Dear Parents,

As your child’s greatest teacher and role model, it’s vital that you get involved in their schooling, rather than sitting back and letting teachers handle it all. Your child need to see the importance that you, as their parent, put on their education, though make sure this doesn’t translate as an emphasis on always having to come first or being top of the class.

There’s plenty of evidence that shows positive communication between parents and teachers helps improve academic performance.

While we as teachers are experts in teaching, you’re the expert on your child. You know what stimulates, bores and interests them, what they’re good at and what they struggle with. You know your child’s learning style and you also know if there are any other issues going on that might be affecting their learning at school. So ongoing communication with me is essential to make sure I can tailor my students’ approach while in class.

It was a great opportunity to communicate with you during Parent-teacher conference. It was a great chance to hear how your child is tracking academically and socially relative to their classmates. However, it was also a great way to discuss any challenges or questions you may have regarding your child. With many parent-teacher conferences coming up, it is important that you take the time to think about the things you would like to discuss with me; to ensure you make the most of your allocated time.

In saying this, communicating with me isn’t just about attending parent-teacher conferences; there are lots of other ways to stay in touch and to create a positive two-way relationship, including email, volunteering in the classroom or by adding comments to a homework book. At drop off or pick up time, I am usually very busy so it might be best to schedule an appointment for when it’s more convenient.

If discussing any issues you’re concerned about, make sure you are welcome to ask for ways you can help at home that reinforce any learning that’s going on in the classroom.

Above all, remember that it’s a three-way relationship between you, your child and the teacher; that only by working together positively can help your child achieve their full potential.