Summer’s almost over and now it’s Back to School time! As a parent it is important to know what your child is learning and doing in school. Here are some questions to ask your child’s teacher during orientation and/or the first week of school.
Curriculum
- What topics will you be covering this term?
- What can I expect my child to have learned by the end of the term?
- What are the types of “unique” learning activities do you do in class (gardening, cooking, building, ect.)?
- What type of physical education activities will my child be participating in?
Schedule
- What is my child’s schedule during the day?
- How much time is spent outdoors?
- Can I see a sample teaching plan for the week?
- What type of physical education activities will my child be participating in?
- What are the rainy day activities when the children cannot go outside
Supplies
- What supplies should my child bring to school?
- What supplies should we have at home to assist my child (flash cards, work sheets, crayons, chalk board, glue, etc.)?
- What books should we purchase to keep at home?
Food
- What types of snacks are allowed at school?
- Will my child be provided lunch at school?
- What types of food do you serve at school?
- Can I see a sample menu?
After School
- How much outside homework is my child expected to do after school?
- Will my child be able to do this homework by himself or will it require adult supervision?
- Are there any extra-curricular activities you can recommend to help him with what he learns at school (Mandarin tutor, math class, drama, sports)?
Communication
- What is the best way to communicate with the teacher? Email, text, phone call, written note?
- Who do I contact if my child is sick?
- How do I pick up missed assignments?
- Get a list of the important school contact numbers.
Discuss Your Childs Needs
- Special foods, allergies or medical requirements for your child.
- For younger children, discuss potty training, special toys, names of caregivers and any other things that might make the transition to school/a new class easier.
Parent Involvement
- What type of parent involvement do you require?
- Do you want any parent volunteers to help out with class activities?
Let me know if you have any other “super” questions to ask the teacher and I will add it to my list.
