When the time comes for your little one to start at big school, there are so many things you might be feeling anxious about.
The shift in family dynamic can bring with it so many other changes. For example, the week-day routine could change in a very big way.
You may have more drop-offs, less time and a conveyor belt of lunches to prepare at the very least. With time, these things become the norm and you find your new groove as a family.
When it comes to your child’s emotional well-being it a little bit more complex. Many parents struggle with the thought of their children not fitting in or struggling to make friends.
The same can be said for the way they respond to their learning and if they will be able to keep up with the rest of the class. As it turns out, your child’s teacher is the best person to reassure you about these things.
Having a clear picture of the way things are managed within the classroom is very important as it will help you understand and prepare for the environment your child will be exposed to for huge chunks of the week.
Here are five questions to ask your child’s new teacher this year.
How is discipline approached within the classroom?
This is a really important question as it will help you to prepare your child for life in the classroom. This environment may be a lot stricter than it is at home and it is important to explain this to them.
It is also vital that you feel comfortable with the way discipline is handled within the classroom and it might be your only opportunity to raise questions and concerns about it.
What are the rules and expectations when it comes to birthdays?
Every school (and classroom) will have different rules and rituals around the topic of birthdays. For example, some schools have policies which state that birthday party invites cannot be circulated within the classroom. Others will allow this only if every child in the class is invited.
In recent times many schools have ran “term parties” meaning there is a party (not connected to the school but perhaps communicated through the parents association) each term to celebrate the birthdays of all children who have a birthday that falls during that term.
What extra supports and tools are available to a struggling child?
In the event that your child is struggling within the classroom, it is important that you know what supports and help will be available to them. This may be connected to their school work or a social issue which they require some help or guidance with.
What is the school’s lunch policy?
This will more than likely be communicated very clearly via email or newsletter before your child starts at the school, but it is a good idea to ask if you are unsure. Most schools have a healthy eating policy and a list of prohibited items.
How can parents help support their child’s learning?
Other than ensuring that homework is completed daily, are there other things that parents should/could do to help aid their children’s learning this year? The teacher should be able to offer some guidance on this topic and will no doubt appreciate such a proactive question.
