1. Crucial Conversations
Welcome Activity: Family Involvement Strategy
On a sticky note, write your best family communication / involvement strategy.
As strategies are posted, move post-it notes around to categorize them into meaningful groups.
Choose one strategy and have the author explain in detail how the strategy was used, including the benefits and limitations.
Choose a strategy that is not your own, write “Yes, and…”, then add a suggestion to compliment the strategy.

2. Crucial Conversation vs. Confrontation with Students’ Families
Attributes of Conversation:
low key, non-confrontational
low risk
implies dialogue
varied opinion
emotions involved
outcome-based
Attributes of Confrontation:
negative overtones
power struggle
anger
emotional
winner vs. loser
need for mediation
nothing resolved
Patterson et al. (2002). Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High.

3. 5 Keys to Successful Parent-Teacher Communication
In your small group, read the article provided. When you are finished, discuss the questions below.
How do the strategies identified lay a foundation for having crucial conversations vs. confrontation with students’ families?
Share one crucial conversation that you have had with a students’ family members. How did it go? What did you do well? What could you have done differently?

4. Triangulating Communication
Who are the three main players when it comes to school communication?

5. Triangulating Communication
Who are the three main players when it comes to home/school communication?
teacher

6. Triangulating Communication
Who are the three main players when it comes to home/school communication?
teacher
family...often a parent or guardian

7. Triangulating Communication
Who are the three main players when it comes to home/school communication?
teacher
family...often a parent or guardian
student

8. Triangulating Communication
Who are the three main players when it comes to home/school communication?
student
family
teacher

9. Triangulating Communication
What does each vertex of the triangle bring to the conversation in terms of:
responsibility?
expectations?
assessment and evaluation?
student
teacher
family

10. Parent/Teacher Role-Play
In small groups, complete the role play activity. Carefully consider the roles of the parent, the family member and the student.

11. Parent/Teacher Role-Play
Follow up discussion questions:
1. Which scenarios have caused or would cause you the most distress?
2. Name members of your support system who have helped you deal with situations like these?
3. How can you proactively work to address (and perhaps prevent) potential communication issues such as these?