Developing positive relationships with parents, students and teachers.

Developing positive relationships with parents, students and teachers. By : Anusjka Joseph, 2013070100.

Importance of teacher-parent relationship

Research has shown that students do better in school when their parent or guardian is involved. However, in the world today, parents are responding to increased expectations, economic pressures and time constraints that cause them to not know what is going on with their child. As a result of this, an effective relationship between teachers and parents have become even more essential to meet the needs of the children they share. Cultivating a teacher-parent relationship is vital to the development of students.

Importance of teacher-parent relationshipTeacher-parent relationships are a great opportunity for parents to hear how their child is doing academically and socially in relation to their classmates. However, these relationships are also a great way to discuss any troubles or questions with the teaching that they may have regarding their child. As their childs greatest role model, its vital that parents get involved in their schooling, rather than sit back and let the teacher handle it all. Children need to see the effort their parents put in their education.

Tips for developing a positive relationship with parents.*Teachers should begin the school year by meeting the parents before classes begins. Since first impressions are lasting teachers should be sure the classroom is warm and welcoming. *Teachers should contact parents with good news weekly. These calls should be scheduled in a planner, this means youre more likely do them and more likely to make a difference in a parents and students day.

Tips for developing a positive relationship with parents. (contd)*Teachers should establish an open door policy. Look for other ways to get parents to stop by, e.g. welcome them to come in and observe you teaching.*Teachers should communicate about the entire classroom. Make sure that parents are aware that youre responsible for more than just their child. Setting this context will help parents see your point of view when and if you need to make a decision that is best for the group, but which might not be ideal for each individual student.

Tips for developing a positive relationship with parents. (contd)*Teachers should ask for email addresses and work and home numbers.*Teachers should also choose communication tools that work best for parents. Ask parents what communication methods are best for them. Do not assume that parents are all the same. Using multiple communication methods allows parents to hear from you in ways that work for them.* Teachers can ask for parents to be classroom volunteers. Volunteer signup sheets should always be readily available for parents who want to assist with various class and school activities.

Importance of developing a positive relationship with students.We all want to feel cared for and valued by the significant people in our world. Students are no different. As a classroom teacher, you have a great deal of power over your students simply due to the fact that you control their destiny for up to six and a half hours each day, five days a week. When students feel that you value and care for them as individuals, they are more willing to comply with your wishes.

Tips for developing a positive relationship with students.*Teachers should work at getting to know their students as individuals. Find out their interests. Initiate conversations with them about sports, and school activities. As you talk to them and listen to what's on their minds, they will begin to see that you're not just another adult, but someone who is genuinely interested in them.*Teachers, should protect their students self-esteem, as they are dealing with fragile beings. Being accepted by their peers is the key to their self-esteem. Being criticized by a teacher loudly in front of their peers humiliates them, so teachers should avoid humiliation.

Tips for developing a positive relationship with students. (contd)

*Teachers should listen to students, as they like to feel that they have some say or influence on what goes on in class. If a teacher is open to receiving feedback, this can bring about a better level of mutual respect.*Make an effort tospend time individuallywith each student, especially those who are difficult or shy. This will help you create a more positive relationship with them.

Tips for developing a positive relationship with students. (contd)

*Be aware of theexplicit and implicit messagesyou are giving to your students. Be careful to show your students that you want them to do well in school through both actions and words.*Create a positive climatein your classroom by focusing not only on improving your relationships with your students, but also on enhancing the relationships among your students.

Tips for developing a positive relationship with other teachers.*Do not talk about or discuss your co-workers with your students or parents. It undermines the authority of that teacher and additionally taints your credibility.*Avoid being critical of your co-workers. Build them up, encourage them and offer constructive criticism.*Collaborate with your peers.Dont be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help in your classroom. Toomany teachersthink this is a weakness when it is truly a strength.

Video on developing relationships with parents, students and other teachers.

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