Parents and Teachers-- 2 hints

School has started almost everywhere and many parents are eager for the start of school open house when they meet their child's teacher. As a 32-year veteran teacher let me give you a hint.... Fall open house is not a parent conference. Your teachers are still getting to know the students, not evaluating them. They may still be sorting out the three Megans in the their class, the two Liams, and keeping that set of twins straight. Give them a chance to get settled with the group. When you join a new club or church or civic group, how long does it take you to really feel comfortable with everyone's name etc? Here are two of my favorite hints to get the parent-teacher communication off to a great start---

My second-best hint....

Don't pigeonhole the teacher when 20 other parents also are vying for attention on the first day or at the open house. If possible [more about that tomorrow] wait a week or so and then contact the teacher either before or after school. Beforehand... Write a note to the teacher with the key points you want the teacher to know about your child as they begin a year teaching. [If you are really efficient you could have it ready before school even starts!] When you meet the teacher, say you know how busy they must be with the start of school, introduce yourself, hand the teacher your note, and suggest the teacher to call you if s/he has any questions. Then leave. Trust me the teacher will peg you as organized and thoughtful and will be eager to read what you wrote at a time when they can give the information their full attention.

My best secret hint....
Remember how many kids they are trying to get to know? Attach a picture of your child to the note you wrote! It can be last year's school picture ... there are often extras lying around or in your file under the previous grade [remember the filing system?] If not, just attach one of his/her smiling face to jog the teacher's memory and connect the info to the child. It really works!