Willie’s teacher wrote a note to Willie’s mother. The note read: “I would appreciate it if you gave Willie more baths.” The mother wrote back: “Don’t smell Willie, learn him.”

That’s one example of parent-teacher communication. The parent-teacher interview is another example. Schools schedule parent-teacher interviews several times during the school year. However, you don’t have to wait for these interviews to talk to a teacher. If you need to talk to a teacher at any time during the school year, call and make an appointment.

It’s not always easy for parents to talk to teachers. But there are things you can do to make the most of interviews with teachers.

First of all, you should do a little preparation before the interview. Make sure you have seen a copy of your child’s report card. That sounds obvious, but report cards don’t always make it home. If you don’t have a report card, phone the school and get one. Talk to your child about how he or she is doing in school. Ask what subjects he or she enjoys and why. Find out the names of the teachers and the subjects they teach.

When you talk to the teachers, they will probably give you a good idea of how your child is doing in school. If you have questions, be sure to get answers. For example you might want to ask: “What can we do about Johnny’s reading problem? Who can help him with math? Does my child take part in class activities and discussions? Is my child happy in school? How can I help?” If you let the teacher know you are willing to do your part, things will be easier for everyone.

If you are pleased with how your child is doing in school, say so. The teachers will be happy to hear that. If you have some concerns, let the teacher or principal know. Make sure your child gets whatever help he or she needs in school. If you think your child needs counselling, make an appointment to talk to the counsellor. You should feel free to contact the school every now and then, whether your child has a problem or not.

Let the teachers know about any problems your child has that might affect school work. For example, does your son or daughter have diabetes, a kidney problem or some other condition? Don’t assume the teacher will know your child really does need to go to the bathroom every hour.

Parents and teachers are all trying to do what’s best for students. If everyone works together, your child will have a better chance of doing well in school.

Throw us a line

We received about 25 suggestions in our What’s In a Name contest. Most people wanted to keep the name First-Time Readers. We placed the names in a hat and had a draw. Beth Ingram of Milltown is the winner. She will receive several books. Thank you for sending in suggestions.

Now we’re asking you to think Valentine’s Day! Send us your Valentine’s stories, poems and drawings. We will print some of them in the next issue of First-Time Readers.

The deadline for sending in articles is January 20, 1996.