Students need the support of both school staff and their parents in order to best succeed academically, physically, and emotionally. With this combination, everyone is looking for the child's best interest. Establishing clear communication about what is expected, what is being learned, and ongoing events at school can be challenging. Purposely planning for this before the school year begins and following through with it during the school year is crucial.
Summer Planning
Summertime is the ideal time to map out how to go about relaying information to parents in a positive and clear manner. Begin by listing what parents need to know about their child's classroom. Some items to include on this list might be:
- class rules and procedures
- supplies students will need
- items that can be donated for the classroom
- volunteer opportunities
- grading procedures
- field trip plans
- important upcoming dates on the school calendar
- educational goals for the class
- homework expectations
Next, decide what information is pertinent to the start of school. This needs to be communicated as soon as possible for a smooth transition for students. Save other information to be relayed later into a newsletter, or to be shared at conference time.
Back to School Night
Most of the information can be shared at a Back To School Night, if one is scheduled. Have rules clearly stated in a positive manner in writing for parents to take home with them to talk over with their children. It is helpful to require that both student and parent sign a copy of these rules for record keeping purposes.
Generate parental excitement in getting involved with field trip information and information on class goals for the year. Parents want to see their children enjoy learning and will generally be very willing to volunteer if they feel they will be contributing to their child's educational experience. Pass a clipboard around at this meeting with volunteer opportunities listed and items to donate attached to it. Parents can sign up to help out or send in items on the list.
What Did You Do In School All Day?
When children are asked at home what happened in school, the response is usually not a very informative one. For this reason, it is a good idea to have a weekly newsletter that is sent home. The newsletter should state in a general manner what concepts are being taught that week, test dates, homework assignments, and special events. Some teachers also attach spelling lists and other items to be studied along with the newsletter. If this letter is sent home on a regular basis, parents will know to check for it in the folder and will be better informed of what is going on. Highlight important and new information to catch the eye.
Super Kid Reports
Parents want to know when their children are succeeding in school. Too many parents receive phone calls with negative information about their children. Keep a spiral notebook of positive events in the classroom each day and make the time at the end of the day to relay these to the parent s via a brief note. Make sure that each student receives one of these special reports at least once a week.
Report Cards and Conferences
When communicating on a student's report card, it is important to remember that this is an item that reflects on the student's character, will be cherished for years to come, and will probably be shown to other family members. Remarks need to concise, yet positively stated. Make sure that parents understand that there is always hope for their child, and that everything possible will be done to see that their child succeeds in school. Parents need to know that they are part of a team, with the best interest of their child at the heart. Avoid negative, overgeneralized terms such as "never", and "always".
Parent/teacher conferences are the opportune time for a teacher to listen well to a parent's heart. No one knows that child better than their own parent. The wise teacher will do more listening than talking at a conference to find out what motivates a student, how he/she interacts with others at home, and what the home environment is like. Remarks that are made should include concerns for improvement, suggested study help that is needed, and positive comments about the child's progress. Again, it is imperative to communicate the idea that the teacher and the parent are working together as a team.
Teachers Touch the Future
The manner in which teachers share information affects the student, the parent, even the class and the school. Positive communication is vital to creating a connection between home and school. Students remember years later what their teachers said about them. Teachers represent the schools in which they teach. Effective communication does not just happen. It takes planning and effort to make this happen, but the rewards will be far reaching into the future.
