This post was created on 08/07/2019.

Whether your child is starting school for the first time, entering a new classroom, or in a year-round program, back-to-school time is a good chance to connect with your child’s teachers. Here are some tips for supporting your child in school.

Connect with teachers

• Establish relationships with your child’s teachers—it confirms to your child that his teachers are important adults in your life as well as his. Let teachers know how to contact you and that you are interested in what is happening at school.
• Every family’s schedule is different. Tell teachers when you’re available. If you can’t help during school hours, ask how else you might become involved. Attend class events and meetings whenever you can, and let teachers know if your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend.

Participate in School

• Sign up to volunteer when possible—even an hour a month makes a difference.
• Attend school events when you can—it helps your child see that you value school and what is happening there.

Add learning at home (reading, writing, math, science, and social studies) to your day

• Take your child to the library and register for a library card if she doesn’t have one.
• Read books before bedtime.
• Make or sign birthday and holiday cards together.
• Let your child measure ingredients as you cook together and count items in your basket at the grocery store.
• Go on a nature walk and talk about what you see.
• Visit places in your community (post office, museum, fire station).

To view more tips, visit www/naeyc.org.