Transition to Kindergarten Parent Guides: What About Communication?

Parents and teachers have different viewpoints that are important to share:

• You see your child playing with family members and learning from family activities. You see things from a parent point of view.
• The teacher sees your child playing with other children and learning from school activities. They see things from a teacher point of view.

You can take the first steps:

• Write notes to the teacher and respond to any letters sent to you.
• Call the teacher if you have questions and respond to any messages.
• Attend school nights and special programs.
• Volunteer to help in the class. Do what you can when the teacher asks for help.
• Look over your child’s work and talk to the teacher about your child’s progress. Find out how to support learning at home.
• Attend parent-teacher meetings. Ask for other meetings if you have questions or concerns. Share your child’s strengths, talents, and interests. Work together on learning goals.
• Use voice mail, if available, to leave messages for the teacher.
• Check out your child’s school website: Does the teacher use an e-mail address?

Tips for talking with teachers and staff:

• Prepare ahead of time: What are your questions?
• Choose a good time: Find out when the teacher is free to talk.
• Come ready to listen: The teacher has lots to share, too.
• Be open to ideas: The teacher wants to work with you.
• Give and expect respect: You and the teacher are partners.