Getting it Together
                                                  The Children's Therapy Center Newsletter

                 THE DYNAMIC DUO - PARENT & TEACHER
                                                                                                              By Teri Allen, OTR

Holy school books, Batman!  How will we ever get this little Joker through the school year?  If you are feeling this way as the new
school year approaches, remember no one knows your little joker better than you.  You are an expert at knowing his likes and dislikes,
what upsets or motivates him and what gives him difficulty or pleasure in school.  His teacher is experienced and knowledgeable in
educational techniques and subject matter.  Working as a team, you and your child's teacher can enhance his potential for a
successful year.

To be a dynamic duo, you must appreciate each others' strength and limitations.  For most effective results you will want to develop
mutual goals and a plan of action.  Because the teacher cannot anticipate every child's special needs, you need to initiate a dialogue
with her.

Open House and Parent -Teacher conferences are the traditional time to get acquainted; however, if your child struggles with learning,
behavior, attention, coordination or emotional control, it is wise to meet before school starts.  This early meeting will give the teacher
more time to spend with you and to consider strategies to help your child.  Once school starts, she won't have to spend precious time
identifying his problems by trial and error; she can concentrate on meeting the goals you have defined together.

To make your meeting more effective:
  • call ahead and make an appointment
  • do not bring your child
  • make a list of the issues you need to discuss and avoid getting sidetracked
  • be prepared with concrete suggestions
  • If your child is receiving assistance out side of the school such as therapy or tutoring, bring written information and reports
    from these services &encourage communication between these professionals and the teacher
  • explain any medical problems, unusual fears, unusual eating habits, etc.
  • be realistic in what you expect from the teacher.  She must work within the state laws and guidelines and she has 26 or 27
    other students who also need her attention.
  • take notes of your meeting.
  • come away with a plan of action with which you both feel comfortable and a plan for continuing communication

This initial meeting is your first step.  It's critical to continue the dialogue you started. As a dynamic duo you need to be action-oriented
and flexible.  Be prepared to change your strategy if you aren't
succeeding.  The teacher is the expert in education, but don't underestimate the need for your involvement.  You are the only member
of the duo that will still be involved with your child next year.

                                                               GOOD LUCK!
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Children's Therapy Center
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copyright  2006 Children's Therapy Center
CHILDREN'S THERAPY
CENTER of Battle Creek, MI
helping your child succeed!
CHILDREN'S THERAPY
CENTER of Battle Creek, MI
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