The Little Minds Parent Corner

As a preschool educator, I have seen how much children benefit when parents and teachers work together. I have also seen what happens when that connection is missing—and yes, it shows in the classroom.

When classwork or practice activities are sent home, some parents review them with their child, while others may not have the time or may be unsure how to help. Sometimes, out of love and a desire for the child to succeed, an adult completes too much of the work for them.

“The goal is not to send perfect work back to school. The goal is to help your child learn.”

Mistakes help teachers understand what a child knows, what they are still learning, and where they need additional support. When an adult supplies the answers or completes the work, the finished page may look wonderful—but it does not show the child’s current abilities. That becomes noticeable when the child is asked to perform the same skill independently in class.

You do not have to become the teacher at home

A few simple actions can make a meaningful difference:

• Ask your child to explain the directions or show you what they learned.
• Allow your child to try before offering assistance.
• Give helpful hints instead of supplying the answer.
• Praise effort, persistence, and improvement—not just correct answers.
• Write a short note to the teacher if your child struggled or did not understand.
• Contact the teacher if the amount of work feels overwhelming.

Even ten focused minutes can reinforce classroom learning and show your child that education matters.

Teachers need to see the child’s real work

Teachers are not expecting parents to do everything perfectly. We simply need to know what the child can do independently so we can provide the right support. Parents and teachers are on the same team, and honest communication helps everyone—especially the child.

Support the learning. Encourage the child. Let the teacher see the child’s real work. That is how genuine progress happens.