5 Things to Tell a Teacher About Your Child

Teachers spend a lot of time getting to know students the first few weeks of the school year.

So your child's teachers may ask you to fill out a parent survey or attend a conference at the beginning of the school year.

However, you may not be sure what you should write when completing a survey or what to say during a conference.

I can help with that.

Here are 5 things to tell your child's teacher:

1. Health Conditions:

Does your child have a medical condition such as allergies, diabetes, ADHD, seizures, migraines, anxiety, or depression?

Let teachers know what symptoms or behaviors to be aware of, what to to do if they notice them, the medications your child takes, and possible side effects.

Additionally, you and your child's doctor might be required to fill out forms for life threatening conditions and to administer medication during the school day.

Make sure you know the expiration date of any medication being administered by the school so you can replace it with a newly filled prescription.

2. Strengths and Weaknesses:

Is your child an avid reader, a strong science student or a math whiz? Does he hate to read? Can she read well but has difficulty with comprehension? Does he have math or test anxiety?

Sharing this information will help a teacher know when to provide extensions to learning or support in the areas most needed.

3. Family structure and issues:

Is your child an only child or does she have siblings? Is there a new baby on the way or has one just been born? Was there a recent divorce? Does your child split time between parents' homes? Has there been a death in the family?

All of these factor into your child's behavior and ability to focus at school. Something that might seem small to you might be really important to your child and will affect her interactions with teachers and classmates.

4. Interests and Hobbies

Is your child learning a musical instrument? Does he play on a traveling sports team? Does she go to dance for three hours after school every day? Maybe your child loves to draw or is a space buff.

Teachers want to know what makes your child tick. Knowing things that your child is interested in can spark conversation and make your child feel valued. It may help your child's teacher introduce a classmate with similar interests. Many times teachers will choose reading passages or write math word problems based upon the interests of their students.

5. What Motivates Your Child...and What Doesn't

Does your child like verbal compliments or would she rather have a secret signal with the teacher? Does he like to share his work with the class or would that make him cringe with embarrassment?

Teachers have 20-30 students in their classroom with different personalities, likes, and dislikes. They appreciate insight about how to motivate your child so they can provide encouragement that will work.

During the school year, teachers spend about as much time during the day with your kids as you do. Telling them about your child will make every day at school a good one right from the start.