Just think, the new year is only 19 days away, shocking isn't it? I came across a great article that I thought would be a great way to start off the new year with your child and teacher. Its titled "9 Things Teachers Wish Parents Knew." This article lists some great ways to help your child in the new year become a better student and you a better parent. As I used to teach for a couple years before becoming a counselor, I can attest that parents just do not support the teacher or school anymore. This is sad because it sets a precedence to your child in how they view other adults in authority. It also causes many children to not succeed at school to their fullest potential. By the way, this list works well from kindergarten all the way through high school. I am going to list the 9 things here, but check out the article for more explanation on each.
1) Don't be a stranger.
2) Learning doesn't stop at the end of the school day.
3) Stay involved even when you do not know the material.
4) Keep your child organized.
5) Let your child make mistakes (Parents I cant emphasize this enough)
6) Raise a good reader.
7) If the teacher deserves a good grade, give he or she one!
8) The teacher is on your side - give him or her the benefit of the doubt.
9) There is a secret to better grades.
http://shine.yahoo.com/event/backtoschool/9-things-teachers-wish-parents-knew-2342257/
I know these 9 things are so very important for several reasons, 1) I was a teacher and saw how these things really did help with not only the child's grades but also the attitude of the children and family. 2) I see a lot of these things not being done and then have families in my office because there are behavior and/or other problems. Lastly, I have several friends who are teachers and school counselors who constantly complain about many of these things on the list, that if only a couple things on the list were done, it would drastically change the child's success. I know teachers and schools are not perfect, but a little grace goes a long way!
