Write a Letter to Your Child’s Teacher
Today my six-year-old son received a letter from his 2nd grade teacher. He will have the same teacher my oldest daughter had last year so we were expecting her letter. Each year the teacher mails a letter to each of her students to introduce herself and asks the children to have an adult at home write a letter to her about the student. She even encourages the child to write one if he desires.
Most, if not all, teachers will appreciate a letter from parents. She can read it at her leisure. It’s a written, tangible record of your contact with her. You can provide her with all of your contact information. Most importantly, you can explain information about your adopted child in a semi-private manner. Here are some suggestions you may find helpful:
Keep it simple. This isn’t the time to go in depth about every concern or tidbit of information about your adopted child. You are briefing the teacher to make him aware of something that could arise between the first day of school and the first parent-teacher conference.
Include all of your contact information. Specify what method is the best way to contact you, including what time of day is best. However, keep in mind that your best method of contact might be inconvenient for the teacher. Ask in your letter for the teacher to share with you her best method and time of contact.
Provide a few resources for the teacher. Be careful to avoid information overload, but do provide a few sources of information for the teacher to read at his leisure. If you have a brochure or short article to help explain a point, include it with the letter. If there is a book you hope the teacher will read, include the title and author. If you have a copy of the book, offer to loan it to him.
Be judicious when sharing private information. Some private information is beneficial to the child-teacher relationship, some is not necessary to share. For example, if your child was in a situation before coming to your home where teachers were to be feared, share that information with your child’s teacher. Of course, you’ll most likely want to share any information about learning differences. If it is something that could affect your child’s academic performance or behavior, share it. If the information will not affect your child at school, don’t share it with the teacher.
By now, most schools are either in session or gearing up to begin. If your school is already in session, that’s okay. Most likely, you’re only a week or two into the school year. Tailor the letter to fit your situation. Some situations may warrant a meeting with your child’s teacher before the first day of school. Contact your child’s teacher as soon as possible to schedule a meeting.
Copyright © 2007 Becky Wilson. All Rights Reserved.
Photo credit: Stock.xchng
August 25th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
I’ve been thinking about writing a letter to my son’s teacher. We had some challanges last year (http://www.sympathypain.com/its-hard) so I want her to know his history. It’s also a chance for the non primary parent to have a voice.
August 25th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
Hi Bryan! I read your blog entry. I’m sorry to hear about the trouble your son is experiencing.
I believe a letter to the teacher is definitely warranted as well as a sit down meeting with you, your wife (?), your son’s mother and your son’s teacher. I would schedule one ASAP.
Something about the situation is causing fear and intense frustration in your child. Finding the root of that will go a long way in helping him feel safe and comfortable. He may not improve in his spelling - some people just can not spell well - but he can come to place where he does not feel a need to control and attack his mother.
Best wishes to you and your family. I’ll watch your blog to check for updates. Feel free to update here, too, if you like.