Parents aspire to make their little ones successful and happy. Teachers also have the same goal towards their students. When parents and teachers bond to achieve their mission, it work wonders. There are various ways by which you can support and create the best learning experience for kids.
IB board schools in Chennai often emphasize on building a parent-teacher relationship. Let us now discuss the countless benefits and smart ways to make learning happen effortlessly.
Ways to Build a Strong Parent-Teacher Team (H1)
It is essential to pair and work smartly to accentuate the benefits. But, how to get there?
Take Care of Your Mannerisms
Parents and teachers have to be approachable to their kids. It can b done through actions or words. Parents and teachers should refrain from certain unfriendly behaviours. Some of the few gestures to be avoided while making conversations are:
- Crossing arms
- Rolling eyes
- Frowning
Besides these, you should keep your tone subtle. You should not yell or get agitated. If you start getting irritated or angry, take a deep breath and proceed with the conversation. Ensure that you put away all kinds of stuff that will distract or create disinterest amongst kids.
Create Communication
As soon as the parent and teacher start to bond, it is necessary to keep it alive. People tend to grow busy and forget about balancing home and school. But consistency is paramount in any relationship. Doing so will help build trust and stability to execute every task effectively. There are certain means to help the relationship thrive. They are:
- Phone calls
- Emails
- School diary to share information
- Parents teachers meeting
- Newsletters
- Open house events
- Cultural and curriculum activity
- Home visits (if the faculty permits)
Frequent communication is essential to stay on par with school and home happenings. This will help provide a personalized approach to their academics and enhance their learning. Most of the IGCSE and CBSE schools in Chennai follow the best ways to consistently connect with parents.
Collaborative Approach
Communication will become effective when there is better collaboration. Therefore, the approach must work towards a standard objective to reap maximum benefits. Parents and teachers must develop unique skills in certain areas, keeping in mind the child’s development and well-being through learning.
Teachers have a better insight on teaching, assessing and making the child perform through better strategies. In contrast, parents have a comprehensive idea of the child’s interests, history, challenges and lifestyle. Therefore, they need to simultaneously share their knowledge and support the kid’s achievements.
Empathize & Address Issues
If an issue arises between the teacher and parent, it must be addressed immediately. Nipping it off in the initial stages will help save the relationship. It might be uncomfortable, however you have no choice but to make things work. Instead of holding thoughts, anger, feelings or grudge, you have to speak up.
Parents have to understand that the teacher will face day-to-day problems. Similarly, teachers have to empathize with parents. It is the responsibility of both to step into the other person’s shoes and build a strong relationship. When you are trying to help the child keep in mind that there will be:
- Difference of opinion
- Various viewpoints
However, you must appreciate and respect them to make the relationship work. Are you wondering how it is possible? Use phrases:
- I understand it
- It must be challenging for you
- I get what you are going through
- I am sorry, and I can imagine how it feels for you
- Thank you for letting me know, etc.
Listen With Patience
Being a good listener is crucial for any relationship. If you want to improve your child’s learning experience by connecting with the teacher, work on your listening skills. You can do so by:
- Not interrupting while the other person is talking.
- Giving ample time for the other person to respond and finish the conversation.
It is natural for a few people to take longer to formulate and provide responses. But if you don’t get clarity, you have to question. Maintain the tone neutral at all times.
Benefits of Positive Parent-teacher Relationship (H2)
The benefits are bestowed on children when parents and teachers work together. Children:
- Inculcate a good attitude about school.
- Improve in academics.
- Develop social and emotional skills.
- Learn happily without stress.
As teachers work with parents, their relationship becomes stronger, and so do their teaching skills. A teacher thereby develops the ability to:
- Focus better on their teaching skills.
- Meet students’ wants and needs with a clear picture of their home environment.
- Spend more time on their teaching curriculum.
Parents also get many benefits as they pair up with educators. They get:
- Consistency between school and home.
- Comprehensive knowledge of their kid’s curriculum and learning.
- Confidence to help their children through the educational journey.
- Skill to assist kids in learning at home.
End-note
A parent-teacher relationship has to be productive. If all the above methods are failing, seek help from a third person. The third-party person maybe a counselor or a school principal. Both parents and teachers live to teach and nurture kids. Therefore, when the worst befalls, agree on the purpose and keep moving forward. Focus more on supporting the child and when things turn rocky, remember that you have to work together for their betterment.
