by Heather Huff

Created on: July 13, 2009   Last Updated: July 25, 2009

If you are the parent of a child who attends primary school, there are things you can do to help your child have a smooth-sailing and happy school year. It doesn't take boatloads of time or money and you will be glad you paid attention to these tips straight from a teacher.

1. Planning ahead: At the start of the summer, go onto your state Department of Education's website for the upcoming year's curriculum. Print it and post it on your refrigerator for a quick guide. If you don't have a computer, ask the school to get it for you or go to your area library. If your child will be learning multiplication for the upcoming school year, get a head start on it over the summer. You can practice these anywhere: in line at the store or in the car, for example.

2. Open house: Go to the open house before school starts. It is important to meet whom your child will be spending the day with, and it's equally important for the teacher to know who you are. On open house day, your teacher probably won't have a ton of time to speak to you on an individual basis about your child, so you can always schedule another time. Also, open house is where you will get important paperwork to fill out for your child to return on the first day. Which brings us to the next tip...

3. Paperwork: Return any paperwork the school or teacher needs as soon as possible. Doing so tells the teacher you care about your child and his/her education. It may provide the school with important information, such as emergency contacts or health info. Your time and the teacher's time are very valuable. It strains a teacher to spend time tracking down paperwork from students. If you get a form from your school or teacher, fill it out and return it. End of story.

4. Parent/teacher communication: Believe me, I love to have open communication with parents. However, it is counter-productive to write your child's teacher long letters, or letters every day, if you have questions or concerns. One mother would write me long letters about various things regarding her child. By the end of the school year, I had an enormous stack from her. It is best to speak in person, by phone, or write a short and sweet note. On this same topic, show up for parent/teacher conferences. It is a great time to give and get information about your child's progress.

5. Homework: Set a schedule and assigned area in the home for homework time. The less distractions, the better. If you have other children, try to keep them occupied

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