What to Tell a New Teacher About Your Child
Your child’s new teacher may be extraordinary, but she’s also unfamiliar with your child’s unique strengths, needs, and limitations. Avoid problems by drafting an email introduction that follows the model in this video.
Begin the school year with strong communication and transparent collaboration.
Introduce your child to a new teacher with an email following these guidelines. Share strengths, interests, academic and social challenges, ADHD symptoms, and successful learning strategies.
What to Tell a New Teacher About Your Child
Your child’s new teacher may be extraordinary, but she’s also unfamiliar with your child’s unique strengths, needs, and limitations.
And that can cause problems in and out of the classroom.
Fix that by drafting an email introduction that follows this model:
1. Summarize your child’s defining characteristics.
“Drew is a cooperative, helpful 10 year old who’s excited to join your class.”
2. Identify the diagnosis.
“Drew is diagnosed with ADHD and nonverbal learning disorder.”
3. Disclose how symptoms impact classroom performance.
“These conditions affect his ability to participate in discussions, follow oral directions, and socialize with classmates.”
4. List specific talents and trouble spots.
Strengths:
- Rich, expansive vocabulary
- Very kind and empathetic
- Excellent rote memory
Weaknesses:
- Difficulty reading body language
- Very gullible, easily manipulated by peers
- Distracted by minor background noise
5. Explain what works.
“Drew responds to a gesture – like a wink – to modify his behavior.”
“A five-minute warning helps Drew make transitions from one activity to another.”
6. Share your gratitude.
“Many thanks for your help. We greatly appreciate your attention to our son’s unique needs.”
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