Teach Your Parents Well

How can parents help their children if they don't know what they should be doing? You're the teacher -- teach parents what things they can do to make your job easier. Use this checklist as a guide.

Five Things Teachers Want Parents to Know

1. READ TO YOUR CHILDREN. Don't stop reading to your child just because he/she is old enough to read. Choose a book you enjoyed when you were your child's age. Other materials to read together include magazine articles and sports-page statistics.

2. SHARE FAMILY NEWS WITH YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER. To educate a child, a teacher needs to know what's going on at home. Finding out that a child's pet has died or a family member is seriously ill can help a teacher understand why a child may be a discipline problem or exceptionally quiet.

3. GIVE YOUR CHILD CHORES TO DO AT HOME. The classroom benefits when a child develops a feeling of competence and a positive attitude which comes from taking on responsibilities. Try calling chores "projects"; your child may be more inclined to get involved.

4. SHARE ORGANIZING IDEAS WITH YOUR CHILD. Help your child organize his/her schedule of classes and after-school activities; show him how to keep his/her backpack neat and organized. Gentle reminders to children about putting away their books and finishing homework before dinner will reinforce positive behavior at home and at school.

5. FOLLOW UP ON TEACHERS' RECOMMENDATIONS. If your child's teacher has recommended some additional work or remedial help for your child, make sure the work gets done. Monitor your child's progress. Make sure you understand the remedial plan the teacher has set up for your child. Keep the teacher informed of progress.

Updated: February 18, 2009 8:09 PM