Why and how to partner with your child’s teacher

If you’ve noticed signs in your child that concern or confuse you, talking with the teacher is a good first step. Sharing information can give you a better idea of what’s going on.

Here are things to say if your child struggles with:

• Reading

• Writing

• Math

• Behavior

But the relationship doesn’t stop there. The teacher is an important partner in getting answers and finding the best ways to help your child thrive.

Let the teacher know what has and hasn’t worked in the past. The teacher may suggest supports or teaching techniques that can help your child. You can also talk about the option of having your child evaluated.

Understanding your child’s strengths, interests, and challenges helps the teacher build an approach to learning that works for your child. It also helps the teacher predict what might be hard and figure out what kind of support would help.

Having that information makes it easier for the teacher to engage your child in learning. For example, maybe writing is a struggle and the teacher knows your child has a passion for dogs. The teacher could find a way to work something about dogs into a writing assignment.

Knowing more about their students helps teachers tailor instruction for kids. Find out how teachers use Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to plan lessons that are engaging and accessible to all students.

When you and the teacher try the same strategies and use the same language, your child sees that everyone is on the same page. It can help kids feel confident knowing what to expect and what’s expected of them. 

Plus, when kids have confidence, it makes it easier for them to speak up when they need help. Learn more about the importance of self-advocacy.  And have your child make a 3×3 card to share with the teacher: three strengths, three challenges, and three strategies that work at home.