Can We Talk?

In teaching and raising children, certain activities are the main job of the home and other activities are the main job of the school. However, there are some important activities for which the home and school share jobs. Communication is one of those important activities. In order to help your child do well in school, you and your child’s teacher will need to keep good communication.

Here are some tips to effectively communicate:

1. Be a partner with the teacher. Your child will benefit most if you and the teacher work together as partners in your child’s education. Most schools and teachers know that good communication with parents is an important part of their job. Begin your communication with a positive attitude and a willingness to be a partner with your child’s teacher.
2. Communicate early and often. Do not wait! If you know your child has had a problem in the past, contact the teacher and express your concerns. Just because the teacher hasn’t contacted you doesn’t mean there isn’t an issue.
3. Get comfortable within the school and with the teacher. Take time to chat with your child’s teacher or join an activity or program for parents.
4. Follow through with what you said you would do. If you agreed to check homework assignments and sign, be sure to do this. If you are unable to follow through, let the teacher know.

Keeping these tips in mind as the school year begins will help make for a great school year. Remember communicating is the key to success. Good luck and have a wonderful school year!

Picture Book Curious George’s First Day of School By:Margret Rey It's the first day of school and George has been invited to Mr. Apple's class to be a special helper! George is just the right monkey for the job-that is, until he starts to make his usual mischief.	Grades 3-6 Dear Mr. Henshaw By: Beverly Cleary A boy from a broken home begins corresponding with his favorite author. Through his letters to Mr. Henshaw--and later his journal entries--he grapples with his problems, finds comfort, and begins to recognize his own talent as a writer.
Teens I am the Messenger By: Markus Zusak Meet Ed Kennedy--underage cabdriver, pathetic cardplayer, and useless at romance. He lives in a shack with his coffee-addicted dog, the Doorman, and he's hopelessly in love with his best friend, Audrey. His life is one of peaceful routine and incompetence, until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery. That's when the first Ace arrives. That's when Ed becomes the messenger. . . .	Parent Resource Parent Guide to Hassle-Free Homework By: Judith Stein The experts from the Research Institute for Learning and Development are parents themselves, and cover everything in this guide that parents need to help their children with homework. Includes tips for supporting a student with reading, writing, and math homework, as well as suggestions on work space, time management, and managing long-term assignments.