Top 5 Tips for Improving the Parent/Teacher Relationship to Optimize Learning Potential

You’ve likely heard the old adage “it takes a village” in terms of raising children. Between work, school, camps, sports, clubs, extracurriculars and whatever montage of things that take over our everyday schedules, it’s not exactly rocket science to say we can’t go it alone. Moms and dads often rely on family members, friends, nannies, daycares, teachers, and even younger siblings to help them along their parenting paths.

In fact, the National Educational Association (NEA) states that this diverse network of help with raising children is highly beneficial to the development of our little ones. “When schools, parents, families, and communities work together to support learning, students tend to earn higher grades, attend school more regularly, stay in school longer, and enroll in higher level programs,” the NEA explains.

If parents, caretakers and educators working together is the key to a higher educational success rate, then why is there such an issue with staying connected? Despite the fact that most parents understand their involvement with teachers and educators is prime for the advancement of their children, many still say it’s extremely difficult to do so.

Most of the complaints from parents include having a shortage of available time to work with teachers, or an overall lack of understanding of what’s needed from them. Most teachers would likely say they’d love a deeper involvement on behalf of the parents, but it’s sometimes difficult to explain what’s going on in the classroom without being misunderstood.

These two things combined are the biggest road blocks to keeping parents and teachers on the same page when it comes to working together to educate children. It’s also difficult to successfully collaborate efforts when you don’t know specifically what’s needed or expected of each other. The result is often highly counterproductive and creates much more animosity than necessary.

The key is to keep an organized plan between all aspects of education for your children. What does this mean, exactly? Anything that can simplify and streamline this process to keep things organized, would greatly increase productivity and learning while decreasing stress levels.

So how do we go about getting organized? The NEA states the best way we can do this is by keeping parents and teachers in the loop on multiple levels. It means ensuring our community members remain connected to each other through technology and communication in the simplest ways possible in order to streamline the parenting process all around.

“The positive impact of connecting community resources with student needs is well-documented” – NEA.org

Keeping parents, educators and all caregivers on the same page is key to success, according to the NEA. While that may seem a bit vague or daunting, it’s really quite simple. Here are a few of the greatest suggestions as outlined by the NEA’s policy brief to help parents work together with their children’s educators to optimize the learning potential while simplifying the stress on the family:

#1 – Keep Clear Instructions

The first step is to make sure all policies and regulations are clearly outlined from the first day. Take the steps to ensure all educators and caregivers are operating on the same levels and know what is expected of them in common situations.

#2 – Fluid Line of Communication

Perhaps the most important step is to utilize a platform (such as the Kydzu app), that will enable you to stay in touch in real-time with each other. This platform should outline any and all upcoming assignments, projects, programs, or schedule changes and should also allow parents an open and direct line for clarity and feedback. “Ensure timely access to information, using effective communications tools that address various family structures,” the NEA explains. 

#3 – Utilize an Outreach Program

Educational facilities need to make sure they are using an outreach strategy that is available to all parents and educators. If there is an issue found by either parents or educators, the outreach program should offer a swift and clear line of attack for addressing the it with each other. 

#4 – Look Toward the Future

Not only should parents and teachers be communicating over current achievements and goals, but they should also communicate over future ones as well. Each child’s progress both at home and at school should be documented for reference in future endeavors and recommendations. Bringing in the next level of education – all wrapped in the same platform – will keep children fast-tracked for future successes. 

#5 – Evaluate and Re-Evaluate

Above all, it’s important to constantly take the pulse on your child’s educational journey. Parents and educators alike should stay on top of the needs of the child and family by continuing to evaluate where things are and find ways to improve them in the future.

According to CentreTechnologies.com, “A 2013 PBS LearningMedia study found that 74% of teachers agree that technology enables them to reinforce their lessons. Curriculums, learning trends, and student engagement can rise or fall on the basis of teacher support.” Want to incorporate the keys to success listed above? You’ve got the greatest tools at your fingertips today: technology. Use your fantastic educational options available today to streamline that process of staying connected!

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