For dedicated teachers, the end of the year is always hard.
Everyone is looking forward to the end of the school year. That can lead to a lackadaisical attitude about wrapping up at school. Especially now, after testing, there might be the feeling that not much more is left to be done.
There’s still plenty to do to set your child up for success in the next school year. One of which is having a year-end conversation with their teacher. Here are some things to ask before the doors close for the last time.
Is my child ready for the next grade?
This one is common sense, but you might get a surprising answer. Grades and scores aren’t 100% reflective of potential. Just because your child has apparently passed the class and showed proficiency on the assessments might not mean they are ready for the next step.
You might hear things about study skills, or focus in class, or skills that might not have been a big focus this year but will be front-and-center in the next grade. The truth is, very few students are ready for success in day 1 of the new school year. There will be a period of adjustment.
Is there anything they can do to help themselves over the summer?
There are plenty of ways for students to help themselves prepare for the next school year. Don’t be surprised if the first answer is reading. It’s the best way to head off the summer brain drain. Many schools offer a summer reading list for kids who need suggestions.
Your teacher will have many other ideas gathered from their experience. All of those “What I did over summer vacation” assignment add up.
Is there anything we can do?
The answer might be as simple as turning off the TV or providing opportunities to explore knowledge. It can also be to provide some summertime tutoring to bolster some skills with which the child is struggling. Again, the teacher will have plenty of ideas in this area.
Are there any materials we can take with us?
The teacher might let you borrow a textbook, or give you a list of websites on which the student can work. It beats having to hunt for materials yourself.
Thank you!
For dedicated teachers, the end of the year is always hard. They hate saying goodbye to students who they have grown close to and have helped shape into the people they currently are. Make sure you let the teacher know how much you appreciate their efforts.