Have you ever considered that you and your child’s preschool teachers are partners who effectively shape your child’s journey in the early years? When the child’s main caregivers collaborate, the synergy between them can become a powerful catalyst for his or her growth and development.
As with all relationships, a significant amount of effort is required. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of building a robust parent-teacher relationship, focusing on its key benefits such as the positive impact on child development, preparation for the transition to primary school and improved understanding of a child’s behaviour and needs.
The Benefits of Parent-Teacher Relationships for Preschoolers
Positive impact on child’s development
When parents and teachers work together, the collaboration can yield a myriad of benefits, impacting every facet of a child’s growth, from social development to even academic achievements. Studies even suggest that strong parent-teacher relationships also nurture emotionally healthy children!
At Star Learners, we actively update parents on their child’s learning journey in school, fostering a culture where learning experiences seamlessly extend from classroom to home. Parents can easily access such information via the Star Learners Parent App, a tech tool built specially to foster home-preschool partnerships. For instance, we may share with parents the themes and topics for the term, as well as showcase related activities that their child is involved in at the preschool. Parents can then reinforce and augment the learning by carrying out the same activities at home, or find similar resources that their child will enjoy.
Positive impact on child’s development
When parents and teachers work together, the collaboration can yield a myriad of benefits, impacting every facet of a child’s growth, from social development to even academic achievements. Studies even suggest that strong parent-teacher relationships also nurture emotionally healthy children!
At Star Learners, we actively update parents on their child’s learning journey in school, fostering a culture where learning experiences seamlessly extend from classroom to home. Parents can easily access such information via the Star Learners Parent App, a tech tool built specially to foster home-preschool partnerships.
For instance, we may share with parents the themes and topics for the term, as well as showcase related activities that their child is involved in at the preschool. Parents can then reinforce and augment the learning by carrying out the same activities at home, or find similar resources that their child will enjoy.
This collaborative approach enables parents and teachers to create learning environments that mirror both the ones at home and in school, facilitating continuous learning and growth.
Improved understanding of the child’s behaviour, needs and personality
Sharing insights into a child’s personality enhances the ability of both parents and teachers to support the child effectively. By exchanging information, teachers gain valuable knowledge that can help in tailoring their approaches to the child’s unique needs and interests.
For example, if a teacher has problems getting a child to focus on reading, insights from parents regarding the child’s interests, such as a love for vehicles, can guide the teacher in selecting relevant reading materials.
Vice versa, this collaboration extends to teachers providing parents with insights into effective learning strategies for their child, such as taking advantage of a child’s interest in puzzles to foster their logical and mathematical skills.
Preparation for a smooth transition into primary school
One significant advantage of a strong parent-teacher relationship is its role in preparing children for major transitions. The transition to primary school is an example of a major change – and in that sense, it can be a challenge. By aligning discussions between parents and teachers, children receive consistent guidance, ensuring a clear understanding of what to expect during this pivotal change.
At Star Learners, we often engage parents of our K1 and K2 children in conversations about preparing for primary school, fostering a unified approach that eases the transition process. This collaborative effort ensures that both parents and teachers actively contribute to a seamless transition, minimising potential challenges that the child may face.
Preparation for a smooth transition into primary school
One significant advantage of a strong parent-teacher relationship is its role in preparing children for major transitions. The transition to primary school is an example of a major change – and in that sense, it can be a challenge. By aligning discussions between parents and teachers, children receive consistent guidance, ensuring a clear understanding of what to expect during this pivotal change.
At Star Learners, we often engage parents of our K1 and K2 children in conversations about preparing for primary school, fostering a unified approach that eases the transition process.
This collaborative effort ensures that both parents and teachers actively contribute to a seamless transition, minimising potential challenges that the child may face.
How to Build the Parent-Teacher Relationship in Preschool
So, it is clear that there are benefits to parents and preschool teachers having a strong relationship. Below are some tips that can get you started on building one!
1
Create open channels of communication
Establishing open channels of communication is fundamental to a strong parent-teacher relationship. With that, both you and your child’s teachers can reach out at any time for clarifications, guidance or updates.
Sometimes, it may be up to you to initiate this by establishing the channel for the teachers. Good preschools, however, will provide for such channels. At Star Learners, we leverage our Parent App to facilitate regular updates, share developmental milestones and provide a glimpse into the child’s daily activities through photos and/ or videos. This transparent communication ensures that parents are consistently informed and engaged in their child’s educational journey.
2
Practise consistency in checking-in
Regular face-to-face check-ins are great for staying updated on your child’s progress. These can be brief, informal chats during daily pick-ups or drop-offs.
For more in-depth discussions, scheduled meetings, such as parent-teacher meetings held twice a year at Star Learners, offer a platform for parents to engage directly with teachers and address any concerns.
Enrol your child in a preschool that values parent-teacher relationships
If you want to reap the benefits of strong parent-teacher relationships for children, enrol your child in a preschool that actively supports and encourages such partnerships. Star Learners, with our commitment to strong home-school collaboration, provides an ideal environment for your child’s holistic development.
Let us be that partner in parenting by taking the first step to register your interest for a virtual tour at any of our 44 Star Learners centres island-wide!
