Parent communication is a priority. Here are 3 tips for teachers on creating positive parent-teacher relationships. With a FREE editable planner sheet!
Parent Communication: Creating Positive Parent-Teacher Relationships
PARENT COMMUNICATION: MAKE IT HAPPEN
Suggestions for Communicating with Parents
- Use a daily planner for important notes, events, and anything else you want them to know about the week.
- Have a monthly newsletter that shares learning goals, classroom events, and student successes.
- Send home a class handbook at the beginning of the year with important information about how you run your program, what the expectations are for students, and how families can help.
- Create an email list to send out important time-sensitive info.
- Make phone calls home to share the good days, as well as the bad.
- Respond to calls, emails, and notes at the first opportunity. Use technology to communicate if it’s convenient for them.
- Let parents know the best way to contact and communicate with you. Whether it is email, in person, or on the phone. I suggest giving the best 2 options for those parents that cannot visit in person due to work or other reasons.
- Send home mail in an organized fashion to ensure parents receive important info.
- Post important notices in the window or on the door for parents to see.
- Meet with parents more than the few mandatory times each year.
- Ask your parents questions and be open to feedback. Consider sending a letter home asking for this information.
BE AVAILABLE AND ACCESSIBLE FOR PARENT COMMUNICATION
Suggestions for Communicating with Parents
- Have time before or after school when you are available to talk. Leave your door open!
- Stand at the door with a smile when the bell rings in the morning and after class is dismissed.
- Give parents your business card or a magnet with your information that they can post on the fridge.
- Be open and available to set-up meetings when parents have concerns or want to check in on their child’s progress.
- If possible, have a few ways for parents to contact you (i.e. phone number and email).
- Invite parents into the class to share in a celebration or to share learning.
- Have parent volunteers.
PARENT COMMUNICATION: SHOW THAT YOU CARE
Suggestions for Parent Communication
- Show parents that you care about teaching their children by creating a classroom that is organized and set-up with children in mind.
- Create special places for your students to call their own. Give them a desk or table spot, locker or cubby, and supplies with their name on it.
- Post student work on bulletin boards and invite parents to come to the class to see.
- Create a classroom management system that keeps parents involved.
- Send completed work samples home to share with parents.
- Send positive notes home about successes small and big.
- Show your students you care about them by being open, kind, and available. This will translate home to parents.
- Make conversation with parents and remember important events in their lives.
- Have fun with your students and families. Go on field trips together, plan mother’s day celebration ideas, or invite parents to watch your students perform at an assembly.
Parent Communication Resource
I hope that these tips and suggestions for parent communication help you cultivate lasting and healthy relationships with parents that benefit everyone.
Read More Parent Communication Ideas
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