THE ART OF PARENT

TEACHER COMMUNICATION

Have things really changed?

What is this workshop all about?

We will emphasize the importance of

parent-teacher relationship.

Will will look at different ways to

communicate with parents and how

effective they are.

We will analyse common

communication problems and come up

with solutions.

Let’s maximize our learning by active

participation!

But Why?!

Importance of parent-teacher communication

Question 1:

Why is parent-teacher communication important?

SWAP ROLES!

Question 2:

What are the consequences of poor parent-teacher communication?

Let’s summarize…why is parent-teacher

relationship important?

It allows a student reach maximum potential inside as well as outside the

classroom classroom.

Being guided by the teacher, parents can support the student’s learning at home.

Regular communication allows to address issues before they escalate.

Parents can support the teacher by sharing the child’s strengths and weaknesses.

Allows parents to feel involved in their child’s learning and welcome at school.

Parents’ involvement can boost a child’s motivation.

Video Prompt

Watch the whole video here. As you watch the video, think about:

• What are the different perspectives of the characters in the video?

• What are some examples of dos and don’ts for parent-teacher

communication that you observed in the video?

• What do you think leads to conflict situations between parents and

teachers?

LA 1: Group Discussion Outcome

The Dos and Don’ts of Parent Communication

Dos

• Show records

• Start with positive comments

• Building rapport with parents / make

parents comfortable

• Have suggestions, not just problems

• Be able to share something unique

about a child

• Give personal examples of the child

• Identifying learning gaps and sharing

interventions

• Use “we” not “I” or “you”

Don’ts

• Don’t use words like “dumb”, ”stupid”

etc.

• Don’t be judgmental

• Don’t compare

• Wait till the end of the year to give

feedback

• Don’t be offensive or defensive

• Shut down communication

Tools for parent communication

One-way communication (used to provide information

to parents):

• newsletters

• voice message

• report cards

• notes/worksheets to parents

Two-way communication (when there is a dialogue

between parents and the teacher):

• parent/teacher conferences

• parent/teacher interviews

• phone calls/Skype

• e-mail

• messaging (SMS, online chats)

• website/interactive platform

What are the pros and cons of each method?

What would be the outcome of using each method? Image Source

Resource Bank – 1

Parents and Teachers: The Possibility of a Dream Team by Dr. Richard Curwin

How Teachers Can Help: The Three-Call Method

As early in the year as possible, teachers need to call as many parents on the phone as possible,hopefully all of them if their load is small enough. The purpose of the call is to welcome theparent into the learning community and to establish a positive communication line. The idea isthat you should discuss a problem with a parent no sooner than the third call. The first twocalls should be more positive.

How Parents Can Help: Communicate Proactively

Parents, too, can help communication. They can inform teachers of things happening at home thatmight affect student behavior; a pending divorce, serious illness, birth of a new baby, a changeor addition of a medication, or a parent on an extended trip abroad are all examples of thingsthat can help teachers. Children who strongly object to going to school, hate a certain subject,are being bullied or have too much homework are other helpful things to discuss with teachers.

Become a Team

Finally, stop dumping and blaming on both sides. These tactics help no one, make the other partydefensive and prevents finding possible solutions. Become a team, not adversaries. Shareyour perceptions honestly. Tell the other what works at home or in class and what doesn't.Work out a plan of action to try, and be flexible enough to change it if it doesn't help. Deflectaccusations by not taking them personally.

You can find the whole article here: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/parent-teacher-collaboration-richard-curwin

Resource Bank – 2

A dozen activities to promote parent involvement by Linda Starr

Build a bridge

"Educators need to be willing to recognize the extent of this disconnection as a precondition forinvolving families in their children's education," the report continued, offering the followingsuggestions for reducing that feeling of disconnection:

• Be sure the first contact with parents is a positive one.

• Communicate with parents straightforwardly and simply, avoiding educational "jargon."

• Ensure that all parents have regular access to clear, concise, and easily readable informationabout their children's school and classroom.

• Ask parents to share their concerns and opinions about school, and then address thoseconcerns.

• Accommodate parents' work schedules.

• Accommodate language and cultural differences.

• Establish regular, meaningful communication between home and school.

• Promote and support parenting skills.

• Encourage active parent participation in student learning.

• Welcome parents as volunteer partners in schools.

• Invite parents to act as full partners in making school decisions that affect children andfamilies.

• Reach out to the community for resources to strengthen schools.

You can find the whole article here: http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr200.shtml

Resource Bank - 3

Building Better Parent-Teacher Relationships: The 21st Century Way by Prasanna Bharti

Here are a few things you can do with the assurance of getting those misled parents on your sideagain:

First things first: Explain to parents that strictness on both parent’s & teacher’s side can aloneimpact the child positively.

Connect With Them Where They Already Are: Everybody is busy. Majority of the Communicationtakes place digitally. It has become very important for teachers to connect with their students &parents where their attention is, i.e., on their phones.

In-depth Dissection: Show parents the specific problems attached with their child & offercustomized solutions. Sounding a li’l corporate, eh?!!

Blow the Horn Early: Let parents of the child know of any pertinent concern much in advancewhile it’s still in the nascent stage.

Keeping Parents in Loop: Make it a point to update parents early about school events & initiativesand also give them a hawk’s eye view, via photos & visuals, into all the wonderful things theschool does for their children!

Communicate, don’t promulgate: When it comes to reminders to late fee payers, stop scoldingthe child & inform the parents directly. Let them know that you’re not spreading the word &embarrassing the child because….you care!

Value Feedbacks: Allot parents a platform wherein they can submit their queries/feedbacks towhich you may reply too.

