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Communicating with ParentsWendy Hawkins7th Grade Writing TeacherRiverside Middle School

+Why is parent communication important?

■ Parents are our strongest allies

■ We are with their kids more than they are during the week

■ Students aren’t always the most accurate messengers

■ Relationships can be built to further learning

■ Conflicts can be stopped before they start

+The Right Attitude

■ All families have strengths

■ Parents can learn new techniques

■ Parents have important perspectives about their children

■ Most parents really do care about their children

Read and Reflect:

“Why I Hated Meredith’s First Grade Teacher: An Open Letter to America’s Teachers” by Kylene Beers

+Standard Communication

■ Newsletters

■ Fusion Pages■ http://www.qrstuff.com/index.html

■ Parent Portal

■ Weekly folders

■ Progress Reports

■ Email

+Individual Communication

■ Student Agendas

■ Send a post it note

■ Text ■ remind101.com

■ Call

■ Email

■ Snail mail

■ Car duty…

■ The Visit

+The Basics

■ Be consistent

■ Make a positive contact first

■ Always start positively

■ Be brief and concise

■ Voice concerns and offer solutions

■ Listen

■ Keep records

■ Share with administrators

+Parent Conferences

■ Start with the positive

■ Bring evidence to support concerns

■ Listen

■ Offer suggestions

■ Share contact information

■ End on a positive

■ Send a thank you note or message

+What we have in common with our students’ parents…

We all want what’s best for the child.