How to Build Good Teacher to Parent Communication

Teachers spend all day in the class with the students. Little contact is made with the parents on a daily basis, but it's very important to communicate with parents and develop a positive relationship with the parents. Here are some tips to follow to develop a good relationship with your students' parents.

Before school starts

When you get a list of your students go to the office and get the address of your students. Send a postcard to each student welcoming him/her to your class. Teacher supply stores sell postcards that welcome students to your class. This eases the tension of the first day and gives a good first impression.

Get contact information from parents

Make a short survey for the parents to fill out the first day of school. Ask a couple of questions asking what the parent think their child's strengths and weaknesses are. This will show you care about their child and want to do your best for their child. Also be sure to get the parent's phone number. Ask for several numbers and ask for the best number they can be reached at.

Get an email address

Communicating through email is a great way to keep a relationship with parents. During a 15 minute recess is not a good time to call a parent because you might run short on time. Sending an email is easy and quick. If a response is needed a parent can easily email you back when he/she has time.

Communicate with parents the good, not just the bad

As a parent I dread the call from my child's teacher because I fear it's bad news. Call your student's parent when he/she had a very good day. Parents will be shocked, but pleased to hear from the teacher to give good news.

Don't be afraid to give the parents bad news

Don't be afraid to tell the parents bad news. When I first started teaching I was sometimes afraid to tell the parent that their child was misbehaving in the class because I felt it was my fault because I was a bad teacher. Some time later I realized I was a good teacher and students who were misbehaving in class needed discipline from both me and the parent.

Parents can often give good advice on how to deal with a child in the class. Many of the behaviors you see in the class, they also see at home. If you and the parent both deal with the behavior the same way the child will respond better because the discipline is consistent.

Involve parents when planning special events

When planning a party or field trip, ask the parents for suggestions. If you involve them in the decisions, they will feel special. Parents like to help in their child's class and will be more willing to help when asked.

Invite parents to volunteer or observe in the class

When a parent volunteers in the class and sees what happens in the class all day they will be very happy. They will see what a good teacher you really are and respect you for the good job you do everyday.

Thank parents at the end of the year

I keep track of all the help parents gave during the year and give small presents and certificates to thank them for all they did. Parents donate small items throughout the year that really help out in the class. Parents also volunteer in the class and that helps the teacher a lot. Parents are usually very surprised and appreciative to receive a small gift at the end of the year.