Katie's Take
What role can parents play in helping their child succeed in the classroom?
I asked education expert Carol Davis, who says parental involvement is fundamental to a child's education and it's all about striking the right balance and establishing a partnership with teachers early on.
Numerous studies have shown that children whose parents actively communicate with their teachers see better results both socially and academically. That said, it's difficult for any parent who works full time to be at every parent/teacher meeting or parents' day at school. Luckily, email has made it much easier to communicate with teachers and quickly relay information about a child's performance or needs.
But Davis also warns parents shouldn't be overly involved in the classroom or hover like helicopters watching everything that happens there. Kids need to learn independence and experience success, disappointment and failure on their own in order to grow emotionally.
Teachers also have a lot on their plates, often having to deal with overcrowded classrooms and busy schedules, so Davis says you should avoid ambushing them with questions or concerns at the very beginning or end of the school day.
In other words, schedule an appointment.
Finally, keep in mind that teachers are on your team. As the saying goes, "it takes a village," and teachers and parents working together create a stronger, more supportive learning environment.