Teacher/Parent Communication

Challenging for Any TeacherEspecially the ESL teacher

References

How to Solve Six Parent Problems

Five Keys to Successful Parent-Teacher Communication

Ten Tips for Productive Parent Conferences

Reaching Out to Non-English Speaking Parents

Phone Calls

Can be for good news◦ Leave a message on the voice mail

Can be a way to address problems◦ Ask parents to call you

◦ Let them know when you are available for phone calls

◦ KEEP a phone log of all calls. I know you think you will remember…..Get real

◦ If it is not documented, it is hard to convince someone it happened.

Newsletters

Is there something(s) that you want all the parents to know?

E-mail - Develop a list

Have a parent develop a phone tree – before you need

Send written announcements home with the kids

Notes

Snail mail

E-mail

Assignment books

Translation

People:◦Students◦Family members◦Staff◦Professional

Computer Programs

Phone Translations

Make things a little easier

Send home different notices on different colored paper.

Explain why activities and events are more than just fun.

Conferences

Be flexible with times

NEVER feel pressured to make important decisions, evaluations, or assessments during a parent conference or conversation.

Let parents know when things are beginning to be a

concern

Be trustworthy.

Be confidential.

Do Your “Home” Work

Looking Forward to Our Conference Letter

Gather work samples, notes, formal and informal assessments.

Review any communication you have to date

Write down questions and goals for the conference

Presentation isn’t everything, but…

Know how will you present your observations and assessments.

◦Raw notes?

◦Checklist?

◦Parent Conference Form?

Have Notes

Organize your notes into simple categories.

◦Areas of strength

◦Areas of concern

◦Goals and Objectives

Remember Goals and Objectives are SMART:

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Realistic

Timely

Don’t assume

Ask your students how they think that they are doing.

Get the student’s self-assessment.

Ask parents for information and/or suggestions

Use Concrete Examples

Have samples of the student’s work.

video

pictures

Actual samples

Use psychology

ALWAYS begin with what the child does well.

Great Job!

Don’t Conjecture!

Say only what you know.

Learn to say, “I don’t know.” or

“I will do some research and get back to you.

Then be sure to get back to them.

Be a clear communicator

Avoid jargon.

Avoid abbreviations.

Avoid shortened versions of things.

Wow!

Knowing the student

Have an anecdote to share that lets the parents know that you know their child

.Ask respectful questions that you feel

might help you do your job better?????????????

Anticipate frequently asked ???

This is where colleagues and mentors can be very helpful.

Don’t reinvent the wheel

YOU ARE HUMAN

Don’t be afraid to admit you made a mistake or misunderstood something. It happens

ENJOY TEACHING

NOW FOR A CHANGE OF PACE

DISCUSSION

Problem 1

The parent who . . . is overzealous at open house. You carefully go over your notes and scan the entire classroom. Everything is in order. You have taken time to plan well, and you are certain this open house will go smoothly. You've barely started your presentation when you see a hand go up. You politely answer the father's question regarding his daughter. A few minutes later, he has another question focused on his child. Again, you politely answer his query. Pretty soon, you see the same parent's hand go up again and again, along with a question pertaining only to his daughter.

Problem 2

The parent who . . . wants to tell you how to teach. Your student's mother has  scheduled a meeting for this afternoon, but she has given you no indication of what she wants to talk about. Your student is doing very well academically and socially, so you don't have a clue as to the topic. At the appointed time, Mom enters your classroom, sits down, and begins to tell you that she feels you need to present your class lessons in a different way and that your curriculum could be improved.

Problem 3

The parent who . . . wants to talk daily. It happens every morning like clockwork. The students have already come into the classroom, the beginning bell is just a couple of minutes away, and . . . there she is at your door: Mrs. Talker. She is pleasant but insistent as she catches your eye and smilingly demands your attention: "This will only take a second" — but of course, it never does. The topic doesn't really matter, either — she just wants to chat. Always the professional, you give her your attention. By the third day, however, you begin to resent the daily intrusion and realize you have a problem on your hands.

Problem 4

The parent who . . . always brings her kids late. One of your students is consistently brought late to school. Not only does he miss the morning drill, but usually at least 20 minutes of instruction. When he finally arrives, the classroom routine is interrupted by the parent's apology and excuses, and you must take time away from the other students to help the child get his day started. You realize the parent is having a difficult time at home.

Problem 5

The parent who . . . thinks you assign too much homework. Mrs. Skills comes into your classroom without warning, visibly upset. "You are giving out just too much homework," she fumes. "Really, it is ridiculous what he has to do. I don't have time for it. I work all day and come home late. By the time I feed him, he has only half an hour to do his homework before bedtime. He has enough school all day. Why does he have to do more? Are you not doing your job? Is that why you have to give out so much homework? Just what is the reason? I'd like an answer!"

Problem 6

The parent who . . . is upset with her child's grades. The day after report cards go home, Mrs. Smith calls you, clearly upset. "My child received straight As on her last report card," she says. "Now it's mostly Bs and Cs. What is going on? Why didn't you let me know? We need to meet immediately to discuss this. I am sick and tired of the school system failing our children."