stripling elementary school september 11, 2014 communicating with parents
TRANSCRIPT
Truths of Parent Involvement
The parent is the central contributor to a child’s education.• School can either co-opt the role or recognize the
potential of the parents.
Truths of Parent Involvement
Any parent can be “hard to reach”• Parents must be approached individually. They
are not defined by gender, ethnicity, family situation, education or income.
Truths of Parent Involvement
“They should know . . .” .
“Did you see THAT Mom?”
“Excuse Me, Where is Your Badge? (oh, and Good Morning)”
“They need to learn English!”
Truths of Parent Involvement
Most barriers to parent involvement are found within school practices.– They are not found in parents.
Truths of Parent Involvement
Parent Involvement is a process, not a program of activities.• It requires ongoing energy and effort from
everyone at the school.
What do we already know about communicating with parents?
A child’s academic success is greatly enhanced when teachers and parents are partners in the process.
Building a relationship with parents does not have to be difficult or extremely time consuming.
How do we communicate effectively with parents?
Have a feasible plan Stay organized No news isn’t good news – communicate
regularly…good and bad Utilize the website and the Parent Portal Be aware of your body language and tone –
It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it
Tools of CommunicationPhone Communication:
PHONE COMMUNICATION Try to begin the conversation with something positive
• avoid putting the parent on the defensive
• Remember telephone etiquette• address person by name (different last names)• if calling parents at work, state importance of call and be
brief• Keep track of all calls made – good news or bad
• phone log• paper trail is important
Tools of communication:Phone Communication
Be prepared• brief script/notes• What do you want to communicate?• What do you want the student to do about it?• What do you want the parent to do about it?
Do not overwhelm parents with too many issues/concerns• discuss 1-2 current concerns
Phone Communication
• End the conversation positively • “Thank you for your support.”• “I know that we both want ________ to
succeed. We need to work together to accomplish this. Thank you for your help.”
No News isn’t Good News
Good News Postcards Positive phone calls Positive emails Positive Notes
Positive communication early on can make difficult communication easier.
Tools of communication Teacher Websites
Homework Class messages Make-up assignments/projects Days and times available for extra help
Email Communication Tips…
• Be sure that spelling and grammar is correct.• Try to ensure that the email is tone neutral.• It may be necessary to confirm receipt of
message with receipt notice or with a phone call. • Some things are better left un typed… a phone
call may be more appropriate.• Be aware of email power struggles.• Use your school email address.• Confirm information before putting it in email.
Conferences
Attentive Body Language• Greeting:
• Smile• Eye contact• Handshake (strength, speed)
• Listening:• Ignoring distractions• leaning forward
• Wanting more/ Patience • slow nodding, reflecting
Conferences
Be prepared• brief script/notes• What do you want to communicate?• What do you want the student to do about it?• What do you want the parent to do about it?
Try to begin the conversation with something positive• avoid putting the parent on the defensive
Do not overwhelm parents with too many issues/concerns• discuss 1-2 current concerns. Tell parents of the strategies you’ve
used to solve the issue and what strategies you are planning on using to discuss with the parent.
Conferencing with Parents who Speak Another Language
Tips and Reminders: Arrange for an interpreter in advance. Do not use students as interpreters. Face and direct conversation to the parent – not
the interpreter. Pause after a chunk of information has been shared. Keep it simple and professional. Plan for the additional time to interpret. Be aware of cultural differences. Be aware that the parent may understand more
English than you think.
EVALUATIONS AND SIGN-IN SHEET
Please remember to have parents Sign-in, a sign in sheet will be provided to you.
Remember to say “THANK YOU FOR COMING!!!!”