Any parent with a school-aged child knows that math can be a challenge. Sometimes, it can be hard to know when to step in and offer math help with their homework or when to let the teacher take the lead. By contacting your child’s teacher, they may be able to help. However, many parents often wonder when they should be reaching out.
While there is no definite answer as to when parents should start communicating with their children’s teachers about their academics, there are some guidelines that could be of help. As a general rule, if you are questioning whether you should reach out to your child’s teacher, it is time to speak with them.
Staying Informed
The decision of when exactly to start speaking with one’s child’s teacher depends on multiple factors such as individual parenting styles, the age of the student, and subjects being covered in class. In general, communication between all these entities should gradually increase as the academic year progresses. By following these simple guidelines, parents will hopefully find themselves more informed and able to assist their children in reaching success at school and home!
A Support System
Good communication between parents and teachers is essential for ensuring that children thrive in school. Even if a child is doing well in math and seems to be having no trouble in school, it is still generally recommended that parents communicate with teachers regularly to build a support system for the child. This is because the home and school environments are both important for a child’s development, and parents and teachers need to work together to provide the best possible education for the child. If there are no immediate problems, most teachers recommend checking in with them every couple of months.
A supportive system is essential for every child to reach their full potential. A support system should include a parent or guardian involved in their child’s education and a teacher invested in their students’ success. A parent or guardian can provide support at home by helping with homework, monitoring progress, and communicating with the child’s teacher. A teacher can support the classroom by teaching effectively, providing feedback, and creating a positive learning environment. When both a parent and teacher are providing support, it increases the child’s chances of academic success.
Addressing Issues
As a math teacher, I am often asked by parents how their child is doing in class. While report cards provide a snapshot of a student’s grades at the end of each marking period, they may not be able to identify any areas of struggle until it is too late to address them. For this reason, I believe it is extremely helpful for parents to receive regular updates on their child’s progress. Whether it is through a parent-teacher conference, email, or phone call, taking the time to keep parents in the loop can make a world of difference. Not only will they be able to identify any areas of concern early on, but they will also be aware of any successes their child is having. As a result, parents can play an active role in their child’s education, allowing them time before report cards come out to address any issues if necessary.
However, it is important not to smother one’s child with too much guidance and hovering; otherwise, they may feel inadequate or shy away from asking for help when needed. Your child’s teacher will be able to help advise you on how much help you should be offering your child if they are struggling and how often you should stay in contact with the school.
Asking For Help
It can be difficult for parents to know how their child is progressing in school, especially if their child is hesitant to ask for help. However, by keeping communication channels open with their child’s teacher, parents can help ensure their child doesn’t fall behind. This communication can be especially important for those students who tend to be shy or introverted, as they may be less likely to ask for help independently. By remaining involved in their child’s education, parents can play an essential role in helping them succeed in school.
When reaching out to a teacher for support, they can offer advice for homework or activities that parents can do with their children that can be beneficial for math learning. Teachers are a wealth of information and are happy to offer advice to help your child succeed in their education. Just like you would tell your child to ask for help, as a parent, there is nothing wrong with asking a teacher for help!
Relationships
At Dropkick Math, we believe relationships are the primary key to learning success. Our programs offer the option for parents to become involved in the learning process. Our instructors will help build a parent’s mathematics capacity so they can adequately support their child’s journey in elementary math. We believe that success is achieved by learning together!
Our teachers offer a different approach to math tutoring, breaking down the misunderstanding of mathematics and making learning fun. While there are many math help websites, Dropkick Math Academy is the first of its kind in Ontario to offer an interactive, fun learning experience taught by certified Ontario teachers.
Learn more about our programs today!
