Image Credit
Top: © Phil Roeder |edited and text added | 08.25.11 | CC by 2.0
Bottom: © Woodleywonderworks |edited and text added | 10.17.08 | CC by 2.0
As a former elementary school teacher, and having written about things that your teacher would like you to share about your child, I thought it would be fitting to also let parents know some things that teachers would love to share with you.
Today I’ve rounded up 6 thoughts that most teachers would agree are highly important for parents to know. Some might be new ideas or something you’ve never thought about, while others are very basic and a good reminder for us all.
1) Every great day starts off with a great breakfast.
As a teacher, I wish I could remind parents that eating a nutritious breakfast is as important and being on time to school.
PSST – See our post: The Best Breakfasts for Brain Power
We get busy as parents and sometimes kids aren’t the best at getting up on time. Trust me, I know how hard it is to get 3 kids out the door for school, while trying to get myself ready for work. And, unfortunately, our grocery aisles are packed with ‘breakfast’ foods that are full of sugar and leave us hungry in about an hour. Around here, we love to start out our day with a bowl of Quaker oatmeal with milk and craisins.
If a child is properly fueled, they’ll be able to concentrate better. On the other hand, if a child hasn’t been able to eat breakfast or maybe had a breakfast that wasn’t full of nutrients, chances are they will be distracted and not able to work to their potential. Many of us know what that feels like when we arrive to work with an empty stomach or having just eaten a donut in the car. It’s hard to work without proper fuel!
2) Teachers need for kids to be getting enough sleep every night.
We talked about this issue in one of our Happy Family Habits posts. This goes along the same line as eating a proper breakfast. Getting a solid 8 hours or more helps kids start the day with energy. Our bodies repair themselves while we sleep, little learning minds need as much sleep as they can get.
3) A quiet area dedicated to homework will help your child in the long run.
Good study habits start young. Creating a little corner in your home that is quiet and conducive to quality studying time helps your child take in information and remember it later.
PSST- See our post: 10 Totally Doable DIY Homework Stations
Have you ever tried studying while the TV is on or while people are talking loudly? It’s hard! Teachers know that good study habits will help your child retain the maximum amount of information.
PSST – See our post: How to Set Up a Successful Homework Routine with Your Kids
4) Don’t get hung up on grades in the early years.
It’s hard not to compare. We live in a competitive society. But, the first few years of elementary school have a huge learning curve. There is so much going on that each child is going to develop differently. Most of the time it all evens out as elementary school is coming to a close. Of course, your teacher should notify you if he or she notices signs of a more serious issue. But, just because another child is reading before yours doesn’t mean that your child isn’t smart.Or if math is difficult for your child, it might just be that certain concept, but the next concept they’ll pick up like a breeze. Don’t sweat the small stuff! As long as your child is continuing to develop and a life-long learner, it will all work out in the end.
5) “Don’t believe everything they tell you about school and we won’t believe everything they tell us about home.”
A seasoned teacher told me this at the beginning of the school year. It’s kind of funny how kids can have over-active imaginations or tend toward exaggeration. As teachers, we talk with your kids all day long. And they love to share! I found myself taking everything with a grain of salt. And, of course, your child will come home and tell you stories about the day. You might have to take that with a grain of salt too.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t believe what our children tell us, but just remember the story is being filtered through a 6, 7 or 8-year-old mind.
6) Above all else, teachers care about children.
We spend so many hours with children, that they become our own. Unfortunately, sometimes difficult things may need to be communicated with parents and teachers. It’s important to remember that teachers love their students.
If an issue comes up that needs to be discussed between the parent and the teacher, each should go in with the child’s best interest in mind. We are working in a partnership with the ultimate goal of seeing children succeed at life. Don’t lose sight of the forest through the trees. Keep your child the center of every issue you may have to work through.
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Kristin