6 Ways to Be Considerate of the Teacher's Time
Know when, why, and how to call, email, visit, and write to your child's teacher.
Fostering a relationship with your child's teacher is an important part of the home-school connection, but keep in mind that teachers live busy lives and often find their time stretched thin. Help them out by following these ideas.
- Make an appointment to talk. If you have something you want to discuss, don't try to corner the teacher before or after school in the hall. Set up a meeting and let her know what the issue is in advance.
- Don't interrupt teaching time. Unless it's an emergency, don't call to chat with the teacher when class is in session.
- For less urgent matters, send a note or e-mail. If you want to update the teacher on a family matter or ask a specific question about schoolwork, writing an e-mail or note is a great way to communicate. Put a note in your child's folder or write it on his assignment pad — whichever way it's most likely to reach the teacher.
- Bring a list of questions to conferences. Keep your meetings with the teacher focused and on-track by creating an agenda of things you want to cover.
- Volunteer. Pitch in when your child's teacher asks for help with projects.
- Say "Thanks!" Don't forget to thank your child's teacher for all he does. Send a note after report cards or an e-mail when your child raves about a project to let the teacher know he is appreciated.
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