We're packing up backpacks, buying new school clothes, setting alarms clocks……summer is officially over and school is back in session.  As you get ready for the first day,  bookmark this page…..these are the most important things to ask your child's teacher on the first day of school! 

Are you ready? It's ok, I'm not either.  Summer is ending and school is starting.  My facebook feed is filled with First Day of School pictures and rants about long school supply lists.  Teachers are saying goodbye to summer, and setting up their classrooms.  Alarms are back on, and it's ALMOST time for the weather to cool off.

One of my favorite things about being a teacher was the special relationship I had with each student and their family.  Communication was important, and I always wanted to start the year off on the right foot.  As a parent, I'll be on the other side of this for the first time as Lydia start kindergarten this year.  I wanted to share the questions I'll be asking HER teacher on the first day of school so that we are all on the same page.

5 Things To Ask Your Child's Teacher on the First Day of School

• What is the Best Way to Communicate with You?

Communication between school and home is KEY.  You'll want to know how to contact your child's teacher and how they will communicate with you.  If you are a working parent, you may not see your child's teacher after school each day.  Can you email them? Text message them?  Leave a message at the school? Write a note? Be sure that you know what is best, and what to expect from the teacher's side as well.

• What is your Homework Policy?

The homework plan in each class differs.  Do not wait until Back to School Night to find out what it is.  Will your child have homework due each day? Will they have a weekly packet? The sooner you know, the easier it is to set up a homework routine that works for your family.

• What is your Behavior Plan for the Class? 

It is important to reinforce positive behavior in the classroom.  The easiest way to do that? Discuss each day with your child.  If you are using the same vocabulary as their teacher, even young children can reflect on their day.  For example, many lower grade classrooms use a color system to rate behavior.  You can easily ask what color their day was and discuss what they can plan to do the next day.

• How can I contribute to your classroom?

Each family has a different schedule, and different strengths.  There are a TON of ways to contribute to a classroom beyond volunteering or attending field trips.  I've had parents offer to cut out shapes at home for in class games, or to help sharpen pencils before drop off when they had to head to work.  Ask your child's teacher, they'll be able to suggest ways to contribute that work for you and the class!

• What supplies does my student need at school and at home?

From setting up a homework area, to being sure that your child has all the supplies they need in the classroom…..your child's teacher will be able to provide you with a list of necessary supplies.  The more you know at the beginning, the less you'll be scrambling later to get things up and running during the school year.

Want more tips on how to get ready for the school year?

Check out: // 5 Tips for Making the First Day of School Easy / How to Prepare for Kindergarten / How to Practice Sight Words (17 ways that aren't flash cards)  //

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