The only man who behaves sensibly is my tailor; he takes my measurements anew every time he sees me while all the rest go on with their old measurements and expect me to fit them.
– George Bernard Shaw
My son was exceptionally quiet as a child, so quiet that his kindergarten teacher thought there was something wrong with him. He did not fit into the outgoing, skipping-on-the-playground kind of child. At my first teacher conference that year, his teacher questioned his quietness. I explained to her that for him it’s perfectly normal. She was an older teacher, and in her wisdom, gave me a simple suggestion that helped me and my son throughout his student career. She suggested that at the beginning of every school year I talk to each teacher about my son and who he is. It was a great suggestion. The teachers appreciated it and my son benefited from it as well.
Does your child have an area in which he or she may need extra help at school? Communicate that to the teacher so you can give your child a head start to drive success all year long. Here are a few suggestions on how to communicate information to your child’s teacher:
- Ask when it is most convenient for the teacher to talk (when you drop your child off in the morning or pick up after school may not be the best time).
- Write a short note to the teacher and send it in with your child.
- E-mail the teacher.
- In addition to telling the teacher about your child, ask if there’s anything you can do at home to help your child.
By Claire Gawinowicz
Certified Parenting Educator