You can find the whole article here: http://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/trends/1982-building-better-parent-teacher-relationships-the-21st-century-way

Resource Bank - 4

Effective Parent and Teacher Communication by Angie Shiflett

There are many ways that parent and teacher communication may be enhanced.

1. First, it is important to understand that parent and teacher communication is intended to

benefit the child's overall success academically.

2. While the numeric scores will outline a child's level of achievement on tests and other

assignments, it is important to realize that a numeric score is also beneficial in

identifying a child's weaknesses.

3. Many parents make the mistake of sitting back and allowing a teacher to come to them

with issues

4. It is important to sign up as a volunteer in your child's classroom and ensure that you visit

their class often.

5. It is important to understand that parent/teacher conferences may not always be

appropriate as far as time is concerned.

Encourage your child's teacher to provide you with an alternative means of communication

such as a telephone number or an email address. This will allow you and the teacher to

communicate during periods that you are unavailable in person.

You can find the whole article here: http://education.more4kids.info/264/effective-

parent-teacher-communication/

Resource Bank - 5

Five Keys to Successful Parent-Teacher Communication by Barbara Mariconda

The best way to avoid misunderstandings with parents is to have ongoing, clear lines of

communication from the beginning. The more you keep them informed about classroom news and

include them in school happenings, the more they'll feel like a part of the team. The end result?

Parents who are supportive, understanding, and a little less likely to jump to negative conclusions.

Here are five ground rules of effective communication with parents:

1. Begin the year by explaining how and when you'll keep in touch with them.

2. Never feel pressured to make an important decision, evaluation, or assessment during a

parent conference or conversation.

3. Let parents know they can trust you.

4. Assure parents that you will inform them immediately about any concerns you might have

with regard to their child.

5. When presenting a concern to parents, ALWAYS be ready to explain what strategies

you've already used to address the issue and what new strategies you are considering.

You can find the whole article here: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/five-keys-

successful-parent-teacher-communication

Resource Bank - 6

6 skills to resolve conflicts with teachers and parents while buffering relationships by

Deidre M. LeFevre and Viviane M.J. Robinson

• Skill 1–Express yourself and describe your position.

• Skill 2– Listen for deep understanding. Careful listening in response to complaints

restores trust. Your curiosity in the discussion signals a deep respect for the other person’s

ideas and concerns and helps build a working affiliation. You should listen both to fact-find

and to understand how the facts have been interpreted.

• Skill 3–Check your understanding. Make sure that you have correctly understood what

the parent or teacher has communicated and that your reactions are not based on faulty

inferences and attributions.

• Skills 4 and 5–Re-examine your point of view and help the other person re-examine

theirs.

• Skill 6–Agree with the principal and parent/teacher on what to do next. Expert

principals genuinely try to find solutions that satisfy the legitimate interests of all parties.

You can find the while article here: http://www.ernweb.com/educational-research-

articles/6-skills-resolve-conflicts-teachers-parents-buffering-relationships/

Resource Bank - 7

Preventing and resolving parent-teacher differences by lilian G. Katz and others

In times of disagreement, teachers should:

• Know the school policy for addressing parent-teacher disagreements. Use discretion

about when and where children and their families are discussed.

• Parents' discussions of disagreements with teachers need to be based on knowing the

facts. Parents can:

• Talk directly with the teacher about the problem.

• Avoid criticizing teachers in front of children.

• Choose an appropriate time and place to discuss the disagreement.

You can find the whole article here:

http://www.Kidsource.Com/kidsource/content3/parent.Teacher.3.Html

Resource Bank - 8

Resolving a Conflict With Your Child’s Teacher

• Stay positive! Be careful not to undermine the teacher's authority.

• Listen carefully. In order to get the facts straight, ask your child open-ended questions, then follow up by asking for specific examples that tell you what you're dealing with.

• Brainstorm solutions together. Your child may have some ideas and opinions about what she, the teacher, or you can do to fix the problem. Soliciting her input will show her that her thoughts are valued, and forging a plan together may help her be more receptive to possible solutions.

• Observe the situation. If the conflict seems to originate from the teacher, get as much information as you can before scheduling a meeting with her.

• Talk to the teacher. Ask for the teacher's evaluation of the situation and suggestions on how your child could improve before you express your concerns. Posing questions and avoiding accusations will yield the best results.

• Connect with the classroom. Volunteering time or keeping in regular contact with the teacher will help both of you understand each other and communicate better.

• If necessary, meet with the principal. If you feel the situation isn't improving and you aren't getting an adequate response from the teacher, request a meeting with a school administrator.

• If nothing else works, request your child be moved. Most schools rarely do this because it's disruptive and can have a negative impact on your child's self-esteem.

You can find the whole article here: http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/parent-teacher-partnerships/resolving-conflict-your-childs-teacher

Resource Bank - 9

How Teachers Can Work with 5 Difficult Types of Parents

The article presents 5 types of conflict situations and suggestions how to resolve them.

These are the 5 types of parents included by the author:

• The over-involved parent

• The absent parent

• The demanding parent

• The defensive parent

• The uncooperative parent

You can find the whole article here:

http://teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/9762-how-teachers-can-work-with-5-

difficult-types-of-parents?page=1

What have we learned today?

Communication is a crucial element when we want to build a

healthy relationship with parents.

There are plenty of tips on what to do and what to not do when

you communicate with parents. Study them again after the

session and start implementing.

There are numerous ways to communicate with parents. (one-

way communication or two-way communication). Evaluate the

methods again and create your own personal communication

strategy.

What else?

We hope you are feeling

like this right now and

have a belief that you can

build a strong

relationship with any

parents and solve

conflicts with them.

GOOD LUCK!

www.busybeesasia.com

Thank you