What is a teacher to do?

* Be welcome and open with your children and parents when you first meet. The first glimpse they have into your classroom and your personality sets the tone for the year. Many systems have Open Houses that are good opportunities for an initial visit.

* Take time the first few weeks of school to get to know each child. Once you are aware of the things they like and dislike, you have many powerful tools to help them be successful. By establishing a positive relationship with your students initially, you will reap many benefits later on.

* Establish a weekly newsletter. This will give busy parents a quick glimpse into your classroom. It does not have to be long and detailed, but it needs to have enough information that makes them aware of what is being taught and how. This is a chance for you to brag about the fun and exciting activities you work hard to do with your students. It is also a chance to compliment students. Make sure that all students receive some type of positive mention over a period of time.

* Communicate the progress of your students to their parents. When a child is struggling, it should be no surprise to a parent. Signed papers and report cards need not be the only time parents hear from teachers. Use the phone, notes, letters, and conferences to communicate achievements and difficulties. Be sure to praise all students throughout the year.

* Remember that most of your parents work full time jobs. Be flexible with communication options. Some parents cannot meet with you in person due to strict job requirements. Be understanding and offer other options, such as phone conferences.

* If a problem arises with a parent, stay calm and objective. Try to fully understand the issue at hand and work with them to resolve the situation.

* See to it that each child is getting the special attention needed. When a child begins to struggle, get help. If a student is working well above the established curriculum, look into enrichment programs.

* Carefully monitor the amount of homework you assign. Children need time to play and be with their families after working hard for over seven hours a day at school. Some children may need abbreviated assignments. Be aware of this and make modifications as needed.

* Be firm, fair, and consistent with children. Choose your battles. Realize that each child is different and that certain classroom rules need to be adjusted in order to achieve success. Most importantly, love each and every one of your students. They will work harder to please you and parents will love you for caring about their children.

What is a parent to do?

* Take advantage of Open House at the beginning of school. It will give you a few moments to meet teachers and will help make the first day easier on your child. Keep in mind that Open Houses and PTA/PTO meetings are not conferences. The conversation with teachers will be brief. Save questions regarding your child’s past and present performance for a scheduled meeting.

* Talk with your child about school. The age-old question, "What did you do today," usually does not get a response. Instead be specific with your questions and vary them from day to day. Try asking, "What was your least/most favorite part of the day." The older children get, the more difficult it is to keep up with what they like and do not like about school.

* Do not be afraid to request a meeting with a teacher. It is not necessary to wait for a teacher request to meet. A note to the teacher works best when you need to meet with him/her. With all that goes on during the day, a request mentioned in the hallway may be unintentionally forgotten.

* Be positive with your child. There may be things that bother students and parents about school. Try to teach your child to work things out in a positive manner. If a time comes when you are upset with the school, do not make your child aware of your anger. Keep him or her out of the situation as you meet and work it out.

* If you see your child is struggling, find out what type of extra assistance he or she can receive. Programs such as Title 1, Read 180, Program for Exceptional Children, and Early Intervention Program can help struggling students. Students with medical or mental disabilities may qualify for Section 504. Students who struggle in school may need to be on Student Support Team that allows for some classroom modifications for students. If your child is having trouble, check into these programs and keep in mind that parents have a right to attend the meetings.

* Work at home is given as an extension of the school day to provide practice and to help instill responsibility in children. Monitor what your child is doing and assist, but do not do the work. If you see that too much time is being spent each night, talk to the teacher about the problems your child is having. Children must be given "down time" each day and should not do homework all night.

* Get Involved.

* Working parents may have a hard time being at the school, but can request "jobs" to do at home that will help teachers. This may include cutting out shapes, stapling papers, and other tasks that can be done at night in front of the television.

* Many schools have reading programs where community members read to classes once a week. Ask your employer if you can have an extra thirty minutes at lunch time once a week to read in a school. You will be surprised at how many bosses will jump at the chance to help.

* For non-working parents, volunteer assignments are always available. Find out who is in charge and let them know you are willing to help. If you have not heard back from them in a few weeks, check back. Most schools have volunteer training to go over confidentiality laws and other important matters. Volunteering is the best way to get to know your child’s school.

* Get involved to support your child and the school. Do not use the situation as an opportunity to search for problems and report them back to the ball field. It is very important that you are involved in school to help.

* You will find in many cases that teachers spend more quality time with children than parents can. Be supportive of your child’s teacher. Little notes of support and appreciation, small treats for the teacher or class, and a good attitude will help to create a positive relationship between you and the teacher.