It’s a scary thought sending your child off to school for the first time!  I remember my oldest son’s first day of Kindergarten very well.  I cried while leaving- he was growing up so fast, and I was so nervous to be leaving him with strangers for half a day.  And I remember when he started 1st grade.  While driving him to school, he said to me, “It’s so weird, mom that you won’t even know what I’ll be doing all day and I’ll be with strangers.”

I realized, that being involved was really important.  I mean really involved!  Sign up to be a classroom helper…this ensures that you will acutally see what goes on in the day to day routine.  It also allows you to get to know your child’s other classmates.  You will quickly determine what children you’d like your child hanging out with.  You will also view how your child’s teacher teaches!  Is she calm and soft spoken, or does she have no patience and scream at the kids all day?  Not only will your child feel special to have mom in class once a week, or twice a month, you can create a relationship with the teacher as well.

Going on field trips as a chaperone or driver is vital also!  Especially in elementary school, kids LOVE to have mom or dad with them!  Of course this all changes once children hit 6th grade or so.  Enjoy it while you can!

You may have a child that is quiet.  When you ask “How was your day?”  they respond “Fine.”  So, you ask more direct questions like “Who did you sit with at lunch?”  “What did you do at recess?”  “What was the best part about your day? The worst part?”  This helps to get more detailed answers.  However, the more involved you are in your child’s school the better.  Sign up to help with bake sales, field day, and other on campus opportunities.

 Your child will appreciate the extra effort you put into their daily school life!

One of the most important jobs a parent has regarding their child’s educational experience is to have good communication with the teacher.  Begin by introducing yourself at the first opportunity and say something positive about your child.  This will help the teacher put faces with names, and feel that there is a relationship with your child right from the start.

Your child’s teacher probably has an e-mail address for you to connect with them too.  Always let them know if there is an issue with your child, from stress at home to even common things such as dr’s visits or forseen absences.

Remember to check your child’s backpack nightly, and send it back to school with him or her all cleaned out.  Many times I have missed important messages from the teacher or flyers that were crumpled up in the bottom of the backpack, until it was too late. 

This applies to homework folders as well.  It saves your child and the teacher frustration and time trying to figure out where to put new papers when there is room for them in the folder.

Daily organization is vital!