| It seems as though everyone is giving you advice | | | | schooling - I have been a teacher and I know that this |
| about how to prepare your child to go back to school. | | | | is true. |
| The problem is that no one is telling you about the one | | | | 2. Letting the teacher know that you exist confirms |
| thing you can do that is guaranteed to lead to a | | | | that you are both on the same side, you both want to |
| successful year for your child. | | | | help your child succeed |
| I have seen ads for kids back to school clothes, pens | | | | 3. It is important to create a connection between home |
| and pencils, sticky notes, computers, even backpacks. I | | | | and school that leads to open communication between |
| have read articles on how you can help your child with | | | | your child's teacher and you. Then you will be the first |
| homework, pack nutritious lunches, wear backpacks | | | | to hear when there are problems. |
| safely. You are being bombarded with information and | | | | 4. Making contact with the teacher shows your child |
| advice on ways to make the coming school year a | | | | that you care about what he does in class, this acts as |
| success for your child. | | | | a great motivator for students. |
| But no one is telling you about the one most important | | | | 5. Acknowledging the teacher's existence indicates |
| thing you can do to that is guaranteed to help your | | | | that you will be supporting the work they do |
| child have a successful school year. | | | | 6. Your child's teacher will want to know who you are, |
| Students need school supplies and maybe a set of | | | | and that they can rely on you to be there when your |
| new clothes to replace the ones that were outworn or | | | | child needs help |
| outgrown last year. But having these things will not | | | | 7. You don't want the first time you meet your child's |
| help your child learn, and isn't that what you really | | | | teacher to be at conference time when everyone is |
| want for your child? | | | | busy and stressed. |
| The most important 'back to school' tip need not cost | | | | 8. It is much easier to bring up any issues you may |
| you a penny to implement, but could go a long way to | | | | have about your child's education if you have met the |
| ensuring that your child gets the education he or she | | | | teacher previously. |
| needs. | | | | 9. It is the polite thing to do |
| The one thing you can do that will guarantee a | | | | 10. Your child is precious, don't you want to know who |
| successful year for your child is making contact with | | | | he or she is with all day? |
| your child's new teacher. | | | | Get your child all the school supplies he or she needs, |
| Here are the reasons why doing this is so important; | | | | then, as soon as school starts, make contact with your |
| 1. Teachers take more care of students when they | | | | child's teacher. You will be surprised at the difference |
| know that parents are going to be involved in their | | | | it can make to your child's education. |