Getting involved as a parent in school life

In Canada, schools encourage parents to get involved in their children’s education. This will give you a chance to learn about what your child is being taught. It is also a good way for you to meet new friends. There are many ways you can get involved in your child’s school.

Talk to your child’s teacher

One of the best ways to get involved in your child’s education is to communicate often with the teacher. This will help you understand what is going on at school.

Talking to teachers may seem hard if you and your spouse do not speak English or French well. If this is the case, ask the school if they have interpreters that can help you talk to the teacher. Or ask a friend or family member to go with you to meetings with the teacher. You may wish to write down your concerns and send them with your child to school. You should not use your child as an interpreter for parent-teacher meetings. If you are not comfortable speaking in English or French, you may be able to contact an immigrant-serving organization to help you interact with your children’s teacher or school.

Your conversations with your child’s teacher are confidential, which means the teacher will not share any information with other parents or community members.

Volunteer

Schools encourage parents to volunteer for school activities such as participating in field trips, working in the library and reading with children. Talk to your child’s teacher about how you can volunteer.

Attend school events and meetings

Most schools organize special events such as school fairs and student shows. Going to these events is a fun way to get involved in school life. Also, many schools organize events that explore important issues such as literacy, math and how you can help your child succeed.

Meet-the-teacher night

Many schools have a meet-the-teacher night. This is a great way for you to learn more about the school and become friendly with your child’s teacher. Meet-the-teacher night can also be called “open house” and takes place near the start of the school year.

Parent-teacher interviews

Parent-teacher interviews give you a chance to talk to your child’s teacher about how your child is doing in school and how he or she can improve. These are private meetings between one child’s parents and the teacher. They are usually held in the child’s classroom during the evening. Interviews are normally 10 to 15 minutes long and they are held twice a year: in the fall and in the spring.

Ask specific questions

Most teachers appreciate it when parents ask specific questions. This helps you become friendly with the teacher and can help build respect between you. Here are a few questions you can ask:

• How is my child progressing in learning English or French?
• How is my child progressing in other subjects?
• Is my child learning regular subjects according to their grade level?
• In what subjects is my child receiving extra support? What kind of support?
• How much time should my child spend on homework?
• Is my child making friends and doing well socially?
• What can I do at home to help my child succeed?

Learn more about:

• Arrive prepared
• Structure of schools
• Classroom environment
• Choosing a school
• Adjusting to school
• Adult education