12 Things Teachers & Schools Wish Parents Would Do

Katy Farber, teacher and author of Why Great Teachers Quit and How We Might Stop the Exodus, shares 12 Things Teachers & Schools Wish Parents Would Do.

1. Establish a daily family routine, including healthy eating and sleeping habits.
2. Build your child's self-esteem by expressing interest in your child's schoolwork and affirming the child's worth through positive messages.
3. Communicate openly with the school and contact the school when you are aware of issues concerning your child's success.
4. Approach your child's teachers directly with an issue rather than going to the school office or principal first.
5. Express high and realistic standards for your child.
6. Check on homework regularly and ask questions about your child's work.
7. Read aloud daily to/with your child.
8. Connect everyday experiences to what is your child is learning at school.
9. Use community learning opportunities. Expose your child to the library, museums, the theater, concerts, etc. Encourage your child to join clubs, scouts, afterschool sports or fine arts, and other community programs.
10. Monitor out-of-school activities and set expectations for appropriate behavior.
11. Model learning at home by playing games, reading newspapers or magazines, and discussing current events.
12. Volunteer to help in your child's classroom, as much as you reasonably can. Parents and teachers have the unique and powerful opportunity to develop a strong, supportive relationship that can motivate and inspire children to do great things. We owe it to our kids and to ourselves to find ways to build positive partnerships and a respectful climate. By doing so, we not only can give our children the best education possible, but we also increase the likelihood that teachers will stay in the field doing what they do best.

Source: Cafe Mom Blog