It’s time to start thinking about going back to school. Besides the school supplies, what else can parents do to help our students get ready for going back to school? Part of this is also helping their teacher get ready as well.
If your child is changing schools this year, taking them to the new school before school starts and letting them see where they will be going to school can be a good introduction. Allowing your child to familiarize themself with a new environment can help decrease first-day-of-school anxiety.
Most students have a new teacher every school year. Schools often do not let us know our child’s teacher until right before school starts. Once we know the teacher’s name, we can share that with our student, and possibly see if the teacher’s photo is on the school’s website. For an anxious student, often we can ask the previous year if the student can briefly meet with the new teacher just before school starts just so that the student will have a name and a familiar face that first day.
Some students have the same teacher for several years. In that case, writing up a note for the teacher on any changes that have taken place over the summer or any news the teacher might like to know can be a great start, especially with younger or less verbal children.
We can and should expect that our child’s teacher will have read and understands the student’s IEP document. Still, we like to recommend that parents put together a one-page profile for their student. It includes a cute picture (that won’t be hard!) and three separate sections.
The first section is: what do you, the parents, like and admire about your child? What are their best qualities?
The second section is: what is important to the child? This is not about what their needs are such as something that keeps them healthy or safe. It is about what they like, and what makes them happy?
The third section is how to best support your student. This is where you share the tips that you know work. Do they need a verbal cue to get their attention? Do they get upset if their socks are not on straight?
Be as specific as possible when filling out this document, and please do keep it to just one page – even if you have to have wide margins.
Making a good first impression on your child’s teacher is critical. Don’t leave it to chance: contact Aspire Advocacy to help your child maximize their education.
For help at your child’s next IEP meeting, more information about our special education advocacy services, or for a FREE 20-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit for you, call or email today!
As parents, we understand. As advocates, we can help.