Note: Next week, after all work is done, I am planning the big reveal of my classroom. I am SUPER excited!
I have been spending quite a few hours in my classroom trying to get it ready for the new school year. It has really been Spring Cleaning in July (and August). At times I think that I took on more than I could handle, but envisioning the final product is what keeps me going (or at least that is what my cardio instructor says). There have been lots and I mean LOTS of throwing away, giving away, and recycling.
While cleaning, I came across an old lunch menu and I could not help but think about my students and the trading that takes place during lunch. It was here that the idea for my post emerged. It was an ‘aha’ moment. As a matter of fact, I started thinking about all the things I wished I had told or warned parents, but somehow forgot.
The following list includes the TOP 5 things I am convinced every teacher wishes parents would know. I hope you find this list informative. So here it goes:
Number 1: Be realistic about what your child really eats
You pack your child a healthy and nutritious lunch. You even include some celery and carrots to add some fiber into his/her diet. When your child gets home from school, you are happy to see that all the food is gone (including the celery sticks!). Well, while I am glad to report that your child did not throw the ‘celery’ away, it is very likely he/she traded those veggies for a sugary drink or some crunchy fried chips. My point? Have an honest conversation with your child and try to reach a compromise. Maybe celery does not cut it, but kale chips might. This is something you (parents/caregivers) do not have much control over, so you need to be realistic and talk about the importance of healthy eating (again!).
Number 2: Every child needs a water bottle
While teacher classroom policies vary, every child needs to have sufficient water to carry him/her through the day. Yes, schools have water fountains, but do not get me started on germs. If your child’s teacher happen to ‘not’ allow water in the classroom, talk to him/her and let them know that this is sort of a….non-negotiable situation. However, water does NOT equal fruit punch. I will allow water no problem (it can be easily cleaned), but will not allow sugary drinks in my class. Sorry.
Number 3: Know you child’s daily schedule
I cannot emphasize how important this is as it can determine how prepared you send your child to school. This particularly applies to P.E. days (physical education), field trips, and other activities that require your child to engage in constant physical activity. While dresses are really adorable, they are not the most comfortable running attire.
Number 4: Keep us posted of any family changes/major events (whether positive or negative)
Children can react very differently to challenging family situations both at home and school. Teachers, want nothing but the best for their students; unfortunately, we are not mind readers. Please let us know of any major events happening at home. This can be a difficult topic to share, but TRUST me on this one; teachers need this information to better serve your child (make adjustments, exceptions, etc). Whether divorce, separation, family member moving away or family member in town, we can together devise a plan and avoid issues.
Number 5: Let us know of any health conditions that may affect your child’s behavior/performance at school
Teachers have seen it all and again, the more information we have the better we will be able to serve your child and help you with school related activities/assignments. Has your child had a bad experience on a fire drill, and he/she is petrified of them? He/she really struggles to make new friends each year and needs extra help? Does your child have any allergies (dairy/peanuts/gluten)? He/she has severe anxiety and needs reassurance at pick up time (reassurance that you will be there)? Communicate with us. We really appreciate it.
So, are you ready for the new school year? Hope you are. It will be a great 2013-2014 school year.
Much love,
Kelly
Thank you for this list Kelly! My daughter starts kinder in a few weeks and I’m starting to feel like a deer in headlights, lol. This was very helpful
!
Thank you! So glad I was able to shed some light…I am sure your daughter will do great in kinder.
Kelly
I agree with the above comment, my baby is going to kinder, too! I’m making notes for our parent-teacher meeting next week. Thanks!
Dear Frances,
I am sure your little one will do just fine. I love how you are already keeping in mind things you want to discuss on the P/T conferences.
Good luck to you and your baby!!!!
Abrazos,
Kelly
Liked the post. Found number 5 extremely helpful. I am however, concerned that the first point makes the assumption that food is being shared. At public schools in our state, Virginia, and in our neighboring state of Maryland and the District of Columbia food sharing is not allowed, nor encouraged to avoid food allergy health issues. It is school policy that is enforced daily. If children are swaping food, then the conversation parents should be having is to encourage not to share food (explaining the potentially life threatening risks of food allergies), finding that middle-ground about food alernatives, and encouraging children to bring home what they do not eat.
I hope you consider revising the post.
Dear CAJE 26,
Thank you for your comment and THANK YOU for sharing school policies in Virginia/Maryland and the District of Columbia. It is really informative to learn about the different laws across states and how they can vary. Personally I have worked in both Florida and California, and while NO school would encourage food sharing, it is something that happens. I know of schools that even have a “share” table where children place things they would not eat, for other to have. I am too-super careful with food and the potential food allergies that can come with it.
My intention with this article is not to challenge school policies, but rather let parents know what I have seen and what does happen. I would love for parents and children to have the discussion about food sharing additionally to eating healthy.
Parents, teachers, and caregivers are always teaching children the importance of sharing, yet exceptions exist….a hard concept for the little ones. As a former fifth grade teacher, it is heart breaking to know that one of my student’s only meal come from school and classmates share their food with her to take home.
My only hope is that this article opens communication channels at home…
Thank you so much for your feedback.
Kelly
Sorry, but there’s no kid on the planet who would trade celery sticks for a sugary drink. They probably DID get thrown away! HAHA. Great article though…love to hear directly from teachers.
You are hilarious! Thank you for reading my post.
Abrazos,
Kelly
Love the insight from a teacher! Great points and reminder before the new school year. Thanks!
You are welcome Amanda. Thank YOU for stopping by.
Kelly.