So, I have had a few teachers ask me, "how can we establish better relationships with parents/families?" This is exponential in providing a positive learning environment for your students. Having a solid foundation with parents is essential to your students' success in school! If you have the opportunity to gain the support, rapport and open communication with families; success is almost guaranteed. Now, doing this is going to take some effort on your part. Practice the following and I guarantee you will see a difference in your families' willingness to communicate with you!
1) Greet your families every. single. day. During drop off and pick up times! Even if you are with another family or involved in a group activity with your students. Make eye contact and let them know you are aware of their presence in your classroom!
2) Make time to chat with your families. Of course, your number one priority is to supervise and lead your classroom, however; if it is not possible to speak with, conference or just have a needed conversation with a family; make sure you schedule a definitive time to talk, whether that is when a floater/assistant can step in for you, or if it is via phone during a "rest time". Families want to know that you are available to talk about their child.
3) When you are speaking with your families, particularly concerning a negative behavior or an adjustment that needs to be made, concerning their child, make sure to follow the "sandwich" rule. Positive, negative, positive. Make sure you provide your parent with a positive about their child, directly discuss the suggested changes and negative behavior and, finally, end your conversation with another positive. Every human being wants to know what they're doing right...parents are no different. It is very IMPORTANT to emphasize the positive behavior, growth and development of your students when you are giving feedback.
4) Celebrate each and every one of your families! Celebrate their differences, encourage family show and tell times (invite your students to tell their friends about their family via poster boards, pictures and special "all about me" projects, invite their family in for these times). Celebrate your classroom occasions and invite parents to be a part of those celebrations. Remember to take into account differences in cultures, traditions and be inclusive!!!!
I would love to know what you do to better communicate with your families! Drop me a line!
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