Questions to Ask Your Child’s Teacher at the Start of Every School Year – Nursery & Primary School Edition

Kids spend more hours in the classroom during the weekday than they do at home. Having prior knowledge about your kid’s learning process will help you maximize your child’s education and help them develop in an age-appropriate manner.

The start of the school year is always exciting and breathtaking. From meeting new classmates and new teachers to preparing the kids for school every morning, the whole day can be stressful.  But you can help ease your child’s transition by speaking to their teachers and educators.

These questions for their teachers on the first day of school will maximize your child’s education and help them develop in an age-appropriate manner.

What does a normal school day look like?

Most of the active hours of the kids’ day are spent in the classroom, they’ll read, count, solve problems, play, and eat – just normal day-to-day activities. Most schools in Nigeria focus more on writing, reading, and math, while science, art, and social studies are hardly taught. Ask the teacher what your child will do each day. Ask about breaks and group work, let your concern be heard. Children spend most of their waking hours at school; for this reason, we need to do everything we can to support their education, emotional, and social development.

When do kids have their lunch and are they allowed snacks?

Breakfast is identified as the most important meal of the day, but that does not cancel out the importance of having a nutritious meal for lunch. Food is not only for energy, but it improves mood and allows one to concentrate – which means it can affect how the children learn. Lunchtime for each kid varies and if perhaps your child’s school is providing lunch, that is good. You should ask your child’s teacher when lunchtime is and what their policy is on kids having snacks in class.

How do you handle kids’ tantrums,  emotional struggles, and aggressive behavior?

Let’s be honest with ourselves, kids will always be kids. They find it difficult to express their emotions at a very early age, hence the tantrums and aggressive behavior. But a good teacher knows how to handle these infractions without being harsh or abusive. As reported by experts in the field of children’s behavior, “Communication is the most appropriate method for dealing with these behaviors,” So ask your child’s teacher how emotional outbursts and tantrums are handled and what their classroom rules are.

Does the school have the capacity to support students who are “behind” and, if so, what do you do?

We expect a lot from children these days. But not all of them grow and develop at the same pace, some will struggle. Children learn at their own pace, some good and learn quick enough, others might require more time to grasp the concept of what they are being taught.

If you discover your child is having a hard time learning or expressing frustration, talk to your child’s teacher and see if they have an aide, assistant, or tutor. Ask about your child’s academic habits (in the playground, lunchroom, and classroom) and, if necessary, inquire about an Individualized Education Program.

What are kids expected to do for themselves?

You might think that because they are kids, everything is done for them. But we should remember that kids learn what they practice faster. So what are the things they are allowed to do on their own, is shoe tying required? Do they need to put on their own hats, backpacks, coats, jackets, and gloves, and are they offered a hand in the lunchroom and restroom? If not, be sure to practice these skills at home and ask your child’s teacher for some help – a little help can go a long way.

How do you measure academic progress and “success?”

Some schools tend to get this part totally wrong, they are of the notion that every child must perform the same in school. What they do not know is that success looks different from child to child and school to school, but each school has a set of specific guidelines they use to determine “progress.” Find out what these are on day one and work with your child (and your child’s teacher) to ensure their educational needs are being met.

What’s the best way to contact you?

It is important to be in communication with your child’s teachers. After all, your child will have the same instructor for the whole school year (or more). Find out whether your child’s teacher prefers phone calls, text messages, or emails.

And lastly, ask your child’s teacher to share ideas or insights you didn’t consider, you might believe you’ve thought of possible questions.