1. Can you hear me now? Effective Home - School Communication Effective Home-School Communication

2. DEFINIITON What is it? A two-way process Meaningful and ongoing Lays a foundation for home-school partnerships EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Effective Home-School Communication

3. Establish trust Shared expectations Foster future family involvement PURPOSE Why do it? EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Effective Home-School Communication

4. GOOD NEWS! When the first contact is a positive one, parents are more open to hearing from the school later… even when there is a problem. BENEFITS Effective Home-School Communication

5. Welcome packets Positive postcards Student agendas Flyers Newsletters Surveys Written Communication THE FOUR TYPES Effective Home-School Communication

6. Flyers: Bullets (like these) help to: Make content look like a quick and easy read Organize important information Create an informal and friendly tone. BEST PRACTICES Written Communication Effective Home-School Communication

7. Flyers: A single large image creates a stronger impression than many small pictures. It allows the eye and the mind to focus. BEST PRACTICES Written Communication BEST PRACTICES Effective Home-School Communication

8. Flyers: Do NOT use more than 2 or 3 fonts or COLORS ! If you want your flyer to be read, remember: Less is more. BEST PRACTICES Written Communication BEST PRACTICES Effective Home-School Communication

9. 4 Types of Communication Share good news Share links and resources Remind families of upcoming events Electronic Communication THE FOUR TYPES Effective Home-School Communication

10. E-Mail: Be sure to use proper spelling and punctuation. Avoid using abbreviations. BEST PRACTICES Electronic Communication BEST PRACTICES Effective Home-School Communication

11. E-Mail: Parents cannot see your face or hear your tone of voice in an E-Mail. Do not use humor or sarcasm or share bad news. When in doubt, pick up the phone. BEST PRACTICES Electronic Communication BEST PRACTICES Effective Home-School Communication

12. School Website: 65% of American homes have internet access and that number grows daily. Does your school have a website worthy of their E-ttention? BEST PRACTICES Electronic Communication BEST PRACTICES Effective Home-School Communication

13. 4 Types of Communication Phone calls Face-to-face Speeches Presentations Verbal and In-person THE FOUR TYPES Effective Home-School Communication

14. Face-to-Face: Maintain an “open” posture. Smile Maintain eye contact Lean forward Avoid folding your arms or crossing your legs. BEST PRACTICES Verbal Communication BEST PRACTICES Effective Home-School Communication

15. Listen up. Parents have vital information and insights about their child. Ask yourself, “What do I wish I knew about this child?” BEST PRACTICES Verbal Communication BEST PRACTICES Effective Home-School Communication

16. 4 Types of Communication School Marquee Parking lot signs Building signage Bulletin boards Visual Communication THE FOUR TYPES Effective Home-School Communication

17. School Marquee Don’t miss an opportunity to “sell” your school. “YAY! Our six graders have read 2532 books!” BEST PRACTICES Visual Communication BEST PRACTICES Effective Home-School Communication

18. Signs, signs, everywhere signs. Do a walk-through to evaluate the effectiveness of your signs. BEST PRACTICES Visual Communication BEST PRACTICES Effective Home-School Communication

19. NOW HEAR THIS… Communication: 55% body language 38% tone of voice 7% content of words Effective Home-School Communication

20. Keep It Short and Simple… Avoid using educational jargon (differentiated instruction) Stick to the point Remember… Two-way means listening. K.I.S.S. Effective Home-School Communication

21. By taking the time to draft a plan for home-school communication, your efforts will pave the way for all future contacts with families. BLUEPRINT 4 SUCCESS Effective Home-School Communication