1. Communicating With Parents P/J Methods EDUC 4454

2. Communicating With Parents Research shows that parental involvement is important for children’s learning, their attitude about school and personal aspirations. Research shows that parental involvement is important for children’s learning, their attitude about school and personal aspirations. There is a direct connection between parent involvement and student achievement at the elementary level. There is a direct connection between parent involvement and student achievement at the elementary level.

3. Communicating With Parents It is everyone’s responsibility to create a school/classroom environment that is welcoming, caring and responds to what is best for students.

4. Communicating With Parents

5. Formal Communication includes Provincial report cards Provincial report cards Parent/teacher interviews Parent/teacher interviews In school meetings In school meetings Be prepared Be kind/sensitive Be honest Keep notes Be careful what you promise.

6. Communicating With Parents Informal communication includes Informal communication includes Newsletters…what is happening in class, how can parents reinforce learning at home…watch the teacher jargon Newsletters…what is happening in class, how can parents reinforce learning at home…watch the teacher jargon Surveys…helps us understand where parents are coming from Surveys…helps us understand where parents are coming from Homework…be sure it is practice or review, not a new concept Homework…be sure it is practice or review, not a new concept Agendas/communication books Agendas/communication books

7. Communicating With Parents Communication Log Keep track of all conversations / meetings with parents Keep track of all conversations / meetings with parents Record immediately Record immediately Keep them organized in a binder Keep them organized in a binder If you tell a parent you will do something…you must follow through…so be careful what you promise! If you tell a parent you will do something…you must follow through…so be careful what you promise!

8. Communicating With Parents Key Messages: Get to know your parents early in the school year. Get to know your parents early in the school year. A phone call in September to introduce yourself is well worth the time. A phone call in September to introduce yourself is well worth the time. Keep parents informed…nobody likes surprises. Keep parents informed…nobody likes surprises. Be honest and kind. Be honest and kind.

9. Communicating With Parents Remember that effective communication is about helping children to be more successful in school. Remember, that child is somebody’s baby!