How your child does in school is not solely based on the teacher. The top goal of the Fishtown Montessori school is the success of their students, but that success comes from two sources: the parents and the teacher. Any guardian, caregiver, or parent of a child has an impact on the child’s performance in school. As such, the parent or guardian should seek to develop a positive relationship with the teacher, so that the child receives encouragement and understanding from everyone in their life.
We’re going to discuss some key points about building and maintaining the parent-teacher relationship, so keep on reading.
What is a Parent-Teacher Relationship?
You want the best for your child, which is why it is important that you receive information from the school your children attend and have a strong connection to the adult who is working with them throughout the day. Yet, the parent-teacher relationship can be difficult to build and maintain in a traditional setting. While Philadelphia Montessori schools can be more accommodating, developing a parent-teacher relationship does take time.
The parent-teacher relationship is like any other relationship. You need to commit to collaboration, communication, solving problems, and developing a common goal. But more importantly, you need trust. As a parent, you should be prepared to have conversations with the teachers who come into your child’s life and create a plan that helps those guides and you support your child for both short-term and long-term periods.
Benefits of a Positive Parent-Teacher Relationship
A positive parent-teacher relationship is one where there is a home-to-school connection. You should feel a level of engagement with the education that your child is receiving. This might mean setting up routine parent-teacher conferences where you can discuss any problems your child is having with the teacher or ways to improve their studies.
Here are the benefits of a positive parent-teacher relationship:
- More transparency over a child’s needs
- Teachers have better understanding of a child’s difficulties or traumas
- Children’s interests and passions can be better accommodated
- Children will have more respect for authority figures
- Classroom and home environments are bridged more successfully
Let’s look into these benefits a bit further. First and foremost, being able to trust in the teacher and have a healthy conversation gives them insight into your child’s health, character, interests, and areas of weakness. The teacher can use what you discuss to understand your child more quickly and efficiently, and they can then support your child more readily. For example, if your child has had a traumatic experience in the past or if they have a medical condition, your teacher should be aware so they can work around these things.
Also, if your child is having a hard time adjusting to their Montessori school in Philadelphia, you can tell the teacher what is happening. Then the teacher can work to make the environment more soothing and welcoming to the student, so they don’t feel alone or abandoned. When a child is more relaxed, their academic performance will dramatically increase.
It’s also beneficial to your children when you and their teacher work together, because you can then start using some of the Montessori principles at home. This makes the two environments similar—and supportive. If you wish to try Montessori at home, talk to the school or the teacher. They may be able to direct you to some resources or materials that you can utilize.
How to Foster a Positive Parent-Teacher Relationship
Communication is key to any relationship. Therefore, being able to speak clearly with the teacher comes first. Being open-minded will make it easier for the teacher to discuss things with you. Begin the communication before the school year even begins by sending the instructor an email or calling the school. If you prefer person-to-person communication, set up a Zoom call or an in-person meeting.
You can also bring a portfolio of your child’s work or previous educational record. This might come in handy if you have switched from a traditional kindergarten or school to a Philadelphia Montessori school. The portfolio can include notes, assessments, projects, and any questions you might have for the teacher.
Throughout the school year, ask your child what they are learning. Write down their lessons in a journal so you can review these skills at home. You can also use the journal to discuss your child’s progress during meetings. While you might not touch on everything within the journal, it will help you understand what your child is accomplishing at school while you’re not there.
Final Thoughts
The impact of a positive parent-teacher relationship is often underestimated, and it shouldn’t be. When you and your child’s teacher can talk openly and come together for the education and growth of your child, magic happens. Your child will be able to progress at an accelerated rate, because their teacher will understand their interests and needs more clearly.
