What Teachers Wish Parents Knew Before the First Day
As the new school year approaches, parents often prepare their children with supplies and schedules, but teachers have insights that can make the first day—and the entire year—go smoother for everyone. Here’s what teachers wish parents knew to help set up their child for success from day one.
1. Teach Independence and Responsibility
Teachers want children to arrive with basic self-care skills and independence. This includes:
· Using the restroom independently and managing personal hygiene.
· Tying their own shoes or fastening Velcro if shoe-tying isn’t mastered.
· Managing belongings like backpacks, lunch money, and homework responsibly.
These seemingly small skills allow teachers to focus on teaching without spending time on basic care tasks.
2. Prepare Kids for Following Rules and Social Skills
Schools have rules that need consistent reinforcement. Teachers urge parents to:
· Teach children that rules apply to everyone and should be respected.
· Encourage children to take turns, be good sports, and handle losing gracefully—lessons often practiced through board games and cooperative play at home.
· Foster positive social interactions and the ability to self-advocate when they need help or feel overwhelmed.
Learning to navigate social situations and school expectations ahead of time helps kids settle in quicker.
3. Establish Consistent Routines Early
Teachers notice that kids who practice school-like routines at home—regular bedtimes, mornings structured with checklists, and practicing school-day activities—adjust better on the first day. A predictable routine lessens anxiety and helps kids know what to expect.
4. Promote a Love of Reading and Learning
One universal wish is for parents to foster a love of reading at home. Reading together and encouraging children to explore books builds vocabulary, critical thinking, and confidence that strongly supports academic success. Teachers recommend reading fun, engaging books—not just classics—and discussing stories to build comprehension skills.
5. Support Teachers and Communicate Respectfully
Teachers appreciate parents who:
· Support classroom rules and respect their professional decisions.
· Communicate concerns thoughtfully, not during chaotic drop-off times, but by arranging meetings or sending notes.
· Show appreciation for teachers’ hard work, which often goes beyond school hours.
· Volunteer when possible and participate in parent-teacher conferences as partners in the child’s education.
A positive parent-teacher relationship creates a better learning environment and models respect for authority.
6. Encourage Resilience and Problem Solving
Mistakes and challenges are inevitable parts of learning. Parents can help kids develop resilience by teaching them to:
· Embrace setbacks as opportunities to grow.
· Seek help when needed.
· Tackle problems independently before asking for adult intervention.
This mindset prepares children to face academic and social challenges confidently.
7. Prepare Practical Skills
Some practical skills that teachers mention which greatly ease classroom transitions include:
· Opening food packaging and handling lunch on their own.
· Knowing their way around their school, route, and routines (practice walking the route if possible).
· Managing personal belongings like coats, zippers, and bathroom needs independently.
By preparing your child in these areas, you reduce stress for both your child and your teacher.
Starting school is a big step for children, and with your guidance in these areas, the transition can be smoother and more confident. Teaching independence, social skills, and a love of learning before the first bell rings truly sets the stage for a successful school year. Your support of teachers and their efforts also makes a meaningful difference that benefits everyone involved.
With these insights from educators, you’ll help your child—and their teacher—start the year off on the right foot.