Let's Talk...How Kids Can Benefit from the Home-School Connection by: Colleen Lester
Families with school aged children are often busy navigating the schedules of the adults and the children in the home. Just trying to grab a family moment to talk or read together can be a challenge when activities start to ramp up. Learning to prioritize what’s most important and how to support your child in a meaningful way should be a consideration for parents and caregivers.
Establishing communication with your child's school and teachers is a truly worthwhile endeavor. Most kids attend school ten months out of the year for thirteen years - this is a long term relationship. Schools may seem somewhat intimidating to families for a variety of reasons but making the effort to make the connection is a key component to ensure your child’s success and happiness in school.
Here’s why:
Parent/caregiver involvement in school is linked to:
Higher achievement
Better attendance
A positive attitude towards school
Good social and relationship skills
A sense of wellbeing
Parents and caregivers are teachers and advocates:
You play an important role in your child’s development and learning
Everything you do with your child will teach lessons to help them learn about their world and their family
You are the teacher of your family values
You are your child’s advocate
You know your child, you have knowledge about your child that is key to supporting their education and school life.
Here’s how:
Building and establishing the home school relationship doesn’t need to be a big deal. Sure, if you are able to lead a parent group or volunteer in a classroom, that’s wonderful but not everyone has the time or the interest in that level of involvement and that is fine. There are smaller ways to stay connected that can work for your schedule and lifestyle.
Below you will find a list of suggestions to help you get started or enhance your communication and relationships with your child’s teacher and school.
Laying the Communication Groundwork
Communicate early in the year and share your preferred mode of communication with your child’s teacher(s).
If the school or teacher uses an app for communication, download it so you receive important announcements
Check that your contact information is up to date with the school so you can be contacted in an emergency.
Request duplicate mailings for split families
Keep important information such as school phone numbers and important dates
somewhere that you can easily access when needed. (calendar, newsletters etc)
Talk to your child about school, ask specific questions beyond “how was your day?” to engage them in the conversation. Ask about their friends and interests in school.
Share information about your child (both strengths and challenges) that could
impact their learning or behavior. If you are uncomfortable sharing with the teacher, a school counselor or the principal can help. This checklist can help you talk about your child’s unique strengths and abilities. Neurodiversity checklist
Attend school events when possible.
Encourage your child to attend school social events and activities to build comfort and connection with school and peers.
Parent-teacher conferences are important, if you are unable to attend, request an alternate way to talk with your child’s teacher or team (phone, virtual). These meetings offer specific information about your child and their progress; your awareness and insight are key pieces of your child's education. This
Home/School Collaboration Tool can help to guide the conversation.
Keep the lines of communication open even when things are going well. Stay informed to support your child and be on the forefront in the event that there are changes or concerns.
If a concern or issue arises:
Reach out to the point person first (teacher, transportation department, etc.)
before going “above their heads.” Follow the chain of command.
Include details and offer as much information as possible.
Listen to your child and acknowledge their reporting. They are likely telling the truth from their perspective. There may, however, be more to the story. Try to keep an open mind in discussion.
Refrain from calling or drafting an email when angry or frustrated.
Be patient when waiting for a response from school personnel. If the
situation is urgent, let the person know and they can refer you to someone who
can help.
Listen to your child and acknowledge their reporting. They are likely telling the truth from their perspective. There may, however, be more to the story. Try to keep an open mind in discussion.
Listen with an open mind when a school staff member shares information about
an incident. Things do happen in school, kids have squabbles, and teachers
correct errors and misbehavior.
Remember that your child is one of many in a school. Procedural changes can’t
necessarily be made for your convenience because what schools offer to one
family, they must offer to all.
Avoid airing your complaints or issues on social media or in the community.