Write a few strategies which help you to build parents- teacher relationships?

Write a few strategies which help you to build parents- teacher relationships?

Solution:

Strategy -1

Personal contact, including conferences, home visits, telephone calls, and curriculum nights or open houses, seems to be the most effective form of communication and may be among the most familiar. However, the establishment of effective school-home communication has grown more complex as society has changed. The great diversity among families means that it is not possible to rely on a single method of communication that will reach all homes with a given message. It is essential that a variety of strategies, adapted to the needs of particular families and their schedules, be incorporated into an overall plan. Some strategies to consider include:

• Parent newsletters
• Annual open houses
• Curriculum nights
• Home visits (where applicable)
• Phone calls
• Annual school calendars
• Inserts in local newspapers
• Annual grandparents or “special persons” days
• Board of Education spokesperson or the communications officer at PTA meetings
• Homework hotlines
• Annual field days
• Notices and handouts in local markets, clinics, churches, mosques, temples, or other gathering sites
• Website for the school
• Workshops for parents
• Communications that are focused on fathers as well as mothers

Strategy - 2

As you’re getting your child ready for the new school year, you may soon be realizing how the back-to-school season isn’t just for youngsters but is for parents too! This is especially the case as you prepare to meet and build a relationship with your child’s new teachers this year. Any working relationship requires some finesse in navigating, so we asked the Edmentum team, many of whom are former teachers, for any tips that would be helpful for strengthening parent-teacher relationships. Here is a list that summarizes some of their responses:

1. Stay in touch regularly

Communication is key when it comes to helping your child succeed. You and your child’s teacher are partners in your child's education, and you can be a powerful team when you work together. Be sure to attend parent-teacher conferences to stay up to date on your child's progress at school. Offering up information that may be useful to the teacher will also help with instruction, such as anything that’s going on at home or any other changes that you noticed as a parent, as there may be many external factors in your child's life that could affect his or her learning.

2. Ask questions

There are no stupid questions! Teachers appreciate your involvement and eagerness to understand, so be sure to lay out whatever issues or questions you may have. If you're not sure about something your child has shared with you, check in with the teacher, as there may be times your child misheard or misunderstood something the teacher said. Sending a quick email to your child's teacher can definitely help clear the air.

3. Ask how to support the teacher

Let's face it. Teachers do a lot. They're trying to teach and care for many students who are at many different levels of learning all at once; they're trying to make their lessons fun, creative, and engaging; they’re having to play multiple roles (including counselor, coach, custodian, and cheerleader); and some are even having to leave the school day to work another job because the pay just isn't enough. Teachers do what they do because they're passionate about it, but they could use a little help here and there. Reaching out to offer help with anything can really support and encourage your child's teacher. Even little things like volunteering time in the classroom or helping tidy and organize classroom materials can make a big difference.

4. Be willing to set emotions aside

Sometimes, it's difficult for parents to receive critical feedback about their child and not take it as a personal reflection of themselves or their parenting. But, again, your child's teacher is your ally and partner in shaping your child’s growth, and the teacher can provide some valuable insight into or tips for helping your child academically. Reserve your judgment when listening to your child's teacher, and be willing to hear an alternative point of view about your child. Keep in mind that it's also difficult for your child's teacher to bring up things! Help make the process easier for teachers by listening attentively and patiently to their feedback.

5. Communicate directly with the teacher before escalating issues

If you're facing a disagreement with your child's teacher, it may be tempting to go straight to the administration to discuss the issue. However, that could cause unnecessary tension with your child's teacher. Before escalating anything, communicate with your child’s teacher, using email at the very least. That may end up resolving or clearing up the situation before it grows bigger.

6. Offer grace

Although teaching is an incredibly rewarding job, it's also incredibly challenging. Extend some grace to your child’s teachers for mistakes made or things overlooked. Be understanding if your child’s teacher is not the perfect teacher who can anticipate every need and issue that comes up in the classroom. Teachers will appreciate your compassion!

Strategy - 3

Be warm

A little friendliness goes a long way, especially when it comes to elementary school parent-teacher communication. Whether you’re communicating via email, text, or in person, be warm, be welcoming, and offer encouragement. When you see parents in person, smile, shake hands, and make eye contact.

Be positive

Effective communication between parents and teachers starts with positivity. When contacting a student’s parent or guardian, start out by saying something positive about him or her. Like friendliness, a little positivity goes a long way.

Foster a sense of trust

The basis of effective communication with parents also starts with trust. It’s essential for parents to trust their child’s teacher. When speaking to parents, assure them that everything you discuss is confidential and that as an elementary school teacher, you always have your student’s best interests at heart.

Communicate often

Also, make sure to communicate often! A common mistake amongst elementary school teachers, as well as secondary educators, is simply not communicating enough, or only reaching out when there’s a problem. Communicate regularly with parents and they won’t be on high alert when they hear from you!

In forms that work for parents and guardians

One size does not fit all when it comes to parent-teacher communication, in elementary school and otherwise. From apps, message boards, and email to social media, texting, and phone calls, find out what communication tools work best for parents and guardians, then stick with it.

Make parents feel valuable

Great parent-teacher communication, especially in elementary school, starts with making parents feel valuable. All parents and guardians have something worthwhile to offer your classroom, whether it’s helping at an event or speaking to students about their occupation. Encourage them to participate and share their strengths.

Acknowledge involvement

Parents are not required to participate in their child’s education. Whether it’s a parent or guardian taking the time out of his or her day to meet with you or participating in school events, it’s important for elementary school teachers to acknowledge contributions and express thanks.

Ask questions (and listen!)

When talking to elementary school parents, ask questions. Not just about your student’s study habits, but about their interests. Listen and absorb the information. Ask follow-up questions. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn about not only your students but their families, too.

Don’t make assumptions

No teacher, elementary or otherwise, should ever make assumptions about a student’s home life. Don’t assume a student lives with two parents or any parent at all. Also don’t assume that English is a parent or guardian’s native language. Be mindful of the fact that families come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds.