No more pencils, no more books!
No more teachers' dirty looks!!
Well, almost. . .
It's hard to believe that school is almost over for the year, but alas—here we are! Summer is hot on our minds, with images of sun and sand, lazy days and starry nights, and tons of time with family looming.
But there's one thing you must do before the kids come running out of the school building with worksheets and pencil cases trailing behind them, and before those teachers walk out of their last staff meeting of the year: meet with the teacher. You really should have a quick conversation with the man or woman who spent six hours a day for the last 180 days with your little love.
It doesn't have to be a long and stressful conversation, and it can actually even be via email. But it really makes sense to ask your child's teacher two powerful questions before the end of the school year.
Consider asking:
1. What are some specific areas that you think we should focus on at home this summer for our child?
2. How would you suggest we work on those areas?
I'd always follow up with: What resources or links can you share with me that would help me to help my child? Most teachers have a ton of resources at their fingertips. They know where to find cool ideas for lessons, units, and activities. And if they aren't sure, then consider reaching out to the Team Leader or your school counselor for some ideas.
Knowing the answers to these two important questions can help guide your book choices, evening activities, and even travel for the summer.
If your child is old enough to understand, the following could also be a worthwhile conversation to have:
After camp today, we're going to hit the library for some new books. Mrs. White said that reading a little each day would help you to become a stronger reader, and she wants you to work on predicting so that you're totally ready to rock it in third grade. Think of some topics you'd like to read about, and we'll see what we can find. Okay?
Or:
Mr. Fisher let me know that in order for you to really start next year with a bang, you'll need to know your math facts in and out. So I found a few cool apps and games to play that will help you learn them. You can choose which you want to do, and we can play after I get home from work today.
If time is a factor for you, or if your teacher has already left the building for the sand and surf, it doesn't hurt to send an email or leave a message for the teacher at the school. Often teachers are in and out of the building during the summer months for meetings and workshops, so I'm betting you will get a response in just a few weeks.
What other questions do you think are important to ask the teacher before the year's end? I'd love to hear them!
Share your thoughts on the Scholastic Parents Facebook page, or find Amy on Twitter, @teachmama, and let's continue the conversation!
Read all posts by Amy Mascott.
