How to Leverage Established Teacher Relationships for Home Learning

The changes we've experienced in the last week are unprecedented. We are navigating a world we didn't expect to navigate as parents, balancing being parents, teachers, and employees at the same time. The experience of children in upper elementary and middle school is especially more challenging as they are accustomed to interacting with teachers about their learning (and tend to fight their parents about it).The relationships students have built with their teachers continue to be a priceless commodity. The distance will actually bring students and teachers closer as we're all looking for a way to socially connect while physically distancing.Catch yourself if you're arguing with your child about schoolwork, time management, quality of work, and so on, and ask your child if everything is ok. What's happening underneath likely has nothing to do with the assignment and everything to do with the sudden changes and missing face to face interactions with teachers and peers. When you have a moment later, reach out to your child's teacher and share your observations, challenges, and triumphs.Your child's teacher can help to coach your upper elementary and middle school student, giving feedback on their schedule or work. For example, a teacher suggesting that the child do his or her math during breakfast or right after yoga will be better received from a teacher than a parent. Use this connection and reach out to your child's teacher for support. We are here and thinking about you and your children and wanting to help and connect more than ever.