The Impact of Parent Teacher Collaboration on Early Learning

Introduction

Childhood is full of pleasant experiences that offer lifelong learnings to a child. It is a period when a child develops their foundational knowledge, makes friends, participates in various activities, and learns many soft skills. The kind of experiences a child is exposed to during childhood shapes the adult life of a child. A teacher’s role in a child's life is of utmost importance.

A teacher plays the role of a catalyst in a child's life to ensure their holistic development. A child learns how to make friends, learn and actively participate in different activities during childhood. This whole journey is made possible due to the support of influential teachers. A good communication system between parents and teachers makes a positive collaboration where there are unified goals and commitments to help a child flourish and reach their best potential.

Importance of a Teacher in a Child's Life

To understand why parents must build an impactful relationship with teachers, it is first important to understand why a teacher is so significant in the life of a child.

• Constant Support

Consistent support in the form of emotional encouragement is important for a child to flourish. Other than parents, teachers can be a direct source of guidance and encouragement for kids in school.

• Positive Environment for Learning

A teacher is responsible for creating a positive environment where a child can learn and grow in safety. Such a thriving atmosphere allows the child to feel safe and at ease and become a more confident individual.

• Timely Interventions

Many times, children suffer from problems that remain hidden from parents. This may include learning disability, isolation in school, and lack of leadership qualities. All these can be recognized by teachers only and their timely intervention can make a difference in a child's cognitive development and personality enhancement.

How to Ensure Positive Collaboration Between Parents and Teachers

Here is how parents can ensure positive collaborations with teachers to create a positive environment for children at home as well as at school.

• Attend Parent-Teacher Meetings

A formal way of meeting a teacher from time- to- time is through parent-teacher meetings organized at school. Parents must take this opportunity very seriously and try to attend as many meetings as they can. Try to discuss your opinions and concerns with the teacher during these meetings. Also, try to take their constructive feedback to improve your child's performance. Try to build a rapport with a teacher to establish a comfortable conversation.

• Keep in Touch through Clear Channels

Another way of constantly keeping in touch with your child's teacher is through emailing them or in dedicated virtual groups made on social media platforms. Try to keep the conversation formal during working hours itself. Indulge in seeking insightful input from the teacher and try to gain clarity over things that you are doubtful about. Slowly, you might develop a comfortable equation with the teacher where both the parties included can freely share their thoughts.

• Be Welcoming

Try to have a positive outlook and do not indulge in blame games. As a parent, you must try to understand that making the teacher comfortable and developing a relationship of trust is the best way to move forward. It is very normal to have a fair share of doubts and differences, but these have to be put forward in a very formal manner. Let the teacher also present their opinion as there might be another side to the situation as well. Being welcoming towards the teacher's opinion is going to create a huge difference.

• Extend Help

Other than expecting help from the teacher, you should also try to extend as much help as possible from your end as well. This may include providing the teacher with extra resources such as books and reading material, insights, and extra information. Taking the initiative during competitions and other important events in school, when the teacher might need an extra helping hand. Try to take responsibility to foster a relationship of reliance between yourself and the teacher.

• Discuss Individualized Plans

If you have any specific requirements, then it is better to discuss them with your child's teacher to develop a collaborative plan that aligns with your child's demands. This may cater to any behavioral abnormalities or learning disabilities. Being in touch with your child's teacher can foster a relationship of trust where there is understanding from both ends. This helps in making sure that both the parents and the teacher are working in the same direction to improve a child's performance.

Conclusion

A positive relationship between a parent and a teacher is highly beneficial for a child. By fostering a dynamic collaboration, both the parents and the teacher can contribute massively to a child's foundational learning and future success. Hence, parents must make the effort to collaborate with the teachers and formulate a positive relationship of empowerment and partnership.