#LDchat Archive

Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.
Wednesday September 6, 2017
12:00 PM EDT
  • participatechat Sep 6 @ 12:00 PM EDT
    Participate in the upcoming #LDchat by sharing resources and collaborating at https://t.co/jVmgneQXCV
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:00 PM EDT
    LIVE NOW: Why is it important for parents of kids with #LD and their teachers to build positive relationships? #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:00 PM EDT
    Welcome to today’s LD Chat! This is Dan with the Understood team. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:00 PM EDT
    We’re chatting about building parent-teacher relationships with #parenting expert @anndouglas. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:00 PM EDT
    Who’s with us today? #ldchat
  • UnderstoodJennO Sep 6 @ 12:01 PM EDT
    Jenn here in Iowa! #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:01 PM EDT
    Hi Jenn! Great having you, as always! #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodJennO
  • UnderstoodGinny Sep 6 @ 12:02 PM EDT
    Hi Jenn!! #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodJennO
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:02 PM EDT
    Well, I'm here and looking forward to another idea-packed chat. Excited to find out who else is joining us today. #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • edielovesmath Sep 6 @ 12:02 PM EDT
    Edie, Washington DC. Building an international tribe of teachers and parents of teens and young adults with ADHD. #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:03 PM EDT
    How's it going, Edie? #ldchat
    In reply to @edielovesmath
  • UnderstoodGinny Sep 6 @ 12:03 PM EDT
    Hi Edie! #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg, @edielovesmath
  • DFHighlands Sep 6 @ 12:04 PM EDT
    Georgie from Florida here. Hello everyone! #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:04 PM EDT
    Hi Georgie! Thanks for joining! #ldchat
    In reply to @DFHighlands
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:05 PM EDT
    We'll begin in just a minute or two... #ldchat
  • massignmenthelp Sep 6 @ 12:05 PM EDT
    The SAMR Model: Effective Technology Integration in Classrooms https://t.co/FKXZPYFim7 #iolchat #LDchat
  • edielovesmath Sep 6 @ 12:06 PM EDT
    Cloudy and raining. What happened to summer? #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • JeremyDBond Sep 6 @ 12:06 PM EDT
    Parent in Connecticut. Thank you for this topic today! #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:06 PM EDT
    Thanks for being here, Jeremy! How are things in Connecticut? #ldchat
    In reply to @JeremyDBond
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:07 PM EDT
    We’ll use a Q1, Q2… format for questions. Please use the A1, A2… format for answers. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:07 PM EDT
    First question coming up... #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:07 PM EDT
    Q1. How can parents of kids with #LD and #ADHD work to build positive relationships with their child’s teachers? #ldchat
  • DFHighlands Sep 6 @ 12:08 PM EDT
    Anytime.😅 #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • JeremyDBond Sep 6 @ 12:08 PM EDT
    Rainy. Yesterday may have been the last sunny summery day! #LDChat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:08 PM EDT
    A1 Touch base with the teacher early in the school year. Your goal? To get the relationship off to a strong start. #ldchat
  • angela_lange25 Sep 6 @ 12:09 PM EDT
    Sharing your child's strengths & share tips of successful strategies for home & social situations #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:09 PM EDT
    A1 Spark the teacher’s curiosity about your child so that he/she’ll be excited to get to know him! #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:10 PM EDT
    This is great! Any tips on how best to do this? #ldchat
    In reply to @anndouglas
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:10 PM EDT
    8 Tips for Building a Good Relationship With Your Child’s Teacher https://t.co/n2EFEWpNId #ldchat
  • UnderstoodJennO Sep 6 @ 12:10 PM EDT
    A1: Communicate early with your teacher. Start strong instead of catching up. #ldchat
  • edielovesmath Sep 6 @ 12:11 PM EDT
    Parents of older kids with LD and ADHD need to create teams of 3. Positive relationships are collaborative. #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • DFHighlands Sep 6 @ 12:11 PM EDT
