Parent Connection Communication & Tips

The post below originally appeared on Marie Dismondy's Blog - Making a Difference in August 2012. It was such a hit that I thought I would share it with all of you as well.

I am so excited to be here today with Marie Dismondy! Marie is an award winning author and has become a great friend as well. I have learned so much from her about teaching character to our students and improving my own character. It is such an honor to be asked to join her to celebrate the start of the new school year!

As students head back to class, it is important to remember to build a relationship not only with our students but with our parents as well. We must take the time to help our parents to feel welcomed and a valued part of the community of our classrooms. There are several ways that I do this.

The most important part of any relationship is communication. 

This is actually the secret to success! It truly is that simple. On my classroom website, I have an area dedicated to information solely to help my parents out. Not all parents will need this information but I have created this area as a direct result of questions parents commonly ask.

During my open house talk, I discuss the importance of the parent connection. When parents, students, and teachers unite for success any obstacle can be overcome! This reminder is on the homepage of the parents section of my classroom website. This is something I want parents to see and remember often.

Only together can we succeed!

Now that everyone knows how important communication is, the next step is providing information on how to communicate. We each have our own preferences. It is important to let your parents know how you prefer to communicate.

Directly below the information on the importance of the parent connection, I have displayed these 10 tips for better communication.

1) Meet your child’s teacher early in the school year. Don’t wait for a problem.
2) Ask your child’s teacher about his or her goals, rules, and limits, and how often you can expect to hear from them.
3) Tell teachers about your child – special interests, likes and dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses, and any major changes in his/her life.
4) Get involved at school. Volunteer in the classroom and for special events and field trips.
5) Make sure the school knows your schedule and how to reach you.
6) Let teachers know the good things your child says about them.
7) Ask questions when you have concerns and stay informed about what’s going on at school.
8) When requesting a meeting, state your general topic so the teacher can prepare.
9) Avoid automatically taking sides, whether the teacher’s or your child’s. Try to stay objective and state your observations only.
10) Stay calm – never accuse or attack. Share what you would like to see happen. Be specific and ask for details.

At the very end of this, I add a reminder not only for the parents but myself as well. How we communicate with each other is teaching the student how to communicate with others in the classroom and in the future. We must show the student what good communication and negotiation skills look like at all times and in all situations.

My classroom website is always changing and growing. If you would like to see how this information appears live on my website or what other information is available on my site, feel free to click on the picture above.


Feel free to stop by and say hi to me at Think, Wonder, and Teach where I am hosting a giveaway for Maria's book "Pink Tiara Cookies." I LOVE this book! I was so surprised when even my boys liked it as they hate all things girly. (UPDATE: CONTEST HAS ENDED!!)