The start of a school year is a season of excitement, nerves, and fresh beginnings. Children show up with brand-new shoes and sharpened pencils, parents breathe a sigh of relief after the long holiday, and teachers open their classrooms with equal parts enthusiasm and anxiety. But behind the smiles and cheerful welcomes, every teacher carries a silent wish list of things that would make the first month smoother—not just for themselves, but for the children and parents they serve.
The first four weeks are not just ordinary days on the calendar. They are the foundation upon which the rest of the year is built. Class routines are established, expectations clarified, and relationships cemented. When families do their part during this crucial window, everything runs more smoothly, and learning takes root faster. Here are six things teachers genuinely wish kids and parents would prioritise during that first month.
1. Respect routines and time
Teachers spend much of the first month setting up routines—how to enter the classroom, how to line up, how to submit assignments, and how to work together without chaos. These routines are not trivial. They are the secret ingredient that allows a class of 40 or more students to function like a community rather than a noisy crowd.
However, when children arrive late, skip homework, or miss school without explanation, it derails not only their learning but also the collective rhythm of the classroom. A teacher who spends half the lesson catching up with a latecomer loses valuable instructional time. Parents can make a huge difference here by ensuring children get enough sleep, prepare their uniforms and materials the night before, and arrive punctually. When routines are respected, everyone wins.
2. Communicate honestly and promptly
One of the greatest frustrations for teachers is discovering too late that a child has been struggling – whether with reading, social anxiety, or a situation at home. Teachers are not mind-readers, and the earlier they know, the quicker they can step in with support.
Imagine a child who can’t see the chalkboard clearly. If the parent waits until the midterm to mention the eyesight problem, that’s six weeks of lost learning. Or think of a learner dealing with a bereavement at home; without context, a teacher may misinterpret withdrawn behaviour as laziness. Parents who communicate early create trust and empower teachers to offer the right interventions. A simple note, phone call, or brief chat can make the difference between struggle and success.
3. Label and organise items
If there’s one universal headache for teachers in the first month, it’s lost items. Sweaters disappear, pencils are swapped, exercise books go missing, and lunch boxes are left behind. Every lost item not only causes stress for the child but also disrupts class time as teachers try to mediate disputes over “whose is whose.”
The simple act of labelling all belongings—uniforms, shoes, books, bags, bottles—saves everyone time and heartache. Beyond that, parents can train children to take responsibility for their own materials. It’s a small but vital lesson in accountability, one that will serve them not only in school but also in life.
4. Back teachers in discipline
Nothing undermines a classroom faster than inconsistent discipline. When teachers correct misbehaviour, they do it not out of malice but out of love and responsibility. Yet, too often, parents rush to defend their children without asking for the whole story. The message this sends to a child is dangerous: “If I complain at home, my parents will take my side against the teacher.”
What teachers long for is partnership. When a child is disciplined in school, parents should reinforce the lesson at home, not erase it. This doesn’t mean blindly agreeing with everything. However, it does mean respecting the teacher’s authority and seeking clarity respectfully when needed. In the first month, children are watching closely—if they sense division between parents and teachers, discipline collapses. If they sense unity, they rise to the standard.
5. Encourage a positive attitude toward learning
Teachers can deliver the best lessons in the world, but if a child walks into class convinced that “math is too hard” or “school is boring,” half the battle is already lost. The first month is when attitudes toward learning are shaped. Parents play a huge role here.
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When families celebrate small milestones—such as finishing a book, solving a challenging problem, or making a new friend—they reinforce resilience and curiosity. On the flip side, when parents speak negatively about specific subjects or criticise teachers at home, children carry that mindset into the classroom. Teachers wish every parent would cheer their child on, instil a growth mindset, and remind them that learning is a journey of progress, not perfection.
6. Give teachers grace and support
Finally, teachers wish that parents would remember that they are human beings, not robots. The first month is exhausting: new learners to get to know by name, diverse personalities to manage, syllabuses to cover, and numerous administrative tasks to complete. Mistakes will happen. Responses to messages may be delayed. Systems may take time to settle.
What teachers crave is patience and grace during this adjustment period. Even better, a simple thank-you note, a kind word at pick-up, or a supportive email can fuel a teacher’s spirit more than you realise. Teaching is demanding, and encouragement from parents makes it worthwhile.
The first month of school is a test of partnership. Teachers, parents, and students all want the same outcome: growth, discipline, and success. When parents support routines, communicate openly, label belongings, use back discipline, nurture positive attitudes, and extend grace, they make the teacher’s job not only easier but also more joyful.
And here’s the hidden truth: these six wishes are not just about teachers. They are about giving every child the best possible start to the school year. Because when parents and teachers pull in the same direction, children flourish.
By Ashford Kimani
Ashford teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub-County.
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