    A1. Don't be afraid of the classroom. Make sure you make time in the day for emergencies and just general conversations. Communicate #LDchat
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:11 PM EDT
    YES! You're the expert when it comes to your child. Let your child's teacher benefit from that expertise. #ldchat
    • angela_lange25 Sep 6 @ 12:09 PM EDT
      Sharing your child's strengths & share tips of successful strategies for home & social situations #ldchat
      In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • JeremyDBond Sep 6 @ 12:11 PM EDT
    A1)Reach out regardless of the teacher's level of commitment to family engagement. Tell them about your kid; hear their impressions. #LDchat
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:12 PM EDT
    Share things you know and love about your child, like maybe his hobbies and interests. #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:12 PM EDT
    Communication is key. It's important to discuss with the teacher what method works best for the both of you. #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodJennO
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:13 PM EDT
    8 Tips for Emailing With Your Child’s Teacher https://t.co/YJfpJWMko7 #ldchat
  • SpTeacherJames Sep 6 @ 12:13 PM EDT
    A1 Touch base early in the year to invite feedback. Teachers want to know if you would like to be contacted for periodic updates. #ldchat
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:13 PM EDT
    In other words, don't be afraid to take the lead on the engagement thing! (Great advice, Jeremy.) #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:13 PM EDT
    How Often Is Too Often to Contact My Child’s Teacher? https://t.co/2o3oZsrCmY #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:14 PM EDT
    Q2. How can teachers work to establish and build positive relationships with parents of their students with #LD and #ADHD? #ldchat
  • JeremyDBond Sep 6 @ 12:14 PM EDT
    And vice versa. Each has insights. And IEP or not, both should have the opportunity to be in the same room listening to the child. #LDchat
    • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:11 PM EDT
      YES! You're the expert when it comes to your child. Let your child's teacher benefit from that expertise. #ldchat
      • angela_lange25 Sep 6 @ 12:09 PM EDT
        Sharing your child's strengths & share tips of successful strategies for home & social situations #ldchat
        In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • DFHighlands Sep 6 @ 12:14 PM EDT
    A1. Getting to know your teacher is always important. Don't expect perfection right off the bat. Be realistic #LDchat
  • AssignmentHelpN Sep 6 @ 12:15 PM EDT
    The SAMR Model: Effective Technology Integration in Classrooms https://t.co/N8NF3byMeG #iolchat #LDchat
  • myassignment Sep 6 @ 12:15 PM EDT
    The SAMR Model: Effective Technology Integration in Classrooms https://t.co/zjHe7FChWB #iolchat #LDchat
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:15 PM EDT
    A2 Give parents the benefit of the doubt. Assume that they’re trying their best + that they have the best of intentions. #ldchat
  • SpTeacherJames Sep 6 @ 12:15 PM EDT
    Teachers will be more likely to communicate if they feel they have an ally in parents. Share what you've been working on at home. #ldchat
  • angela_lange25 Sep 6 @ 12:15 PM EDT
    Teachers need to REALLY listen to families! Be very upfront with your schedule & instructional practices. Listen to Parents's goals #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:16 PM EDT
    A2 Encourage them to communicate with you on an ongoing basis, as opposed to making initial contact mid-crisis! #ldchat
  • JeremyDBond Sep 6 @ 12:16 PM EDT
    Thanks. What if there's a negative communication or experience off the bat? How do you start from that place? #LDchat
    In reply to @anndouglas
  • UnderstoodJennO Sep 6 @ 12:16 PM EDT
    A2: Don't just dole out the bad news! Give some positive perspective as well #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:16 PM EDT
    5 Conversation Starters to Discussing Supports and Services With Teachers https://t.co/RcvNhkUO08 #ldchat
  • SpTeacherJames Sep 6 @ 12:16 PM EDT
    A2 it's important for teachers to recognize what a kid has to offer. Parents are big fans of their kids. Teachers should be too. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodGinny Sep 6 @ 12:17 PM EDT
