A child’s academic success is greatly enhanced when teachers and parents are partners in the process. When we  need information pertaining to a child or a child is experiencing a problem,  We need to contact the parents or guardians because they are our #1 resource. Throughout the school year we use a variety of communication methods to build and sustain solid relationships with parents. These are seven techniques I tried-and-proven techniques:

1. Use Registration Time to Build a Foundation 
2. Create Detailed Student Information Sheets
                 On the first day of class, send home student information sheets that ask for basic information: name of students and parents, address, numbers for home, work place, email addresses if applicable. A copy of the student’s schedule is on the front of this form also, so if  ever need to locate that student during the school day, you can immediately see where he or she is and whom  needs to contact.  Always document contact with parents by writing date, time, and short summary of what was discussed.
3. Send Out Parent Surveys 
               Two to three weeks after school starts,  Send a parent survey home. The survey asks questions such as:
   -What was your child like as a baby? 
   -What are your child’s strengths and weaknesses? 
   -What does your child do in his spare time?   

   This information helps you get to know each student as a person and learner. It’s also useful when planning lessons. Even though parents are just as busy as teachers, they eagerly take the time to write as much information about their child as they can.

4. Contact Them With Good News Regularly
                Set a goal to do them more often. So much time is devoted to students who are not doing what they are suppose to that students who perform well do not receive adequate praise.
5. Plan a Writing Night 
                 Besides the common methods of communicating with parents,  Offer suggestions on how parents can encourage their child to write.
   – Have an interactive activity for parents and students to complete together.
6. Utilize Technology Whenever Possible 
                Parents and teachers both are extremely busy, so use technology to stay in touch through txting .  Of course, not all parents have access to technology, so  provide the same information in different written formats.  
7. Intervene Via Parent Conferences 
                Enjoy conferencing with  parents because it’s the main way you communicate with parents. When planning conferences,  try to be as flexible as possible since some parents can only meet in the mornings or after school.   

Begin the school year by meeting some of  parents during registration/enrollment, before school begins. This is the first time to meet  students and their parents/guardians. Since first impressions are lasting impressions,  make sure your classroom is warm and welcoming.  
             In addition to the child’s schedule and visit their classes. This is the  chance to meet the parents and get phone numbers. 

            Discuss goals for students’ progress (academic and behavior) and decide which students  will initiate parent conferences for. Usually all of the student’s teachers meet with the guardian/parent(s) during a conference. This can be intimidating for some parents, so begin the conference by thanking and welcoming the parents.  Always start a conference by saying something positive about the student. Every child has strengths that are worthy of being recognized. Then  proceed with the conference giving each teacher and parent an opportunity to voice concerns. Attempt to keep conferences on a positive note by reflecting on the statement, “It is not what you say, it is how you say it.” I am a parent, and I know how I want to be treated.  

By: Alona O. Asidera | Teacher III | Cabcaben Elementary School