Try to use your resources. For example, see if the answer to your question is in your textbook or notes. Some teachers tell students to “phone a friend” or ask another student for help before asking the teacher.
Take a deep breath and remind yourself that asking your teacher for help is a mature thing to do. Say to yourself, “Asking for help means I’m mature. It’s what I should do when I don’t understand. ” You can also remind yourself, “There’s probably someone else that has the same question, but is afraid to ask. So I’ll be brave and ask. ”
For example, your teacher might have taught you to hold up an American Sign Language ‘a’ to silently signal that you want to ask a question. Sometimes you may need to approach your teacher to get their attention. If you do, politely say “Excuse me. ” For example, your Math teacher is at his desk looking over papers and doesn’t see your raised hand. You could walk up and say, “Excuse me, Mr. Jenkins. ”
You can start by saying something like, “Mr. Golden, could you help me with the fourth discussion question?” Then you can be more specific. For example, “I don’t understand what the second part of the question is asking. ”
This will help you figure out similar questions and show your teacher that you want to be a good problem-solver. For example, instead of asking, “What’s the main topic of this passage?” You could ask, “How do I find the main topic of a passage?” Alternatively, you might say, “How do I multiple two-digit numbers?” instead of, “What is 30 times 15?”
Don’t get impatient, if their answer turns into a mini-lesson. Your teacher is just trying to help you and make sure you understand. Their answer to your question might answer another question you have or teach you something else. Ask more questions if you don’t understand. For example, you could say, “And how do I know if it’s a right angle?”
For example, you could say, “When you have time later today, could we talk about a problem I’m having?” If you’re afraid to approach your teacher, put a note on their chair. The note could say, “Can we talk later about something personal? Thanks, Mark. ” You could also send your teacher an email or message letting them know you would like to ask their help with a personal issue.
Think about what kind of help you want. Ask yourself, “Do I want her to listen, to give me advice, or to do something about the problem?” Tell your teacher how they can help. For example, “Can you help me come up with ways to make more friends?” If you don’t know how you want your teacher to help, you it’s okay for you to say that, too. Try saying, “I need your help with a problem, but I don’t know what kind of help I need. ”
The more truthful information your teacher has about what is going on, the more they will be able to help. If you are afraid you will get in trouble, then say that. You could say, “I need your help with something but I’m scared I’ll get in trouble. ” If you are asking for help, but also trying not to get someone else in trouble, you could leave out names, but still be honest about what is going on. For example, “My friend is thinking about cheating on a test and I need advice on how to stop them from doing something so stupid. ”
Most schools have interpreters and some teachers speak multiple languages. If you don’t have time to go to the school, then give the teacher a call or send the teacher a note, email, or text. Remind yourself, “Parent-teacher communication is good and I can’t get help if I don’t ask for it. ” Tell yourself, “This teacher wants what’s best for my child. She won’t look down on me for asking for help. She’ll know I’m trying to be a good parent. ”
Don’t wait until report cards or progress reports come home. If you notice that your child is struggling with homework or their grades are falling, you should ask the teacher for help immediately. If your family is dealing with major stress like death, divorce, financial issues, or even moving you should ask the teacher for help supporting your child through it.
You might need advice. For instance, you might need to ask for advice about encouraging your child to make better choices in friends. Some parents need assistance. For example, you may need to ask for help paying for the upcoming field trip. You may want information. You might, for example, want to ask for help becoming more active at your child’s school.
Before school and after school may seem like good times to call or go see a teacher to ask for help, but teachers are often very busy at these times. If possible, contact the teacher ahead of time via note, phone, text, or email to schedule a time for you all to talk. For example, you could send an email that says, “Greetings! I would like to ask your help with something. When is a good day and time for us to talk?”
