Top Questions Parents Should Ask Teachers at the Start of the School Year
The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time filled with opportunities for learning and growth. As parents, it’s essential to establish a strong partnership with your child’s teacher to ensure the best educational experience. Here are the top questions every parent should ask their child’s teacher, whether in person or via email, and what teachers should be prepared to answer.
Classroom Management and Expectations
1. What system do you use for classroom management?
Why It’s Important: Understanding the classroom management system gives you insight into the norms and expectations for your child’s behavior. It helps ensure consistency between home and school, which can support your child’s adjustment and success. And this refers to more than just the classroom rules that are typically posted on the board.
Teacher’s Perspective: Be prepared to explain your classroom rules, procedures, and any specific behavior management strategies you use. This might include reward systems, consequence hierarchies, and how you handle conflicts. Remember to stay positive in tone and description when sharing.
Example for Elementary Grades: “At the start of each day, we have a morning meeting where we review our classroom rules. I use a color-coded chart to track behavior, and students can earn ‘star student’ awards for positive actions.”
Example for Upper Grades: “In middle school, we emphasize personal responsibility. I use a point system where students can earn or lose points based on their behavior. We also have regular discussions about respect and collaboration.”
Reinforcing Positive Behavior
2. How do you reinforce positive behavior?
Why It’s Important: Knowing how a teacher promotes and rewards positive behavior helps you support and encourage the same values at home. Positive reinforcement can greatly enhance a child’s motivation and enjoyment of school.
Teacher’s Perspective: Share the methods you use to acknowledge and encourage good behavior. This might include verbal praise, reward charts, special privileges, or class celebrations. Be specific in some areas if time permits.
Example for Elementary Grades: “I give out ‘caught being good’ tickets that students can trade in for small prizes or privileges like extra recess time.”
Example for Upper Grades: “I use a ‘student of the week’ program where I highlight a student’s achievements and good behavior. This recognition is shared in the classroom and with parents through our class newsletter.”
Communication
3. What is your primary medium for communication?
Why It’s Important: Clear communication between parents and teachers is crucial for staying informed about your child’s progress and any classroom updates. Knowing the teacher’s preferred method ensures you can reach out effectively and stay connected.
Teacher’s Perspective: Explain your preferred communication channels, whether it’s email, phone calls, a classroom app, or newsletters. Also, mention how often parents can expect updates. I would also make sure you tell parents to allow you up to 24 – 48 hours to respond. Tell them that you typically can respond sooner, however times will vary as meetings and other obligations arrive. If you have not responded within the established time, call the front office.
Example for Elementary Grades: “I primarily use a classroom app called ClassDojo to send updates and share photos of classroom activities. I also send a weekly newsletter via email.”
Example for Upper Grades: “Email is the best way to reach me for quick questions or concerns. I also post weekly updates on our class website, which includes homework assignments and upcoming events.
Supporting Learning at Home
4. What are the top three things I can do at home to help my child succeed?
Why It’s Important: This question helps parents understand the most critical areas to focus on at home to support their child’s learning and development. It aligns home activities with classroom goals.
Teacher’s Perspective: Provide specific suggestions that parents can easily implement at home. This might include reading together, practicing math facts, or discussing what they learned each day.
Example for Elementary Grades: “Reading with your child for 20 minutes each night, practicing basic math facts, and encouraging them to share something they learned each day are very helpful.”
Example for Upper Grades: “Encouraging your child to review their notes daily, setting aside a dedicated homework time, and discussing their goals and progress in each subject can make a big difference.”
Additional Important Questions
5. How can we as parents help you this year?
Why It’s Important: This question shows your willingness to collaborate and support the teacher, fostering a positive relationship. It also provides insight into ways you can contribute to the classroom environment.
Teacher’s Perspective: Be ready to suggest specific ways parents can assist, such as volunteering, donating supplies, or reinforcing classroom expectations at home.
Example for All Grades: “Volunteering for class events, donating supplies like tissues and hand sanitizer, and reinforcing our classroom rules and expectations at home would be greatly appreciated.”
6. What is the best way to contact you?
Why It’s Important: Establishing the preferred method of contact ensures timely and effective communication. This is crucial for addressing any issues or concerns promptly.
Teacher’s Perspective: Clearly state your preferred communication method and any specific times you are available to respond.
Example for All Grades: “Email is the best way to reach me, and I typically respond within 24 hours. For urgent matters, you can call the school office.”
7. What are the key milestones or events we should be aware of this year?
Why It’s Important: Knowing about important dates and events helps parents stay involved and support their child’s participation and preparation.
Teacher’s Perspective: Provide a calendar of key events, such as parent-teacher conferences, field trips, and major projects or exams.
Example for All Grades: “I will send out a calendar at the beginning of the year with all the key dates, including parent-teacher conferences, our class field trip, and major project due dates.”
By asking these essential questions, parents can gain valuable insights into their child’s educational experience and build a strong partnership with their child’s teacher. Teachers, in turn, should be prepared to provide clear and helpful answers, fostering a collaborative and supportive classroom environment. Here’s to a successful and enriching school year for everyone!
This is such a great guide of questions. I just saved for my sister for her children since they just started school. I also loved that you included the teacher’s perspective and examples! Very useful thank you so much for this!
Thank you Shakia for reading. I hope your sister finds the information useful!