One thing that is so important for me as a teacher is supporting my parents. Yes, my job is to educate my students, but part of that process is supporting the very people they go home to! When parents feel supported, it makes for an awesome school year for the student and the student’s family. So, here are 5 strategies for supporting your parents…
Communication
#1 in my book is communication. You want to establish open and honest communication from the start. Ask parents how they like to communicate, whether it is by email, phone calls, text messages, or notes home. Ask parents how often they would like to hear from you. I have parents who like daily notes home (communication book is great for that), weekly summary notes home (Friday emails are great for that), and others who only want to hear from me occasionally! You also want to communicate the good as well as the bad. Treat all interactions with respect and dignity.
Collaboration
When I receive a new student, I like to send home a form that acts as a “get to know my student.” What are their likes and dislikes and favorites (movies, music, toys, foods, etc.). Are there holidays the family does not celebrate. Are there any behavior concerns at home and/or at school. Are there any sensory needs. How does the student learn. Any fears. Any needs, and anything else I might need to know. This way of collaborating with parents is invaluable and shows the parents that you value their input.
Insight
Your insight and wealth of knowledge is directly tied to any needs identified in collaborating with your parents. Use your expertise to help them understand educational trends, issues that might affect them and their students at home or in their community. Use your expertise to help with behaviors at home, understanding their child’s development, disability, medical needs, and more. Offer encouragement and support in the parents endeavors and challenges. Be open to listening to their concerns and providing emotional support when needed and appropriate. Sometimes, all parents want or need is a listening ear. Also, connect parents with support networks, advocacy groups, community resources, and information that they might need.
Involvement
Parties, field trips, special events, etc., are more successful when you have parent support. The best way to involve parents is to provide monthly calendars or class newsletters to highlight what has been going on in the classroom, and what is to come. You can let parents know what you will be working on and ways they can help at home. It is also a great way to ask for parent feedback, participate in a parent-survey, and solicit supplies for an art project, a science project, or some other activity.
Celebrate
What a way to encourage not only the students, but the parents as well. When you celebrate a student’s success, you celebrate the parent who helped get them there! When you celebrate a parent’s involvement, help, donation, participation, etc., you celebrate the student too! How you choose to celebrate is up to you. In the class newsletter, certificate, note home… it doesn’t matter how you do it, just do it!
Supporting your parents creates a strong, supportive relationship between school and home and builds such positive relationships. When that occurs, everybody benefits!
Resources
All About Me Worksheet