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    WHY IS PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IMPORTANT?

    HOW TO WORK WITH YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER

    Kids learn best when parents and teachers work as a team, and a successful partnership starts early in the year. Here are 5 things parents can do to build that relationship and solve problems before they get out of hand:Conference

    Get to know your child's teachers. Write a note, make an appointment, attend Open House and Parent-Teacher Conferences, but don't wait for a special program if there's a problem or your child has special needs. It helps teachers to know everything they can about your child.

    Share important information. Doing so makes it easier for teachers to understand your child. Many things--a family move, divorce, loved one's death, or even the birth of a baby--can affect how children learn and behave.

    Find out what's expected. Ask about homework assignments, homework and behavior policies and teacher expectations.  Review the communication folder DAILY and the grade level's newsletter WEEKLY.

    Get involved, and volunteer throughout the year. Your child will love having you around and you'll be making things better for all the kids at school!

    Make sure your child comes to school. On time, every day. Attendance is important, as learning builds day by day.  This also includes your child getting the rest he or she needs each night to be alert and awake throughout the school day.


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    Get involved

    THE HELP TEACHERS WANT

    Encourage your child to do their best. Show you believe that education is important!

    Set a good example. Actions really do speak louder than words. When you spend time reading, for example, you show your child that reading is not only enjoyable, but useful! Do some of your own work while your child does theirs.

    Emphasize academics. School is your child's "job!" Other interests (sports, TV, friends, video games) must take a back seat. When your child brings home a graded paper, sit down and discuss it!

    Set a regular time for homework and provide resources at home. Have a place for your child to study and a few basic reference materials on hand. Doing so will make homework/study time easier.

    Stay in touch. Communicate regularly with your child's teacher, especially--but not only!--if there are problems. You might call once a week to make sure all assignments have been completed, or utilize a notebook to correspond daily.

    The Bottom Line: When parents and teachers are on the same team, children win every time!