1. Building a Teacher Communication Plan
Parent Communication
Building a Teacher Communication Plan

2. Why is Parent Communication important?
Student achievement increases
as parents become more involved
in their children’s education.
Effective two-way communication
between the teacher and parents leads
to greater involvement.

3. Parent Communication Research shows that when parents
are involved, students have:
Higher grades
Better attendance
Lower rates of suspension
Increased motivation
Higher graduation rates

4. Parent Communication
Hierarchy of Effective Communication One-on-one Small group Speaking before a large group Phone call Hand-written personal note Typed personal note (not a form letter) Personal “form letter”

5. Parent Communication
Hierarchy of Effective Communication Mass-produced, non-personal letter Brochure or pamphlet Newsletter articles Newspaper articles Advertising Other – billboards, pens, give-aways Summary: People beat paper every time.

6. Parent Communication What is a teacher communication plan?
Basic list of communication tactics for the year
Includes communication method, frequency, & content
Special Events Plan – used to plan communication for major events
Back-to-School, Parent Information Night, P-T Conferences, etc.

7. Parent Communication
Why create a teacher communications plan? Effective communication is not something that just happens. Planning helps ensure success.

8. Parent Communication General Communication Tools/Tactics
Classroom newsletter (electronic or print) s
Teacher Web Page
Phone Calls/Brag Calls/Touching Base Calls
Good News Notes/Post Cards
Surveys
Letters/invitations/thank yous (student-written?)
Friday Folders
Backpack flyers
Voice Mail

9. Parent Communication Other Tools/Tactics Monthly parent visit days
Additional P-T conferences (Spring)
Blog
Homework/class assignments requiring parent involvement
Parent speakers – find out parents’ hobbies, interests with survey – use their talents in your classroom
Student-created newsletter
Refrigerator Notes

10. Parent Communication Other Tools/Tactics
Daily “what I learned” review with students
Attend outside activities
Promote a story weekly/monthly to PR
Home visits
Parent recognition
Parent volunteer program
Congratulatory letters mailed to students
End-of-the-Year Class Celebration

11. Parent Communication
Special Events Back-to-School/Meet the Teacher Night Parent Information Night Parent-Teacher Conferences Other?

12. Parent Communication Special Event Plans include…
Event Promotion – how will you invite parents?
Event Preparation – what do you need to do?
Event Procedure – what will happen at event?
Handouts
Event follow-up – how will you thank parents?

13. Parent Communication
Tips Mix it up – use multiple methods throughout hierarchy Include both regular and one-time tactics Make it “do-able” Communicate goals of project/field trips Provide parents with ways they can be involved (at home and at school) Look for opportunities for 2-way communication
Field trip/project goals – always communicate the why; also why late start, why you’re out of the classroom

14. Parent Communication
I have a plan, now what do I do with it? USE IT – put it in a place where you will see it consistently Share it with parents – Parent Information Night, in newsletters, etc. Adjust/review it throughout the year

15. Parent Communication Things to consider:
It may take 7 times to get a message across.
Communication is more than sending a newsletter. Real communication creates a two-way connection.
Do everything you can to make the first communication with parents a positive one.

16. Parent Communication
Additional Tips Schedule your communication in Outlook Ask parents what type of information they want/how they want it Use for general communication – never for confidential/difficult issues Blank templates located on Teacher Resource page of website – under Teaching & Learning menu

17. Questions? Suggestions Thoughts
Parent Communication
Questions? Suggestions Thoughts