Best practices for Parent-Teacher Communication
What do parents and teachers have in common?
We want what’s best for our kids…and we’re busy!
Parents and teachers don’t get to spend much time together. And, the teacher is usually out numbered, easily having 50-60 class parents! Building a strong parent-teacher relationship can be challenging. However, the closer the connection between teachers and parents, the better our kids are going to perform.
These communication best practices help parents and teachers strike a balance and work together for a great year!
A Parent’s Wish List for Teachers:
• Please tell me how you want to be reached
How do you prefer to be contacted (e.g. email, phone, leave a message with the office, etc.)? When is the best time to reach you? How often to do you check your messages and when can I likely expect a response from you? (If it’s within three days, that’s okay – really, as long as I know!) When are you free for meetings? (During lunch, right before or after school?)
• Please set clear expectations (and by all means, tell me the truth. I will understand!)If you rarely update your classroom webpage or blog, be honest and don’t tell me you add information weekly. If homework should take an hour or a special project is coming up, please tell me so I can arrange family time accordingly.
• Please guide me in social media graces
What’s your personal preference about connecting on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn? We understand if you prefer not to be our ‘friend’ in cyberspace. Is there a classroom Facebook group or other place for class parents to connect online?
• Please tell me the truth about my child and be timely
You see my child all day long, if you have praise or concerns, I want to hear it. Please don’t sugar coat issues or wait for a scheduled conference session several weeks away, especially when communicating about issues with my child.
• Please, ask for help when you need it!
Most
parents love to help, especially when we know specifically what you
need. Setting up a simple, free online VolunteerSpot calendar is a great way to get more parents involved – we can
signup 24/7 from our computers or smartphones and pick a spot that fits
our busy schedules!
We don’t want you to spend your own money on school supplies! Please (ask a parent to) set up a wish-list signup sheet on VolunteerSpot detailing specific supplies you need in the classroom. Parents have the opportunity to click and choose an item to send in or contribute funds on-the-spot!
A Teacher’s Wish List for Parents
• Please RESPECT my time
Keep emails brief – two to three sentences max please. If you need to communicate more, please request a phone or face-to-face conference.
• Please read ALL my email, webpage postings and letters
I send notes and information to keep you up to date about what’s happening in the classroom and with your child.
• Feedback is always welcome!
I’d love to hear what your kids are thinking, what’s exciting to them about my class {and what they don’t like}. Please feel free to send a note now and then.
• Please give me the benefit of the doubt
If you have an issue with something happening in my classroom, please talk to me directly about your concerns before going over my head.
• Be honest and open with me
Are you concerned about a possible learning challenge? Is there is a problem at home (i.e. sickness, divorce)? It helps me to know what might be affecting your child’s mood or performance at school.
• Get Involved!
If you really want to get to know me and what’s going on in the classroom, please volunteer! I appreciate all kinds of help – from weekly ‘regular’ volunteers at math and reading stations, to one-time helpers at parties and field trips. I welcome help from home too, updating the website and prepping supplies is most welcome. If you enjoy organizing people and events, please offer to be the Room Parent/Mom!
