As you consider reenrollment for next year, there is important research I would like to share with you. Did you know that research indicates positive relationships have more influence on student achievement than any other factor?

What was the single most important factor about learning in a one-room schoolhouse that made it so successful? It was the existence of interpersonal relationships. In those days when life moved at a slower pace, relationships had a wonderful opportunity to grow and flourish. Everyone knew everyone else, and children and school were a common interest to all in the community.

Life is certainly no longer slow-paced, and our basic family structure now has many faces, but the need remains constant for that aspect of one-room schools – strong positive relationships, which is one of the defining strengths of The Barstow School.

Basically, there are four types of relationships that affect the children in our schools. They are the relationships of teacher and child, parent and teacher, parent and child, and student and peers. These relationships are interrelated, and they reinforce one another.

The student-teacher relationship begins when the student first enters the classroom. IT is important for the teacher to learn as much as possible about each student in order to make the school experience productive and satisfying. The teacher accomplishes this largely through talking with the student – learning what they think of themselves, how they view school, what they like or dislike and how they interact with both adults and peers. Because each child learns in a different way and at a different rate, the teacher uses all this information to develop learning strategies best suited to the child.

The second important relationship is the one between parents and teachers. Much of what a teacher needs to know about the student comes from the student’s parents. That’s why communication between the parents and teacher is crucial. After all, we share a common objective – the academic and personal success of students.

These relationships often directly relate to the relationships that children develop with their classmates. Our teachers utilize an interactive approach to instruction at every age by providing group learning activities that promote problem solving and cooperative creativity. These activities help children learn to interact with peers, building good relationships that extend beyond the classroom, to extracurricular activities, and to the world of work.

The fourth important relationship is between you and your child. When a child enjoys a close relationship with parents, it translates into higher achievement at school. Talk with your child about school – what they like or dislike and what concerns they have, if any. These conversations will provide you with information concerning your child’s relationships with other students as well.

We know that when a child enjoys positive relationships at school, academic success is higher. We also know that children who learn to develop good relationships enjoy success long after they have left school. Join us in creating positive relationships for your child!

Judith Yount

Associate Head of School

Head of Lower School