    A2. It's important to read the IEP and perhaps review it with the CST prior to the beginning of the school year. #ldchat
  • angela_lange25 Sep 6 @ 12:17 PM EDT
    Teachers need to become knowledgeable of all needs in their classroom. #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodJennO Sep 6 @ 12:17 PM EDT
    A2: Parents and Ts can strategize together to be a team. That builds investment. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:17 PM EDT
    Well said! #ldchat
    • SpTeacherJames Sep 6 @ 12:16 PM EDT
      A2 it's important for teachers to recognize what a kid has to offer. Parents are big fans of their kids. Teachers should be too. #ldchat
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:17 PM EDT
    A2 Create opportunities to connect with parents in a relaxed way: at a school BBQ, fun fair, or book club, for example. #ldchat
  • angela_lange25 Sep 6 @ 12:17 PM EDT
    They need to create a classroom environment for ALL students to learn & thrive #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:18 PM EDT
    How to Talk With Your Child’s Teacher About Too Much Homework https://t.co/9RDhx5Jzo2 #ldchat
  • SpTeacherJames Sep 6 @ 12:18 PM EDT
    Try hitting a reset button. Clarify your intentions, and always give the benefit of the doubt #ldchat @JeremyDBond @anndouglas
    In reply to @JeremyDBond, @anndouglas
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:18 PM EDT
    1. Stay calm; 2. Stay focused on your shared goal: making things better for this kid. #ldchat
    In reply to @JeremyDBond
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:18 PM EDT
    Don't forget to use A2, A3... in your responses so everyone can easily follow the conversation. #ldchat
  • edielovesmath Sep 6 @ 12:19 PM EDT
    Teachers build relationships for LD/ADHD by individualizing older student needs. Encourage parents to take part. #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:19 PM EDT
    7 Ways the Teacher Can Help Your Child Make Friends https://t.co/ztxaekLTt9 #ldchat
  • SpTeacherJames Sep 6 @ 12:20 PM EDT
    A2 Communicate about positives as well as negatives. Emails from teachers should not be a source of dread. #ldchat
  • JeremyDBond Sep 6 @ 12:20 PM EDT
    A2) Build positive relationships with ALL families (and families of all kinds). Those with special needs will feel like they belong. #LDchat
    • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:14 PM EDT
      Q2. How can teachers work to establish and build positive relationships with parents of their students with #LD and #ADHD? #ldchat
  • DFHighlands Sep 6 @ 12:20 PM EDT
    A2. An honest policy seems appropriate. Setting guidelines and just being comfortable with sharing ups and downs will build trust #LDchat
    • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:14 PM EDT
      Q2. How can teachers work to establish and build positive relationships with parents of their students with #LD and #ADHD? #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:21 PM EDT
    Q3. What are some barriers to building strong parent-teacher relationships? #ldchat
  • UnderstoodGinny Sep 6 @ 12:21 PM EDT
    Not hitting the reset button! #LDchat
  • JeremyDBond Sep 6 @ 12:22 PM EDT
    School just started but so far I'm excited by emails from our 3rd grader's teacher. Not to mention other forms of communication. #LDchat
    In reply to @SpTeacherJames
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:22 PM EDT
    A3 Parents and teachers are busy people. That can interfere with intentions to communicate early/often. #ldchat #parenting
  • UnderstoodJennO Sep 6 @ 12:22 PM EDT
    A3: Barriers include close-mindedness of any adult, combative/impulsive communication, lack of action/follow-through #ldchat
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:23 PM EDT
    A3 Maybe put a note on your calendar at the start of each month: “Time to touch base with my child’s teacher?” #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:23 PM EDT
    How do you break down some of these barriers, like close-mindedness? #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodJennO
  • JeremyDBond Sep 6 @ 12:23 PM EDT
    What does this look like every day? #LDchat
    • UnderstoodJennO Sep 6 @ 12:17 PM EDT
      A2: Parents and Ts can strategize together to be a team. That builds investment. #ldchat
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:23 PM EDT
    Yes! It's easy to get stuck in a relationship rut.... #ldchat
