Stripling Elementary School

September 11, 2014

Communicating with Parents

Truths of Parent Involvement

Education

Child

Parent

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

PARENT

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 Involve ment

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.

Effective Communication

Parent Involvement requires effective communication.

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!!!!”

Resources Used

www.indianriverschools.org www.scholastic.com www.priceless-teaching-strategies.com www.about.com www.inspiringteachers.com www.nysut.org