Keys to Easy Parent Communication for Teachers
There’s really just one rule to easy parent communication for teachers. Do it early and often. The earlier you get in contact with parents, whether it is for good or bad news, the better. This lets the parents know that you really care about the student. Nobody wants a surprise call about “the last straw.” You should never let small problems grow into big problems and not communicate. This blindsides the parents and then can lead to suspicious thoughts. Parents think their kid is a perfect angel and was provoked by some outside force. This can lead to tension between you and parents that didn’t need to be there at all.
Phone calls are great, but if your school does not have any way to record your phone calls digitally, keep a journal. It’s a good idea to keep a note about who you called, for what reason, how long you spoke and what the follow up will be. Sometimes you can read what other teachers write in the digital journal, so use that to your advantage with communication.
Send notes home about the good stuff
I have some printables I use in my classroom (get a copy for free here). I send these home with my students when they have a good day or a good week in my class. My school went as far as professionally printing postcards to send in the mail. This is definitely my favorite form of easy parent communication.
Keeping parents in the loop can be as simple as sending out an email newsletter. Some of these things are only one way communication, like a print out. But emails and Remind texts can sometimes go both ways. You can deliver unique messages about specific kids, or full class blasts. This is a good idea for keeping people up to date with due dates and other announcements.
My biggest tip for when you’re actually on the phone with parents is to use the sandwich method. Deliver something nice to set the tone, deliver any bad news you have and then seal it up with something nice. This again, lets the family know that you are totally on board with supporting this kid.
Parent communication is so important. In the long run, it saves you time and frustration. It prevents a bunch of parent meetings, long phone calls and problems in your classroom. When you, and the parents, and the kids know that you care about them, and are invested in them, every day is a little bit easier. I know that you care, but it’s important to SHOW people you care, and proper parent communication is great way to do just that.
