“After 10 years in teaching, what I want, above all, is that parents open up to me as I do with them. I tell the parents of my students that I am the mother of a girl and that even if I am a teacher, I cannot carry out all of my child’s study plan. I also mention that my daughter is followed privately by a special education technician to learn how to better manage her emotions. In short, I expose that I am also on the run and that I do the best that I can… I like that they communicate with me what they live at home, if they had a crisis to manage , etc. I would rather receive too many messages than row alone. »
“Sometimes as a parent, we would prefer that our child not take medication. And during the summer, we take a break. When school starts again, some parents may secretly wish that the maturity gained by the child during the summer would mean that medication is no longer necessary… It is important to talk about this with the teacher. »
“I like to know if the child wears glasses… Some children leave them in their bag or locker, and you learn well after school starts that they have to wear them. I also like that the parent tells me if he has any allergies, if he is followed by a specialist and if there is a particular family situation, such as shared custody. »
“Beyond the student, who is the child? What are his habits at home, his relationships with family, his little challenges? What is his vision for the school and are there any winning practices with him? This is the information I like to know at the beginning of the year. »
“I like to know the frailties and vulnerabilities of the child. What are the parents’ concerns about his development or school career? What works well and less well with the child, and what can lead him, for example, to withdraw into himself? »
“I like it when parents tell me if a significant event happened at school or with a teacher in a previous year. Also, I prefer to know if the child has particularities and if certain means can help him in class. »
“A parent who tells me the best and worst of their child, honestly, builds trust. At the beginning of the year, it’s worth gold. It sends the message that we can team up during the year. »
“Does the child like school?” How is homework and home study going? I don’t give homework, but I like to know how it went for him in the past. Also, does the child have friends at school? Is he more shy or outgoing? »
“As a teacher, I like to know if the child has recurring physical problems, even if they are not serious. For example, does he often need to use the toilet? Also, I like to know what his strengths and challenges are and what is the best way for him to learn. »
“It makes all the difference when parents speak positively about the school to their children…and are confident that the teacher is doing all she can for the well-being of her students. I like to receive all relevant information related to the child such as diagnoses, observations, family changes, etc. And I really like that they listen if the teacher notices difficulties or behaviors different from those they can observe at home. »
