The Parent-Teacher-Student Relationship

In December, last year I was honoured to be named in Huffington Posts Top 12 Global Education Blogs of 2014. The bloggers on this list have been asked to contribute to Huffington Post’s Education blogs for 2015. This month we look to answer the following highly controversial question “What are the best ways parents can help teachers and that teachers can help parents? – here is my response:

The all-important ‘Education Triangle’ is the make or break relationship that exists between parents, teachers and students. This partnership must be strong, focused and positive to support student learning.

Image Source: https://dixiemontessoriacademy.org/event/parent-teacher-student-conference/

In this article I have put together a list of 3 ways parents can help teachers and 3 ways teachers can help parents to ensure overall success for the child. These are all from my experience and I hope they make a difference for both parents and teachers in need of ideas.

The 3 best ways parents can help teachers:

1. Be involved in your child’s education – show them that you care and create a positive ‘triangle’ relationship between yourself, your child and your child’s teacher.
2. Educate yourself on the current trends in education – how is your child’s teacher educating your child. Times change and so does the way we teach. As a parent it is your job to come to grips with the new ways of learning, to best support and guide your child through their learning journey.
3. Send them to school happy – Give your child a hug before they walk out the door and you head off to work. Look them in the eye and tell them how much you love them, how proud of them you are and boost their confidence every day. They will be more secure and ready to start a positive day of learning.

The 3 best ways teachers can help parents:

1. Communicate – It is the key to success and keeping parents involved in their child’s education is critical. Don’t wait until parent conferences to let them know that their child is falling behind. Email them, call them or talk to them at the gate – keep them involved!
2. Educate them – Bring them in for Professional Development – teach them how you teach Math or English – support their learning as it is just as important as their child’s. They have to support learning at home.
3. Be positive – Send a note home or an email to let them know the amazing things their child is doing. Make no exceptions, do this for EVERY child. The smallest thing, can make the biggest difference!

In the constantly changing and ever evolving world that we live in, Education is no different. It changes daily and communication is the key factor to continue improving teaching and learning. Communication is key to success, which opens up the door to a bright and exciting future. One of the best ways I have stayed in touch with parents and other communities recently is through the amazing @RemindHQ app – you can read more about its use here – http://mrkempnz.com/2015/08/using-the-remind-app-to-get-connected.html

Stay connected, be positive and involve the whole community in the education of your children.

I would love to read your tips for teachers and tips for parents if they differ from what I have suggested above – so please share them through this blog and via twitter @mrkempnz