Teacher-Parent Communication
Tips for Developing a Positive Relationship with Students’ Families
These strategies will keep the parents of students informed and involved throughout the year and will help them feel comfortable visiting a teacher's classroom.
There are many reasons why students' parents are not involved in their children's education. Some of them don't have cars and have trouble getting from home to classroom after hours. Some have employers who won't allow them to take time off without losing a day's pay.
In addition to transportation, employment, and childcare issues, many parents are also faced with language barriers and negative feelings about school that make meeting with their child’s teacher an uncomfortable experience.
These parents can and will become involved in their children's education when teachers take the time to reach out to them. This can be difficult and time-consuming, but well worth the effort.
Parent Surveys
Reach out to the parents of students by sending home parent surveys during the first week of school. These surveys ask about their child and their goals for this year. Acknowledge the fact that they know their child best and help the parents see that we value their input while providing teachers with information we wouldn’t have known otherwise. When the parents come in for their first conference, use the completed survey to "break the ice" and to stimulate discussion. Send home parent surveys three weeks into the year asking parents to comment on how their child is adjusting to class and inviting them to relate any concerns they might have.
Positive Phone Calls
Make a positive phone call to each house at some point during the first nine weeks. Print out a list of student names in order to keep track and tell them about a good grade or some other success that their child experienced at school. This helps the parents feel more comfortable because they don't have to cringe every time they get a call from their child's teacher and lets the children know that you are communicating with their parents on a regular basis. A positive relationship with a parent can make a huge difference if problems arise later in the year.
Class Newsletters
Send home a newsletter every two weeks. In this newsletter, discuss current units of study and any reminders necessary. Include tips for parents on helping their children in math, reading, and writing and an invitation to visit our classroom. Get students involved in writing the newsletter, which allows them to improve their editing and writing skills.
Class Website and Email Updates
Although some students don't have online access at home, consider a class website that has information for both students and parents. Post class rules, homework policies, and more. Many sites give teachers free web space and page-building tools that can be used create class pages. Collect email addresses at Open House, so parents are able to get updates via email about new projects, field trips, and other school-related information.
Parent Read Alouds
Invite parents in to read or to tell a story to the class. The children love hearing parents read to them, and if story time is right after lunch, parents can come in to eat with their child and read a story on the same day.
Weekly Folders
Communicate with parents each week in writing by sending home graded work and comments on classwork, behavior, and any other concerns in a folder with a form that reserves space for parents to write back. Folders are signed and returned on Mondays. Keep the comment sheets as documentation of parent/teacher communication.
Flexible Scheduling for Conferences
Make yourself available for conferences after five o’clock a couple of days a month and encourage parents to bring their younger children along if they have trouble getting a sitter. If you can't stay late or come in early, schedule a phone conference.
Tips for Great Parent Conferences
- Be prepared. Pull the child's file and any relevant documents ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the information.
- Sit next to the parent at a table instead of sitting behind your desk.
- Begin the conference by saying something positive about the student.
- Avoid any educational jargon that might intimidate the parent.
- Ask the parent for his/her opinion, suggestions, and concerns and listen carefully.
- Send a thank you note home with the student the following week.
If you are meeting with a parent who might become difficult, ask an administrator, guidance counselor, or colleague to sit in at the conference.
Other Ideas?
Do you have other strategies for developing positive relationships with your students‘ parents? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Drop by the forum today!
