Building Bridges … … not Walls

Agenda  The need for a relationship  Roadblocks to communication  Written communication  Oral communication  Cultural differences  Dealing with parents  First days of school

Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care. -- Theodore Roosevelt

Parent  Teacher Relationships Why is it critical for us to develop positive relationships with the parents of our children?

Roadblocks to Communication As a table group, discuss how taking on the roles listed on the “Parent Roles” or “School Roles” sheet might negatively impact communication. Select someone in your group to share out.

Parent Roles that Create Roadblocks Protector Indifferent-Parent Inadequate-MeDon’t-Make-Waves AvoidanceClub-Waving-Advocate

School Roles that Create Roadblocks Authority-FigurePass-the-Buck Protect-the-EmpireBusy-Teacher Sympathizing-Counselor

Written Communication Points to ponder …  Always begin with something positive.  Send home messages in parent’s native language.  Use appropriate reading level.  Try to keep newsletters to one page (and remember the $1 bill rule!).  Send audiotapes for parents who cannot read.

Oral Communication Whether phone call or conference …  Balance the positive with the negative.  Always begin with something positive.  Give parents the opportunity to express their concerns and provide solutions to problems.  Reflect what you hear the parent say by using “I” statements (“What I’m hearing you say is … Am I right?”)

Cultural Differences Keep in mind that not everyone is like you and be aware of …  Sharing space  Touching  Eye contact

Dealing with Parents Divide a sheet of paper in half. Label the left side “Behaviors that hinder communication” and the right side “Behaviors that promote communication.” Now imagine that an irate parent or caregiver shows up in your area. List things you control and could do that might hinder or would promote the conversation you are about to have.

Behaviors that Hinder Communication  Interrupting while the parent speaks  Rehearsing your answer before you’ve actually heard and understood what the parent is trying to say  Sitting behind your desk  Trying to persuade the parent that you are right and he/she is wrong

Hindering behaviors (cont.)  Showing no empathy  Coming across as the know-it-all professional  Talking compulsively and over explaining your point  Complaining about your own agenda  Giving unsolicited advice

Behaviors that Promote Communication Shaking hands and truly welcoming them into your room Sitting eye-to-eye and knee-to-knee Active listening Maintaining an open mind Keeping calm and confident

Promoting behaviors (cont.) Getting to the real issues Empathizing Speaking in a calm manner Being positive (and very gentle with the negative) Giving options to parents Focusing on problems, not personalities

Ideas for the First Days of School Make a list of 3-4 things that teachers can do in the first days of school to begin building positive relationships with the parents of their students. Share these with your shoulder partner and select one to share with everyone.

Remember … Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care. -- Theodore Roosevelt

Have YOU “hugged” a parent today?