As the school year wraps up and the anticipation of summer fills the air, I’ve been reflecting on my seven years as an elementary school educator. Throughout this time, I’ve encountered wonderful parents and, admittedly, had to hold back my frustration with a few others. Now, as I take a break to focus on being a stay-at-home mom with my first child, I feel it’s the perfect moment to share some insights that many teachers wish parents knew.
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Homework Can Be Counterproductive.
I assigned homework mainly because it was mandated by the district. While reading is crucial, forcing kids to do it can turn a potential passion into a dreaded chore. Surprisingly, I found no notable difference in academic performance between students who diligently completed their homework and those who didn’t. Kids actually gain more from social interactions with friends than from repetitive math drills.
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Teachers Aren’t Out to Be Mean.
No teacher enters this profession for fame or fortune; it’s all about a passion for education and a love for children. If your child thinks I’m “mean,” it’s often because they aren’t following classroom rules and need to face the consequences. Holding students accountable shows that we care about their learning and success.
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Children Sometimes Stretch the Truth.
Even the most well-behaved child may exaggerate or misrepresent situations to avoid trouble. Please don’t rush to blame the teacher without getting the full story. Instead, foster honesty in your child; letting them know that mistakes are okay is important.
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Teaching Is Only a Small Part of the Job.
When I envisioned teaching, I imagined engaging lessons and bright-eyed students. The reality involves countless meetings—many of which feel pointless. So, when you ask for a meeting and have to wait weeks, it’s often due to a packed schedule filled with discussions that aren’t always productive.
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Leadership Matters.
The effectiveness of a principal can greatly influence a school’s environment. A supportive principal can make teachers eager to come to work, while a poor one can lead to overwhelming dissatisfaction.
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Kindness Goes a Long Way.
Teachers tend to respond more positively to parents who approach them with kindness. We’re all on the same team when it comes to a child’s success. Polite requests often yield better outcomes than demands.
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Grades in Elementary School Are Not the End of the World.
Trust me, a B in second-grade math won’t ruin your child’s chances of getting into Harvard. Admissions counselors understand that kids develop at different paces and don’t scrutinize outdated report cards.
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Teachers Enjoy a Good Drink.
If you spot a teacher out for a drink, consider treating them. They likely just survived a challenging day filled with various stresses. And yes, we appreciate Target gift cards for holiday presents!
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We Have Lives Outside of School.
While many of us are dedicated to our jobs, we also cherish our time with family. Don’t expect immediate responses to emails late at night, just as you wouldn’t expect your doctor to reply at odd hours.
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Awards Should Reflect Effort.
Not every student deserves a trophy. While I celebrate every child’s contributions in class, giving awards for non-academic achievements can diminish the value of those who genuinely earned them.
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Kids Share Their Parents’ Opinions.
If you speak negatively about a teacher in front of your child, they may relay that sentiment back to us. This can harm the respect and rapport necessary for effective teaching.
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Cupcakes Aren’t Always Welcome.
We love celebrating birthdays, but sticky icing and crumbs can be a nightmare. Alternative treats like cookies or juice boxes are much easier to manage.
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Standardized Tests Don’t Define Your Child.
These tests primarily measure memorization skills, not true understanding or potential.
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Let Kids Be Kids.
Avoid hovering over your child. Allow them to engage in unstructured play, which is essential for their social development.
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No News Can Be Good News.
If you don’t hear from us often, it usually means your child is doing well. But don’t hesitate to ask for updates!
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Trust Our Expertise.
Just as you wouldn’t question a doctor’s diagnosis, trust the advice of qualified teachers. We’ve been trained and have valuable insights to offer.
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Don’t Use Your Child for Competition.
Every child has unique strengths. Avoid comparing them to others, as this can create unnecessary pressure and anxiety.
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Rules Apply to Everyone.
School policies are in place for safety. Cutting in line or bending rules teaches children that they don’t need to follow guidelines.
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Behavior Changes in Groups.
Kids sometimes act differently in school than at home. This exploration of boundaries is part of growing up.
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We Value Involved Parents.
Engaged parents help students succeed. Join us for lunch or volunteer at events; it makes a significant difference in your child’s school experience.
I’ve had the privilege of forming meaningful relationships with incredible students and parents alike. Teaching can be challenging yet deeply rewarding. Hopefully, as summer approaches, parents gain a renewed appreciation for the work educators do.
For more insights on home insemination and parenting, check out our blog. Additionally, for useful resources on pregnancy, consider visiting WebMD and Make A Mom.
Summary: This article outlines crucial insights that elementary school teachers wish parents understood, covering topics such as the impact of homework, the importance of kindness, and the value of trust in professional advice. It emphasizes fostering a positive relationship between parents and teachers for a child’s success.