Building partnerships "Parents-Teachers"

Aadya is five years old, studying in UKG (K2) in a reputed school. It's Wednesday and she has just got back from school. " How was your day, dear? What did you do?" That was Asha, Aadya 's mother. Aadya did not pay any heed to her mother's questions, instead she opened her bag and said, " Amma, see what Sana Ma'am has written in the diary, we practiced the Fairy Song in the class today". Asha went through the diary, and said "Oh, no not again, ...you have to dress up like a fairy? She called up Aadya s classmate Varun ' s mother, " Neha, did you read the diary note? I don't understand why the school burdens parents with all these activities. I have no time to shop for the materials for the dress and props can't the teacher herself, do it? What costume does Varun have to wear; how will you manage. Neha? There was a pause, Neha said," Asha Varun has to wear Kings costume. I look forward to such events and activities at school, and be a part of Varun's schooling, he too gets excited when we do things together. Asha, practically it's not possible for the teacher to prepare for all her students for any given activity/ event in the school", and she hung up. Leaving Asha pondering and thinking.

Adya being a quick learner in school, was mostly doing well in her class. Her mom started to complain about the teacher in front of the little girl. Adya started to think very lowly about her class teacher and started to disrespect her in the class. It was also noticed that she had become overconfident.

Varun's mother spoke positively about the teacher and school which made Varun take his teacher seriously and think highly about his school and teachers. Let's not forget the kind of impact parents have on children too. Children imitate everything that their parents do, especially their behaviour.

I am sure everyone remembers the movie "Taare Zameen par" a perfect example of how one teacher, one school, one friend can change a student's life forever.

We have many Asha's and Neha's in our society. It's heartening to note that the likes of Neha s tribe are on the rise. Let's all make life easier and better for our children by bringing about a balance between the home and school. For this the onus lies on parents and teachers. The poem below by an Anonymous poet, my all-time favourite one. Says it all.

I dreamt I stood in a studio and watched two sculptors there.

The clay they used was a young child's mind and they fashioned it with care.

One was a teacher, the tool she used were books, music and art.

The other was a parent, worked with a guiding hand and a gentle loving heart.

Day after day, the teacher toiled with touch that was careful, deft and sure.

While the parent laboured by his side

And polished and smooth it over.

And when at last their work was done.

They were proud of what they had wrought

for the things they had moulded into the child

could not be sold or bought.

And they agreed they would have failed if they worked alone,

For behind the parent stood the SCHOOL and behind the teacher, the HOME

-------------Anonymous

I am sure after reading Poem you will all agree that Parents and teachers are like inseparable sides of the coin.

*Home and school are both equally responsible for the growth and well-being of our children.

*Only when there is a balance between the home and school, will our children transform into well balanced, mentally strong and healthy individuals, empathetic and caring towards their fellow beings creating a harmonious community, a tolerant society.

* Parents sow the seeds of positive values, instill respect towards our culture and traditions

* The teachers at school take on from there - facilitate the learning process, provide an environment to promote problem solving abilities.

* All the experiences enable the future citizens to face the challenges of Life in the big wide world

* It's time for teachers of young children, caregivers, parents and all the people associated with our children, to reflect and ponder

Parents and Teachers are the two wheels of a chariot, "PARTNERS IN PROGRESS"

With these thoughts signing off...

Usha Achar

Image credits: Lightswitch Learning (Pinterest)

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"SPARE A THOUGHT FOR THE TEACHERS..."

Usha Achar, Educational consultant, having more than 30 years of experience, held the post of Principal, Headmistress, Senior Supervisor, Teacher training Institute, Training InCharge. Has the distinction of training and mentoring a large number of Primary and Preprimary teachers, conducted ECCE workshops in Coimbatore, UAE and Bangalore. As a consultant, she has shared her expertise with startup Preschools and Kindergarten schools by providing complete know-how of curriculum framework, activities, events infrastructure and functioning module. Also, a freelance artist, having held art exhibitions. Her passion for teaching and mentoring teachers is the key to her recognition in the field of education.