1. Write a noteIf you have a quick question, put it your child's home-school diary or contact book. If you want to keep it just between you and the teacher, write a note and ask your child to deliver it. Ask the teacher to send her response with your child at the end of the day.
You can also use a note to try to set up a phone meeting. Let the teacher know when and where you can be reached, or ask when and where she can be reached. Alternatively, you can suggest that you have a quick word when you pick up your child from school that day. This is the least intrusive way to talk to the teacher.
2. Make a dateSchools hold parent-teacher evenings at intervals during the year. But if you have concerns between these meetings, don't wait. Many teachers are working parents themselves, and are sensitive to the demands on your time. Ask your teacher to meet at a time that's convenient for her.
3. Get in touch via emailTry to save email for relaying important messages. Don't ask for daily progress reports by email.
4. Grab the chance to chatSome issues are better tackled informally. See if you can catch your child's teacher at the start or finish of the school day.
5. Help out in classVolunteer to be a helper in class if you have the time. This will allow you to see your child's teacher in action and to keep track of progress throughout the year.
6. Volunteer for special occasionsIf you can't devote time every week to being in class, you could offer to help at one-off events. By helping out at parties and performances, you'll be able to watch both teacher and children in a more casual setting. Let the teacher know what your availability is, including how much notice you would need to help at an event.
7. Do your homeworkThere are many activities you can volunteer to do from home, such as calling other parents, collecting materials for projects, or assembling books. If you have a particular skill, you may even be able to offer to do a talk or run a workshop in class.
A presentation like this can take less than an hour out of your working day but will have a huge payoff. Your child will be happy and proud to have you come, and by working with the teacher to schedule your visit, you will get to know each other better.