I've been a public school teacher for 23 years. Here are 4 things I wish every parent would know.
- I've been teaching kids for 23 years, and teaching is my passion.
- I wish parents would talk to their kids about the foods they like to eat.
I have a background in early education and reading intervention where I then taught kindergarten reading intervention for 13 years. Seven years ago, I was moved to English language learner Tutor support for many classroom teachers helping our students mostly in Portuguese and Spanish.
I had a heart attack last May and unfortunately, I had to retire this past July. I'm happy to say that I fully recovered and that I am still the supervisor for the early morning extended day program at our school and will likely be a substitute teacher. What can I say, teaching is my passion.
Here are four things I've learned in my 23 years of teaching that I wish every parent knew.
Hungry kids have a harder time learning
In preparing your children for school this fall, most parents don't realize how important their child's snack and lunch choices are. Many children end up throwing their snacks and lunch in the trash. Schools waste an incredible amount of food during breakfast, snacks, and lunch.
My suggestion is to talk with your child about what they like. Look over the monthly lunch menu together and make a decision on what to order ahead of time. Whether your child is buying school lunch or bringing lunch from home, it really makes a difference. If your child is hungry, they aren't going to learn.
Visit the school ahead of classes starting
Another good idea for the upcoming school year is to visit your child's school during the summer. Make an appointment with the school principal for a quick meet and greet. You'll be able to take a walk around the school, and this should alleviate anxiety for the child and the parents. Check out the cafeteria, the gym, the library, and, of course, the playground.
I would recommend attending any event offered by the school or your teacher. Some schools offer social gatherings — where incoming students and parents can meet informally.
One of my best friends is a second-grade teacher. About eight years ago, we started taking the class list she receives during the summer, and we began our tradition of dropping off a welcome note to her class and a small goody bag. We walked from house to house, visiting each family. We leave the bag on their front step if no one is home. For the families that we get to see, the joy and appreciation from the parents or parent or grandparent is priceless. This is such a welcomed surprise for both the child and the parent. Now, on the child's first day of school, they already know their teacher's face, which helps relieve some nervousness for them.
Label absolutely everything
Please make sure to label all of your child's personal belongings. This includes their backpack, clothing items, water bottles, etc. Every school I have ever been in has a huge lost and found. It just gets bigger and bigger as the year goes on. Also, as the year goes on, have your child bring an extra sweater or sweatshirt to school, as sometimes there are spills, and the weather can get wet or cold.
Read with your child
Reading is crucial during the summer and the school year. It's never too late to begin if you haven't been able to make the time. Continue with your child to motivate them to read or read with them daily. Help them by going to your local library or bookstore. Any reading is positive.
Your child will spend time on the Chrome book in school for English language, arts and math so that's another reason I like forming a habit of reading with children.