I believe that we are all familiar with the saying, “Keep your friends close…. and your enemies closer.” Now, I will not go to the extent of calling the parents of our students “enemies”, however they do indeed have more power than one may think. With that said, it is my suggestion that creating a solid partnership with parents is absolutely crucial for a successful school year. Here’s why…..
This program has been, “Bringing over 40 years’ experience initiating and expanding family engagement programs for 250,000 students, parents, families, and teachers across the country, there isn’t anyone quite like Family Friendly Schools.” (Family Friendly Schools – mission statement).
Studies have reported that the 250,000 engaged educators and parents have resulted in an increase of test scores, improved student behavior and attendance, as well as gotten overall positive parents participating at their school. (Family Friendly Schools)
Communication
It all starts with the communication that is shared with them from day one.
I know that creating partnerships with my future students’ parents, is something that I plan to take very seriously. I say that I will take it very seriously because I think that having this frequent communication, can make or break both the students experience as well as the parents experience throughout the school year.
We as educators have to knowledge that we are spending more time with their children (“babies”) during the day, then they are. Especially in the early years of school (K-2) this can be a huge adjustment for families. I believe that keeping the parents in the loop as much as possible can create this sort of bond, where the parents can feel involved with the milestones that their children are reaching in their everyday learning. When there is a lack of communication this is commonly where issues can arise.
Plan to cultivate these relationships throughout the year, by starting day one. Actually before day one. I encourage to start the communication process over the summer to introduce yourself and share how excited you are to have their child in your classroom.
You could send home a letter addressed to the parents, and one that is addressed to the student.
Back to School Night or Open House
One of the first events that you’ll experience as a teacher is back to school night or open house. This is a great opportunity for you to put a name to a face, if there has only been communication over email or phone. It is also just a time to make a relationship with the parents and give them all of the necessary contact information.
“It is a fun way to share my curriculum and give parents a peek into our classroom. Choose an evening (after work for parents) for your event. An hour or even 45 minutes will probably be plenty of time to have some fun with this. Send invitations (for parents and students) via your newsletter, special send-homes, emails or your Web site. Provide snacks, everyone loves to eat.”
“Set discussion ideas: different types of writing the students work on throughout the year: narrative, expository, descriptive, and persuasive, Six-Trait model, etc. View and discuss strong and weak examples of papers (do not use students’ papers from that school year).”
Explain how you conduct writing conferences. Offer suggestions on how parents can encourage their child to write. Have an interactive activity for parents and students to complete together. For example, you could have the parent and student analyze the strengths and weaknesses in a piece of writing and how would they correct it. Take questions.” (Scholastic).
How cool?!
These are just a few suggestions and tips to effectively mend a relationship with your student’s parents. Oh course, don’t forget the quick calls home to let the parents how amazing their child is doing. This makes a bigger difference than you might think. Additionally, when a time does present itself and you have to have an uncomfortable conversation with a parent, they are typically more receptive.
Until next time, happy blogging!
~Abby
