As a concerned parent, you are aware of many ways to help your child succeed in school. One opportunity for involvement that you might not have thought of is classroom observation.
Although it may seem difficult to arrange to attend your child’s classes, the benefits can be immense. You have the right to observe any of your child’s public school classes whenever you want, and without notice.
Go to the reception desk in the administration building and tell them you would like to observe your child’s class. Let the teacher know you’re a parent of one of the students, and that you would like to observe. Find a seat and settle in.
Here’s what to look for when you observe a class. Does the teacher use a variety of instructional strategies? Do they check for and address common student misconceptions? Do they make content clear and reinforce it in many ways? Do they motivate students and encourage their participation in class? Do they give students specific, timely feedback on their work? Does the teacher maintain clear expectations for academic and social behavior? Is the environment positive? If a teacher does these things, you should see a classroom full of engaged students.
Observe each of your child’s academic classes once during the third or fourth week of school. This gives the class time to settle into a routine and gives you an idea of what a typical class is like. Make those arrangements as soon as possible. You’ll get a feel for the teacher’s style and what he or she expects of your child.
If your child has any trouble during the semester, this will prepare you to discuss options for their success. If your child says he’s having trouble, you could go back and observe the class again. Confer with the teacher to discuss your child’s concerns in a more informed manner. Any teacher worth their salt will welcome parental involvement. They know it leads to student success.
Diane Trautman can be reached at StudyPros In-Home Tutoring, 661-296-9206, or www.studypros.com.