  • SpTeacherJames Sep 6 @ 12:23 PM EDT
    A3 Some teachers just don't get the benefits of communication and partnership w/ parents. It's tragic, really. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodJennO Sep 6 @ 12:23 PM EDT
    A3: Barriers also include taking things personally, undercutting the team, all of which kills TRUST. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:24 PM EDT
    3 Signs It’s Time to Talk With Your Child’s Teacher https://t.co/GpWoE3W1xG #ldchat
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:24 PM EDT
    That is so great to hear.... #ldchat
    In reply to @JeremyDBond, @SpTeacherJames
  • DFHighlands Sep 6 @ 12:24 PM EDT
    A3. Language can often get in the way of understanding desires and struggles. Time is another big one. #LDchat
    • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:21 PM EDT
      Q3. What are some barriers to building strong parent-teacher relationships? #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:24 PM EDT
    How do we help them understand the importance of partnering with their students' parents? #ldchat
    In reply to @SpTeacherJames
  • maddie_eileen Sep 6 @ 12:24 PM EDT
    A3: Parents and teachers work schedules can be conflicting, the time they don't have work they want to spend at home with their kids #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:24 PM EDT
    8 Sentence Starters to Use When Talking to Teachers https://t.co/gDQZaILHU9 #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:25 PM EDT
    My Child’s Teacher Seems to Ignore Her. What’s the Best Way to Handle That? https://t.co/WQ0wvFAATf #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:25 PM EDT
    Great conversation! Last question coming up... #ldchat
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:25 PM EDT
    To that I would add "assuming the worst of intentions (as opposed to the best of intentions)" on the other person's part. #ldchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodJennO
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:25 PM EDT
    Q4. How can strong parent-teacher relationships boost student achievement and outcomes? #ldchat
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:26 PM EDT
    A3 Fear and/or distrust. Parents may be carrying baggage from their own school years. Build trust to alleviate fear. #ldchat
  • SpTeacherJames Sep 6 @ 12:26 PM EDT
    A3 ALWAYS give the benefit of the doubt. It can be hard to read the tone of an email. If you get upset, walk away and respond later. #ldchat
  • JeremyDBond Sep 6 @ 12:26 PM EDT
    A3) Still seen as encroaching on each other's territory rather than working together. The system still isn't set up for partnership. #LDchat
    • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:21 PM EDT
      Q3. What are some barriers to building strong parent-teacher relationships? #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:27 PM EDT
    How to Talk to Teachers About Learning and Attention Issues https://t.co/3kd8JpHXnW #ldchat
  • maddie_eileen Sep 6 @ 12:27 PM EDT
    A4: If parents and teaching are relaying the same info to the student, better than the student being told two different things #ldchat
  • UnderstoodJennO Sep 6 @ 12:28 PM EDT
    A4: Reinforcing plans at school and home builds the child up. Fewer cracks to fall through #ldchat
  • JeremyDBond Sep 6 @ 12:28 PM EDT
    And I wonder if we might even share that intention with the teacher--they'd expect it and can plan for it. #LDchat
    • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:23 PM EDT
      A3 Maybe put a note on your calendar at the start of each month: “Time to touch base with my child’s teacher?” #ldchat
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:28 PM EDT
    A4 Gives kids the confidence to try their best. They won’t be afraid to take learning risks. #ldchat #growthmindset
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:28 PM EDT
    Why It’s Important to Partner With Your Child’s Teacher https://t.co/d6aznJeHHp #ldchat
  • anndouglas Sep 6 @ 12:28 PM EDT
    A4 Helps kids feel safe and secure. They know that the key adults in their lives are on the same page. #ldchat #mentalhealth
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:28 PM EDT
    14 Tips for Making the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences https://t.co/wAfAaPHhzN #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Sep 6 @ 12:29 PM EDT
    Any final thoughts before we wrap up for the week? #ldchat