Parent Teacher Communication

Parent Teacher communication is essential for a successful team partnership.  Communicating directly with parents allows you to understand a parent’s perspective, and to be aware of their goals, hopes and dreams for their child. You can be a better teacher for that child, by understanding what the child needs.  When parent’s let you know if something unusual is happening at home, you can support the child. 

5 Tips for Communicating with Parents

Systems are a must have! When you have a system in place, you aren't sweaty with nerves trying to decide how best to communicate with parents.

1.     Develop a system. Talk with the parent and ask their preferred method of communication: written, verbal, in person, etc. Written: Keep a notebook, you and the parent can write notes back and forth to each other.  Send home a note on the daily communication sheet.  Verbal: If a parent prefers you to call them, find out the best times and the best phone number to reach them.  In-person: When a parent wants to talk to you face to face, find out if they prefer morning drop-off or afternoon pick-up.

Communication Logs

2.     Create and keep a parent communication log.  Each time you talk with a parent, jot down a couple of notes.  It only takes a few minutes and it is a sanity saver! You can reference your notes anytime you need to, and there isn’t a question of who you called about the upcoming field trip.  Click here for my parent communication log.

Speaking from a place of Respect

3.     Be respectful.  Even if you disagree with the parent, remember they are the parent.  If mom or dad isn’t ready to discuss a new diagnosis, refrain from discussing it.  If the parents aren’t ready to do activities that you have sent home, that’s ok.  Don’t pressure them.  Parents of special needs kiddos are busy.  They have a lot on their plates.  Respect their needs, their grief process, and their level of school participation.

Brevity is your friend

4.     Be brief.  This works both ways.  If you need to talk to the parent for a long time, schedule a conference. Let the parents know at the beginning of the school year that your communication will only take a few minutes.  If they know you aren’t going to be a time vampire on the phone, at school, etc- they will be more willing to communicate with you.  Additionally, if you know a parent can be very chatty, address that at the start of your conversation.  For example: “Mrs. Jones, I love to talk about how Sarah is doing.  Unfortunately, I only have 5 minutes before my meeting.  If you need more time, let’s schedule a meeting later this week.” This lets the parent know you respect their need to communicate, and you will talk to them as soon as possible.  Make sure you give them the time you promised.

Bite sized Information Sandwiches

5.     Sandwich your information.  Tell them something great their child is doing, tell them your concerns, and then tell them strength.  No parent wants to hear a teacher complain about their child for 5 minutes.  They want to know the good about their child. Be kind and honest. Share with the parent your ideas for resolving your concerns. Listen as parents share their thoughts. Offer support and empathy.

Begin communicating with your families as soon as possible-before the school year begins, as soon as they are added to your caseload or roster, etc. Communication should be regular, kind, and respectful. Be sure to share the progress and achievements the student is making. Work together with parents to best support your student. When parents feel safe and respected when they speak to you, they are more likely to share information and respond to you.

Share with me your strategies for effective communication!