Kindergarten has gone by fast. Now is the time to start thinking about writing your child’s first grade teacher request letter.
Although many schools discourage parents from requesting a particular teacher by name, they do allow parents to write a teacher request letter. As a former kindergarten and first grade teacher, now mom to a soon-to-be first grader, I too am writing this letter for my son. Affiliate links.
Finding the BEST Classroom Fit for First Grade
First grade is a big transition from kindergarten in terms of time on task and expectations for learning. Our kids are getting bigger, more independent, and learning more each and every day. I believe that their early classroom years set the stage for a successful lifetime of learning. If kids are excited about going to school, there is a good chance; they will be excited about learning to read too! So how can we find the best classroom fit for our first graders?
Writing a teacher request letter “MAY” help your child get into the right classroom fit.
I add quotation marks in the word may, because placement letters
- May not be read. Yes, this is a chance I am willing to take.
- Do not have to be granted. Many factors are involved in building classrooms, from current teachers opinions, learning styles, student needs, and a mix of ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. Parent request letters are just a portion of things considered during a child’s school placement.
- May work in the ideal world, but not be the right fit in reality.
Tips for Writing Your First Grade Teacher Request Letter
As with all classroom placement letters, I tend to follow the simple sandwich rule. That means, I start with something positive about my child’s education, then state the “need” or “issue” that concerns me, and end with a positive. I sandwich the concern for my child’s education in between the good stuff. As a parent, I have a lot of needs for my kids, so I try to pick one or two of the most important ones.
Start with a Positive
Add the Concern
End with a Positive
Another piece of advice for writing placement letters is to skip the flowery writing and be short, sweet, and to the point. Often, the principal or curriculum director is reading a TON of placement letters. The schools that do allow parents to write these often times DO take the time to read each and every one. Make sure that your voice is heard.
Be consistent, clear, and kind. Even if you do not like your child’s current kindergarten teacher, this placement letter is not the place to discuss it.
If you do not know where to start, consider asking your child’s current teacher. He or she may provide valuable insight into the type of classroom environment that may be best for your child. Other family members may also be invaluable in helping to write these letters. I will often times bounce ideas off my mom because she knows my kids and the education world.
Sample First Grade Teacher Request Letter
Dear NAME OF SCHOOL team or PRINCIPAL,
I am writing on behalf of my kindergarten son, _____ in regards to his first grade classroom placement. He is currently in Mrs. ____’s classroom. We appreciate how hands-on her math lessons are and how she incorporates movement throughout the children’s learning day.
My son LOVES to take things apart and build and home. He is curious about the world around him and likes doing science experiments. I believe that he would do well in an experienced teachers classroom that has consistent routines and procedures in place, but is also sensitive to his feelings and gives positive feedback often. He loves SMILES! In the ideal world, I would like him to be in a classroom that uses music, art, and hands-on stations for learning as well (with lots of recess!)
I appreciate your team’s consideration and look forward to another successful year at ____ Elementary.
Please feel free to call me or e-mail with any questions.
Phone Number
E-mail
Name
< I usually add in a picture of my child’s smiling face at the bottom of the letter>
First Grade Teacher Request Letter Format
So, in a nutshell, make sure to include the following information in your parent request letter for your child’s first grade placement.
- Greeting:
- Say who you are, what grade your child is in, and one nice thing about their current classroom / classroom teacher.
- Explain 1 good thing about your child. Tell about their needs and what type of classroom environment they would do best in.
- Thank them for considering your request.
- End with all of your contact information.
- Child’s picture, optional
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