 Communicate with teachers regularly, both with your concerns and your positive comments about what your child is learning. Teachers want and need to hear from parents about how various aspects of the curriculum unfold within each child. If you have particular concerns, voice them early. If you notice specific changes in your child at home, positive or negative, make these known to your child's teacher.
- Make sure children arrive on time, and properly dressed for the weather conditions. Unless the weather is dangerously wet or cold, children will play outside everyday. Have children wear appropriate clothing layers, and avoid open-backed shoes that limit mobility.
- Volunteer to assist with special activities such as class field trips, plays and fundraisers. There are several ways to learn about volunteer opportunities at your school: ask your child's teacher, check school bulletin boards for flyers, ask at main office, or visit the school's website. Don't wait for someone to contact you-ask office staff or teachers what you can do to help.
- Help with classroom projects such as decorating and cleaning. A parent's help can contribute to the safety and beauty of classrooms and campuses. Schools save money by tapping into the talents of parents.
- Inform the teacher if there is anything special or unusual going on with your child, including major changes in the home (new baby, death of a loved-one or pet, etc.). Notify the teacher if your child will be absent from school.
- Create a home environment that supports the teachers' work. Encourage children to play imaginatively, and avoid relying on television or computer games to placate or to "baby-sit" your child. Schedule a regular time and create a special space for your child to work on his or her homework.
- Take an interest in all of your child's school subjects; your interest will communicate their importance to your child. Find out how each day's stories and lessons live in your child by being available for conversation during quiet moments. Ask open-ended questions; children often cannot or will not provide information with a mere "How was your day?" which almost always provokes a monosyllabic response.
- If you child is enrolled in a specific education program, i.e., Waldorf or Montessori, learn about and embrace the principals of the program your child is engaged in. We grow stronger as a community when we are working together and informed. The more we know about our children's education, the better equipped we are to support the system we've chosen for our children.
Courtesy of Blue Oak Charter School, 450 W. East Avenue in Chico; www.blueoakcharterschool.org, (530) 879-7483.
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