1. EFFECTIVE PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION
Preventive Maintenance
Kahina Parrish, Counselor

2. Overlapping responsibilities between home and school
Motivation
Homework
Studying
Communication
Support (each other and the student)

3. Partner with teacher Effective communication begins with the
belief that both the school & the teacher
care about your child.
What’s needed:
A positive attitude
Modeling respect & support for the teacher & school
Willingness & flexibility when working with the teacher

4. Become comfortable with the setting (school & classroom)
Chat informally with the teacher
Become familiar with the classroom & school rules
Reinforce the classroom management & discipline program at home
Participate in a school activity or program for parents
Talk to others who spend time at school
Let your child see you volunteering at the school
Speak respectfully about your child’s teacher & school

5. First Contact
You can initiate communication with your child’s teacher or principal
Parents can introduce themselves early in the school year.
Communicate early with the teacher
a) before school starts
b) before problems arise (if a need is anticipated)

6. Communication
Most grade levels have daily communication between the teacher & parent:
-a take home folder or planner that should be read, signed, & returned daily
When questions arise contact your child’s teacher
via or phone (the teacher will usually need to return your call)
**before contacting the Principal or Counselor**
Conferences:
-Brief needs can be addressed in a short phone or conversation
-Longer needs require that an appointment be made

7. Teacher Communication
Respond to teacher calls or s in a timely manner
Share the necessary information to assist the teacher or help resolve a concern
Understand that all teachers are willing to work with student needs
- must be aware of needs
- receive cooperation from you & your child in school & at home

8. The Conference
Read all relevant school & classroom information prior to meeting (e.g. planner, newsletter, report card, or notes home)
Bring prepared notes or questions
Listen carefully
Ask all questions during the conference time (have examples if possible)
Create a plan of action (specifically state roles)
Set a time frame to meet again
Follow-thru
Be considerate of the conference beginning & ending times

9. After Implement suggestions Contact the teacher with questions
Support the school & teacher
Contact the teacher when another conference is needed

10. Closing Be prepared to initiate communication
Read all information sent home
Speak first with the teacher
Understand teacher time constraints
Model school & teacher respect
Schedule appointments
Respond in a timely manner
Be open to feedback & give suggestions
Follow-thru is essential

11. Supporting your child & May Elementary
Questions
Thank you
for
Supporting your child & May Elementary