10 Effective Ways to Communicate with Parents
Establishing open, positive communication with parents is crucial for teachers. Parental engagement enhances student success and provides valuable perspectives. Here are 10 best practices for school-to-home communication with parents:
1. Send Weekly Newsletters
Routinely share classroom news, upcoming lessons and projects, field trips, test dates, and student accomplishments through weekly newsletters. This proactively keeps parents informed.
2. Host Parent-Teacher Conferences
Set aside dedicated time for in-depth discussions about the child’s progress. Prepare by collecting work samples and assessment data to share. Listen to parent insights and concerns.
3. Utilize Technology
Tools like school websites, classroom blogs, messaging apps, and online assignment platforms allow real-time sharing of information with parents about school activities.
4. Assign Student Portfolios
Student portfolios that travel between home and school let parents directly see examples of student work and progress. Include personalized feedback.
5. Report Frequently
Provide frequent progress reports, not just during grading periods. Brief reports or emails to parents about recent tests, assignments, challenges, and achievements keeps them engaged.
6. Request Meetings as Needed
If issues arise with academics, behavior, or other concerns, schedule meetings with parents early on to discuss solutions as a team. Ongoing collaboration is ideal.
7. Encourage Volunteering
Inviting parents to volunteer for field trips, class events, and schoolwide activities not only gets them involved but provides relationship-building opportunities with you and their child.
8. Make Yourself Accessible
Share your contact information and preferred communication methods. Respond promptly to parent phone calls, emails, notes, or texts within 24 hours whenever feasible.
9. Solicit Feedback
Ask parents how you can improve communication and better address their needs through surveys or during conferences and meetings. Incorporate their suggestions when possible.
10. Maintain Positive Relationships
Cultivate trust and goodwill through consistent, cordial interactions. Express that you and parents have a shared goal – helping the child learn and succeed.
Proactive, consistent, and positive communication with parents helps create a collaborative, supportive environment benefitting students, parents, and teachers alike.