There are many back-to-school do's and don'ts every parent should know about. Things like how to set a good routine and tips for buying school supplies. You can read all about that here. However, now it's time to discuss the parent’s responsibilities of back to school. These include important contacts you should make, early signs of academic difficulty, and must-follow tips for ensuring your child has a successful and enjoyable school year.
Building Relationships with School Personnel
It's always best to leave teaching to the teachers, but it's important that you be very involved in your children's academic endeavors. In order to be involved, you'll need to establish relationships with various members of your child's school personnel, including teachers, the principal, and the guidance counselor. Before the school year starts, ask to speak with each of these staff members and inform them of any concerns you may have about your child. Many school personnel members will go out of their way to ensure your child receives a high-quality learning experience that truly complements his or her unique needs.
Early Signs of Academic Difficulty
Being aware of the early warning signs of academic difficulty is key to making sure children receive the attention and guidance they need to succeed in their academics. According to the National Institutes for Health, a mind-boggling one out of every seven people may suffer from a learning disability. The earlier you can detect an academic learning difficulty, the easier it is to create a solution that ensures long-term academic success. Some of the top early warning signs to look for include:
- Difficulty rhyming words
- Easily distracted
- Late talking
- Trouble interacting with peers
- Trouble learning numbers
- Extremely restless
Tips for Making This School Year Successful
Help With the Transition
A new school year is always a transitional phase for your child, especially if going to a new school. As a parent, you should carve out time from your busy schedule to tour the new school and to attend back-to-school night. A back-to-school night provides the opportunity for both you and your child to meet with his or her teachers as well as fellow students. It also gives your child a chance to soak in the environment of the school before the first day rolls around. More so, it allows you to recheck the supplies list to ensure your child comes to school prepared.
Let the Teachers Know what Is Going on
Everyone has a lot of things going on in their lives, especially your children. An excellent way to help teachers understand how to properly teach and guide your child is to make them aware of any big changes that have recently occurred, such as moving from a different county or state.
With proper preparation and a true care and concern for your child, you can take appropriate action to make the upcoming school year one that is enjoyable for both you and your child.
