TAKE-HOME STRATEGY

Supporting Teacher-Child Relationships at Home

Aerial view of child-sized shoes beside backpack

What It's About

Responsive, sensitive relationships between teachers and children are important. When children feel safe and connected, they are able to fully explore the world around them. With a strong Teacher-Child Relationship, your child will be able to go to their teacher for help, comfort, and a resource while in their care. 

You can support your child in building a secure relationship with their teacher by encouraging them to rely on and trust their teachers.

ACTIVITY CHOICE BOARD

Here are some ways you can support Teacher-Child Relationships at home. Keep in mind that you can change these activities to work for you and your child based on their current abilities, interests, and what you have available at home. Make sure to use safe materials and watch your child closely during these activities.

Take a look, and try out your favorites!

Talk on the Commute

On your way to your child’s school, talk to them about what they might do with their teacher that day. Ask them what they’re looking forward to or talk about what their day may look like.

Daily Recap

During a meal, bath, or before bed, ask your child what they did with their teacher that day. If your child’s teacher shared events from the day with you, reflect on what you heard and ask your child about how their teacher helped them or what they enjoyed doing together.

Show and Tell

If your child has a special toy or accessory, ask if they’d like to show it to their teacher. Bring it with you during drop off to spark an interaction between your child and their teacher or leave it with them during the day if allowed.

Special Notes

Write a note to your child’s teacher with your child’s help. Talk about what your child enjoys about their teacher – do they sing songs together, or do they help them feel better when they’re sad? Write down what your child says and have them bring the note to their teacher.

Photos and Drawings

Take a photo or have your child draw a picture of them with their teacher to keep at home. Remind your child of their teacher’s name and how much fun they have together when you look at the picture.

Books at Home

Read a book at home that your child also has at school or ask to borrow a book your child enjoys reading with their teacher. While you read the book, talk with your child about how they read it with their teacher. Do they use silly voices? Do they talk about the pictures together?

Quick Cues for Supporting Teacher-Child Relationships

Some things you might do or say to help strengthen your child’s relationship with their teachers

Help Your Child See Teachers as Resources

Show excitement toward your child’s teacher and encourage your child to see their teacher as a helper.

This can sound like:

“Look, there’s Ms. Williams! Good morning Ms. Williams, we are so excited to see you today!”

“It’s okay to ask your teacher for help!”

“Oh, you want to unbutton your jacket? Let’s ask your teacher if they can help you!”

Encourage Your Child to Be Open with Teachers

Encourage your child to interact with their teacher by sharing their interests, ideas, and experiences.

This can sound like:

“Should we show your teacher your colorful shoes? Let’s go over there to show them!”

“You love painting. I wonder if your teacher loves painting, too?”

“You can tell your teacher about your new puzzle!”

Engage in Social Conversations

Chat with your child’s teacher in front of and with your child to model social interactions.

This can sound like:

“Let’s tell your teacher all about our new puppy!”

“You sound so excited about the soccer balls at school. Maybe we should have one at home too. Let’s ask your teacher where to buy them.” 

“Do you want to share your birthday plans coming up with your teacher?” 

Our Book Recommendations for Teacher-Child Relationships

Engaging stories that support children's relationships with their teachers
Baby's First Words Book Cover

Baby's First Words

Written by Stella Blackstone and Sunny Scribens and illustrated by Christiane Engel, this book captures a day in the life of a young toddler. It features colorful illustrations and simple labels that are perfect for following children’s lead as they explore familiar objects, places, and actions.

Have fun with it:
Plan with your child for what they’ll do the next time they’re with their teacher – will they read books, sit together at a meal, or play?

cover of the book "The Dot"

The Dot

Written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, this story illustrates how a sensitive, responsive educator helps a young artist find inspiration in her own artwork.

Have fun with it:
Take time to share stories about moments when your child’s teacher has helped them, and other positive or supportive memories.

More Take-Home Strategies

We’re creating a library of resources like these so families and other caregivers can quickly and easily promote children’s development at home. Be sure to see all the strategies we have available!

visit our take-home strategy library