1. Parents are people, people with children PARENT COMMUNICATION

2. METHODS OF COMMUNICATION Phone Email In Person

3. WHICH METHOD IS THE BEST? IN PERSON, whenever possible

4. THE CONVERSATION – IN PERSON OR ON THE PHONE Beginning Middle Ending BE SURE ALL PARTIES ARE ON THE SAME PAGE

5. COMMUNICATION BY EMAIL 1.Introduction 2.Short/Specific 3.Positive Comment 4.Challenge 5.Non-emotional 6.Conference Time 7.Be Understanding 8.Partner for Student Success 9.End Positively

6. HINTS: COMMUNICATION BY EMAIL Promptness Parent Comments

7. IDEAS FOR MEETING PARENTS Listen Positive/Hopeful Humble Educationalize Involve Excitement Promises?

8. WHAT PARENTS EXPECT FROM YOU My Child Clear Expectations Curriculum Availability Volunteer

9. WHAT PARENTS EXPECT FROM YOU Safety Success Fair and Consistent Alert Me Ask My Advice

10. DIFFERENT KINDS OF PARENTS The Over-Involved Parent (Helicopter Parent) The Under-Involved Parent The Over-Familiar Parent The Over-Impressed Parent The Over-to-You Parent The Overwhelmed Parent

11. CONFERENCING TIPS Dress Treatment Seating Organization Materials Friendly Body Language Clear Purpose

12. CONFERENCING TIPS (CONT.) State facts Maintain two-way communication Dont compare students Gather background information DOCUMENT Share samples of work Climate of conference

13. THE RIGHT AND WRONG WORDS Use This Shown he can do more Can do better Make better use of time Reserved Tries to gain attention Not This Lazy Never Does Wastes Time Bashful Show-off

14. COMMUNICATION SKILLS Non-Verbal Crossed Arms Gestures Eye Contact Facial Expressions Environment Seating Verbal Parent Voice Restate Sarcasm Words

15. REFLECTION

16. SCENARIO 1 Id like to know what goes on in your classroom! Susies teacher last year never gave so much homework and she always made straight As. I know youre new, but youd better check with someone who knows what theyre doing before you get in over your head.

17. SCENARIO 2 John said you always pick on him and that you embarrass him in front of all the other kids when he has to go to get special help.

18. FINAL SUGGESTIONS Document Heated email – WAIT Conference support Be cool Walk to the office with an irate parent Dont meet with a parent while you have students in the room Plan meetings to control time

19. REMEMBER… Dont be too hard on parents. They send you their very best, and most work hard at raising their kids. And they dont get summers off.

20. RESOURCES Adapted from Clear Creek Independent School Districts New Teacher Mentoring Program. Tucker, Ginger. The Heart of Teaching Series. GKT Publishing, Amarillo, Texas. 2006. Rutherford, Paula. Why Didnt I Learn This In College? ASK Publications and Professional Development, Alexandria, Virginia. 2002. Ramsey, Ed.D., Robert. 501 Tips for Teachers, McGraw Hill, New York. 2003.