hearing loss, fine/gross motor problems, etc. If your child has been identified or you suspect any difficulties that affect learning and/or social skills and behaviour, your child's teacher needs to know. They can collaborate with you and various resources in your school to provide needed services to support your child.

5) After school activities and study habits- Does your child become frustrated while doing homework or struggle to complete homework before midnight due to many after school activities and obligations? Providing the teacher with your child's after school schedules and information about their study habits will allow the school to provide specific accommodations and strategies.

6) Special Interests- Knowing more about your child's hobbies or interests can help the teacher highlight those interests in the classroom which may lead to leadership opportunities in the school.

If you need any advice about what information to share with your child's teacher, contact me at nancylernerconsulting@gmail.com. Good luck for a great start to the school year!