4th Grade Parent Reading Corner

Building Strong Relationships with Teachers

Let’s Be Better Together

Creating a positive and supportive relationship between parents, teachers, and children is essential for a successful educational experience. However, one common pitfall that can hinder this relationship is the tendency to complain about a teacher instead of addressing concerns directly. This behavior, known as triangulation, can undermine the relationship and prevent meaningful problem-solving. By understanding the impact of triangulation and focusing on direct communication, we can foster a collaborative environment that benefits both students and educators.

Understanding Triangulation and Its Effects

Triangulation occurs when individuals involve a third party in a conflict rather than addressing the issue directly with the person involved. For example, if a parent feels concerned about a teacher’s approach, they might discuss it with other parents or vent in front of their child, rather than having an open yet private conversation with the teacher. We value you and respect your role as the parent of your child.

Recognizing Teachers as Professional Educators

It’s important to recognize that teachers are professional educators whose primary goal is to provide the best learning environment for students. They are trained to handle complex situations in the classroom, including conflicts among students, behavioral challenges, and individual learning needs. In addition to teaching academic content, teachers are responsible for maintaining a safe and respectful environment where students can thrive socially and emotionally.

Shared Goals

Parents and teachers share a common goal: to support children’s growth and development. However, achieving this requires a partnership built on trust and open communication. We ask that you view us as allies who are committed to your child’s success. Your child is special to their teacher and is not seen as a problem to be swept away. Teachers invest deeply in the well-being of every student, and they need your support to do so effectively.

While we value clear communication, please understand that teachers cannot perform at their best if they are expected to provide daily updates on non-critical issues. Our focus must remain on the bigger picture: guiding your child’s learning and development. To keep you informed without overwhelming the communication channels, we will share weekly updates through the class website or newsletter. Additionally, please note that teachers are allotted up to 48 hours to respond to communications. This allows us to address concerns thoughtfully and professionally. 

Fostering Constructive Solutions Through Direct Communication

To avoid the pitfalls of triangulation, the best approach is direct communication. If a concern arises about a teacher’s method, expectations, or classroom environment, the first step should be to schedule a meeting with the teacher. This allows both parties to discuss the issue openly, share perspectives, and collaborate on finding a solution that benefits the student. Teachers appreciate when parents approach them directly because it shows respect for their professionalism and a commitment to working together. We value your perspective and hope that you feel valued.

Additionally, by addressing concerns in a proactive and respectful manner, parents demonstrate to their children the value of conflict resolution and open dialogue. Children learn that it’s okay to have concerns or disagreements, but that these should be addressed through constructive conversations.

Conclusion

Building a strong relationship with your child’s teacher is essential for their educational success. By engaging in direct and respectful communication, parents can foster a positive partnership with teachers. Recognizing teachers as professional educators who are invested in your child’s well-being and growth is key to ensuring that any concerns are resolved in a constructive and supportive manner. This collaboration not only helps the teacher and parent but, most importantly, creates the best possible environment for the child to succeed.

Novel Study

Novel Study is always more fun if we read ahead. Some students benefit listening to the novel as well. Feel free to use this tool to prep your child.

If you would like to see a checklist of skills your student needs to master in 4th Grade ELA please select the links below:

Reading: ELA Checklist 

Writing: Editing Checklist 

Field Trips

December 13th, 2024 - Case of the Missing Cookie Courthouse Field Trip

Week of November 11th parts will be announced. Process will be announced November 1st newsletter. Click here for the script.

May 9th, 2025 - Washington on the Brazos - Annual Field Trip

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Learn about our IB Framework

4th Grade Specials follow a rotating schedule that starts with Day 1 on the first day of school. Students cycle through five days, and if there’s a planned day off, we simply pick up with the next scheduled day when school resumes. However, if there's an unexpected school closure, we skip that day's Special and continue with the next day in the rotation. 

On Fridays, instead of Specials, students participate in Electives. For example, if Thursday is Day 4, then Friday will be Electives, and Monday will be Day 5. We also have Science Lab and Library check-out on Fridays. While Library lessons may occur on other days, book check-outs will only happen on Fridays. See below rotation for your homeroom teacher.