Back-to-School Tips for Parents and Teachers

By Kami-Leigh Agard

It’s that much anticipated, yet daunting time again—not just for children and parents—but teachers, therapists, school administrators, paraprofessionals and other special-needs education personnel. Back To School! A time when the transition from summertime freedom at home to being thrust into a new classroom or even a new school brings up a host of challenges for students, and we all feel it. While researching on how parents and special needs students can prepare for the new school year, I came across a gem of an article on autismawarenesscentre.com, authored by special-education veteran, Leslie Broun, M.Ed., titled, “Back to School Tips for Parents and Teachers.” Here are three tips that I thought would be helpful to not just children and parents, but school personnel tirelessly toiling every day in the field.

1) About Your Child

Parents:

Provide the teacher with as much information about your child with regard to their likes and dislikes, previous successful strategies, sensory sensitivities, favorite shows, pets, family members, history of communication skills and preferred activities. It can be particularly useful if you prepare an organized document for the teacher to reference.

Teachers:

Although time consuming, for students who are identified as having special learning needs, it is critical to read their school records to learn the student’s history. Read all psychological and occupational therapy assessments, making particular note of the most recent recommendations. Discuss with parents and incorporate them into the student’s program where possible. Also, spend time with your student to build a positive interaction pattern and build understanding of the teacher/student nature of your relationship.

2) Home/School Communication

Parents:

How information is shared between school and home is important. Determine what kind of format works for you. Note that teachers and paraprofessionals do not have the luxury of time to write down everything that occurred during the day. If there is a format that was previously successful and answered your needs, share it with your child’s new teacher. Pictures are also very helpful. Teachers can use this information as a basis for conversation and communication skill development with the student. If you have concerns or identify an area of difficulty, do not write about it in the communication book. Call the teacher. What we write can often be misinterpreted or blown out of proportion.

Teachers:

It is always helpful to keep in mind that a student with limited to no verbal skills cannot tell parents about their day. The communication book is their voice. However, you can involve the student in the home/school communication process as part of their literacy program. This may be with pictures, symbols or the printed word. With time and a consistent approach, this may increase the student’s awareness of the need to communicate information about the day to their family. Also, do not be overly sensitive if you receive written communication from a parent that appears to be aggressive, troubled or that suggests wrongdoing. A simple phone call can go miles.

3) When Something Happens

Parents:

If you are upset about a particular event or aspect of your child’s program, talk to the teacher about it. The first line of communication should always be the teacher. Keep in mind that talking during school hours may sometimes be impractical. Make an appointment to talk after school. Cool off, jot down your concerns and be ready to have an open dialogue.

Teachers:

If a parent is upset about something that has happened at school or if there is an area of concern, address the issue. It is crucially important to maintain good relationships with parents, and consistent communication yields positive and constructive results. Be a good listener. The goal of this kind of discussion is to improve the child’s situation and to maintain an ongoing good relationship between home and school. Both parties must be careful not to jump to conclusions or have preconceived notions about what the other is thinking, feeling or doing.

Share your thoughts by emailing kami@rockawaybeachautismfamilies.org. 

Join Rockaway Beach Autism Families at our monthly family support group meeting next Thursday, September 19, 7 p.m. at Knights of Columbus (333 Beach 90th Street). For more info, including upcoming events, visit: Rockaway Beach Autism Families on Facebook/Instagram.