It’s Back-to-School Time!
It’s hard to believe how quickly school sneaks up on us. As a mom, I struggle with the sameness of August, trying to save money on back-to-school supplies, preparing healthy snacks for school, and the transition back to school for my child.
Above all else, the best gift you can give your child’s teacher at the beginning of the year is insight into your child. This is the first step in advocating for your child before parent-teacher conferences. Here’s how to write to your child’s teacher!
If your teacher has not already given you a list, here are some suggestions on creating a one-page letter about your child.
How To Describe Your Child
First, introduce your child and your family. Share your child’s gifts and talents. This allows for immediate connection. After defining your child by his gifts or strengths (important), then list your child’s struggles, but don’t stop there.
Explain specific ways you have dealt with these struggles or quirks in the past.
For example; “My son struggles with focus, but in the past teachers have allowed him to do x, y and z to improve attention.” You want to be a collaborator who solves problems, together.
(adapted from Kirk Martin at Celebrate Calm)
Questions To Get You Started For Children K – 2nd Grade:
1. Your child’s past school experience.
2. How does your child approach school or learning? (apprehension or excitement)
3. How would you describe your child’s learning style? (hands-on, visual, etc)
4. What kind of environment do you think your child learns best in? (structure, more independent, calm)
5. Child’s strengths and weaknesses academically and socially.
6. Hobbies your child enjoys.
7. Goals for your child this year at school.
8. Your home situation (pets, divorce, death, new baby)
9. Any additional concerns.
Questions To Get You Started For Children 3rd Grade and Up:
1. Feelings about math and reading.
2. Study habits at home and school.
3. Social skills and how he relates to others.
4. Situation at home (loss of pet, divorce, death, new baby)
5. What kind of environment do you think your child learns best in? (structure, more independent, etc)
6. Child’s strengths and weaknesses academically and socially.
7. Hobbies your child enjoys.8. Goals for your child this year at school.
9. Any additional concerns.
Parent Note: You do not need to wait until the first conference in October or November to talk to your child’s teacher. Waiting for the first conference or first quarter report card can waste a lot of precious time. If you have something to bring to your teacher’s attention, do it now!Remember, the teacher may have 23+ students that she’s trying to get to know.
You are your child’s best advocate!
Click Here For More Helpful Back To School Resources:
- Tips for Conferences with Teachers
- Real Advice For Middle School Boys
- Tips and Ideas For Starting Middle School
- Back To School Fairy Printable
- Healthy Schools Snacks List
- Lunch Box Jokes for Kids
I think this post was meant for me. 🙂 Thank you!
I think this is such a great idea! I’ll most def. be writing a letter for my almost 2nd grader as he will be at a new school this yr. 🙂
I’ll be linking to this article on my FB link of the week on friday as well.
Thanks! 🙂
~H
Heidi – you are the best! I think you’ll find that this really helps to get your year off on the right foot and you don’t feel like you’re “bugging” the teacher either. Best wishes – Kristen
As a teacher, all I can say thank you. Knowing more about your child’s likes/dislikes, hobbies, or what is going on at home can make it so much easier to help your your child to learn.
I would have loved to receive letters sharing these facts as a teacher.
JDaniel’s teacher had us fill out a fact sheet on our family, school fears and expectations. I loved getting to share information with her.
Thank you for linking this post up on my Back to School Traditions link up.
I have been writing letters to my son’s teachers since day one. I know my child better than anyone and he is not always an easy read. I have been told many times over the years that my letters were appreciated and anticipated. Especially with a child like mine, it is a great way to give insight on what has been tried and what works well. Plus it helps teachers to be more receptive to contacting you if there is an issue.