Starting a new school year is an exciting time for kids and parents. One of the best ways to help yours succeed is by establishing a strong relationship with their new teacher. By asking thoughtful questions early on, you can understand the classroom expectations, learning goals, and how best to support your child throughout the year.
Building a connection with your kid’s new teacher from the beginning of the school year ensures clear communication and sets the stage for your young one’s success. These questions open the door to a collaborative relationship where you and the teacher work toward the same goal — helping your child thrive. These are 12 questions to ask their new teacher this school year.
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What are your learning goals for the class this year?
Understanding what the teacher hopes to achieve helps you see the bigger picture of the year ahead. Ask about the subjects and skills the instructor plans to emphasize and how success will be measured. This will give you an outline for supporting your young one’s learning at home.
How do I encourage reading at home?
Creating a love for reading at home is key to building strong literacy skills and ensuring academic success later on. Ask your kid’s educator for tips on how to make reading an enjoyable part of your routine. The teacher can suggest age-appropriate books, strategies to make reading fun and ways to encourage comprehension. This approach ensures you’re reinforcing what your child learns in school and nurturing a habit that’ll benefit the student academically and personally.
How do you handle classroom behavior and discipline?
Every teacher has their own approach to classroom management. It’s helpful to know how they handle misbehavior and bullying, resolve conflicts, and encourage positive behavior. Asking this question will ensure you and the teacher are on the same page when it comes to discipline.
How much outdoor time do the kids get?
With increasing academic pressure and social media influence, children feel more stress than ever. Asking about outdoor time is crucial because physical activity and time spent outside have been shown to lower stress, improve mental health and boost focus. By understanding how much time there is for outdoor play, you can advocate for a balance that ensures their well-being inside and outside the classroom.
How do you prefer to communicate with parents?
Some teachers prefer email, while others may send weekly newsletters or use apps such as ClassDojo or Seesaw. Knowing their preferred method of communication will help you stay in the loop with your little one’s progress and any important updates.
What can I do at home to support my child's learning?
Teachers often appreciate it when parents want to be involved in their kid’s education. Ask for suggestions about activities, reading, extracurriculars, or homework routines that help reinforce what the children are learning in class.
What changes are happening in education?
Education is constantly evolving, with new teaching methods, curriculum updates, and technology. Asking this question helps you stay informed about shifts that may affect your child’s learning experience. Whether it’s adopting new educational standards, a focus on digital literacy, or changes in assessment methods, understanding these developments allows you to support them at home better and prepare them for the future.
How do you differentiate instruction for students with different learning needs?
In the United States, 15% of students aged 3 to 21 have some type of disability, with 32% of struggling with a learning disability, the Institute of Education Sciences notes. Every kid learns differently and at a different pace. It’s important to know how the teacher accommodates various learning styles, especially if your child has specific needs or challenges. You might also want to ask how the teacher challenge students who are ahead of the curve.
How do you approach homework?
Homework policies can vary greatly. Ask about the purpose of homework in your child’s class, how much time your young one should expect to spend on it, and how involved you should be in the process.
What are the classroom rules and expectations?
Some educators are stricter than others. Knowing the teacher’s rules and expectations helps you enforce them at home. Ask them about daily routines, the expected behavior, and what your kid needs to bring to class each day so no surprises pop up down the road.
How do you assess student progress?
Some teachers use tests, while others rely on projects, class participation, or continuous assessments throughout the year. Ask how the instructor will track and report your kid’s progress so you can stay informed about the student’s academic development.
How can I best support you as my child’s teacher?
Teachers are partners in your little one’s learning journey, and showing your willingness to support them makes a big difference. Whether it’s volunteering, attending parent-teacher meetings, or actively participating in your child’s education, asking this question builds a positive relationship.
