Helping parents to help you

Teaching Pre K-8, Aug/Sep 2001 by Pitino, Donna Marie

Tell parents about what's going on in your classroom, and you'll be Helping Parents to Help You

The mother approached the classroom doorway with a sobbing five-year-old clinging to her. Pausing at "Kindergarten Kingdom" (a cardboard box decorated like a castle), the woman realized she couldn't fit through the small entrance. Full of first-- year-teacher enthusiasm, I coaxed the girl to crawl through and join us. "She'll be fine," I said to her mother as I turned to the class.

The child was fine, but her mother walked away with tears streaming down her face. The needs of the child had been met, but not the needs of the parent.

Reassuring gestures. Now, I do things differently. On that first critical day, I take the time to see if a parent has any concerns. I also invite parents to took around the classroom. I follow up with a phone call or a note for further reassurance. Gestures such as these really help to establish communication between home and school.

I think it's important to offer parents an outline of daily activities, as well as an overview of the year's curriculum. When children report that they have done "nothing" in school, a well-equipped parent can respond with specific questions: "I know you learn a new song each week Can you sing one for me?" "You've been learning the alphabet in sign language. Will you teach it to me?" "What did you write about in your journal today? "

Staying informed. Parents appreciate being informed, because they can contribute to their child's education. Teachers also love to be informed, especially if there have been any changes in a child's home life. No one knows that child better than his or her parent or caregiver, therefore, I really listen to parents.

For example, I had a first grader who constantly moved his hands. When I contacted his parents, they said he didn't fidget at home - he couldn't, because his thumb was in his mouth all the time! The child simply didn't want to suck his thumb in front of his friends. In class, I offered the boy the "poppers" you find as packing material. Keeping his hands busy let him sit still and listen when he needed to. This may seem like a little thing, but it gave him the confidence to succeed - and it gave his parents confidence in the school.

I always try to remember that the parent is the child's first teacher. Communicating with parents keeps them informed and involved, and helps me to do what's best for my students.

Donna Pitino has taught in Torrington, CT for 12 years, including seven years as a kindergarten teacher, four years as a first grade teacher and one year as a GED teacher.