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The first day of kindergarten is on the horizon and many parents have anxious feelings surrounding the big day. Parents worry of whether or not their children will have their needs met or if the teacher will remember pertinent information shared on the kindergarten application. Take a deep breath. Remember, communication is a two way street and building relationships takes time. Most importantly, however, it takes effort. We need to remember to put out positive energy to our teachers so that they will know that we trust them and that we are putting faith in the system. If we approach a parent-teacher relationship with low expectations and a negative outlook, all parties will suffer. Children will sense that you mistrust their teacher and it might indirectly affect their relationship in the classroom as well.
We must remember that teachers are human, not robots. They, too, have the potential to make mistakes and deserve a second chance for improvement. Above all, they are people who have lives outside of the classroom just like the rest of us. A fun easy, way to get to know your child’s teacher is to gather information by becoming their secret pal. This is an activity that both you and your kindergartener can enjoy throughout the school year.
Prior to the first day of school, make up a list of questions that you and your child want to know more about when it comes to meeting the teacher. Keep these questions friendly and non-intrusive. In addition, stay away from questions that surround the subject of learning and school. Rule of thumb, don’t ask questions that you’d ask at a parent-teacher conference or open house night. Stay away from questions about curriculum, assessment, homework, learning strategies. There is a time and place to ask those types of questions, this is about building a personal relationship between you, your teacher, and your child.
Example questions:
Month/Day of your birthday
Favorite restaurant
Favorite color
Favorite candy
Treats that would make you say, “No, thank you.”
Hobbies
Starbucks or Dutch Bros.?
Favorite collectible
One place you’d like to travel to
Favorite author or magazine
Make sure to have your child help you write the list and then have your child hand deliver it. If you want to make it even more fun, include a self-addressed stamped envelope so that your child can receive the responses in the mail. Reading the responses will help you and your child get to know your teacher a little bit deeper than the surface at school. You can use the list to sprinkle little “pick-me-ups” and “just because” treats throughout the school year.
The Parenting Hub would love to about other fun ways you take time to recognize and pamper your child’s teacher. Please send your comments and questions to: parentinghub@earlylearninghub.org
RESOURCES:
Parents: 19 Meaningful Questions You Should Ask Your Teacher
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/19-questions-for-parents-terry-heick
Kindergarten Parents
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/parent-teacher-partnerships/kindergarten-parents
4 Things Kindergarten Teachers Want You to Know
https://families.naeyc.org/learning-and-development/4-things-kindergarten-teachers-want-you-know
Secret Pal Questionnaire
https://secretpalteachers.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/secret-pal-questionnaire-form-sign-up-sheet/
