'A public education system flourishes with active parent and community involvement' (NSW Teachers Federation 2011)
Element 7 of the NSW Professional Teaching Standards states 'teachers are actively engaged members of their profession and wider community' (NSW Institute of teachers 2005, p14). Aspects of this include:
As a graduate teacher you are expected to demonstrate the capacity to work effectively with external professionals, teachers' aides and the community to enhance student learning opportunities (NSW Institute of Teachers 2005).
- Communicating with parents and caregivers.
- Engaging parents and caregivers in the education process.
- Contributing to the school and wider community.
As a graduate teacher you are expected to demonstrate the capacity to work effectively with external professionals, teachers' aides and the community to enhance student learning opportunities (NSW Institute of Teachers 2005).
Teacher and Parent Relationships
Amy, teacher-parent relationships will impact students' learning and well-being, it is important you establish a trusting, reliable and open relationship between the parents and guardians of your students. Always keep the communication lines open between you and your students' families. Part of a healthy and successful education will come from the home.
Some techniques to assist building solid parent-teacher relationships are listed below:
1. Build a Foundation
Meet parents and guardians of your students early, why not hold a parent meeting at the beginning of the year to talk about your expectations for student behaviour and achievement. Allow the opportunity for questions and always keep the conversation positive.
2. Student Information Sheets
At the beginning of the school year, send home student information sheets that request basic information, such as: name of students parents, address, numbers for home and work and email address etc. On the back you may wish to have a parent survey with some of the following questions:
This helps to show parents your genuine interest in their child and will assist you to gain their continued support throughout the year. Additionally it will provide you with information to help you in knowing each student and will be useful when planning lessons.
3. Involve Parents
Parents can be one of your greatest resources. Invite your parents to be part of your classroom, assign them tasks if they are willing. Involve them in reading groups and remedial assistance where and when possible.
4. Contact Parents with Good News
Try and contact your students' parents through calls or emails on a regular basis. Let them know when their child is performing well, reached one of their goals or showing motivation for learning. This will give you a chance to connect with the parent and makes a difference to both the parents and students day.
5. Plan a Writing Night
Amy, if you have the time, why not plan a writing night? It can be a fun way to share your curriculum and teaching strategies, giving parents a 'peek' into your fabulous classroom.
6. Create a Class Web Site
Due to how busy some parents may be a website could be a great tool, if updated regularly, to let parents have an insight into your classroom. Some things you may wish to include on a class Web Site:
Some techniques to assist building solid parent-teacher relationships are listed below:
1. Build a Foundation
Meet parents and guardians of your students early, why not hold a parent meeting at the beginning of the year to talk about your expectations for student behaviour and achievement. Allow the opportunity for questions and always keep the conversation positive.
2. Student Information Sheets
At the beginning of the school year, send home student information sheets that request basic information, such as: name of students parents, address, numbers for home and work and email address etc. On the back you may wish to have a parent survey with some of the following questions:
- What are your child's strengths and weaknesses?
- How does your child spend their spare time?
- What is your child's favourite book?
This helps to show parents your genuine interest in their child and will assist you to gain their continued support throughout the year. Additionally it will provide you with information to help you in knowing each student and will be useful when planning lessons.
3. Involve Parents
Parents can be one of your greatest resources. Invite your parents to be part of your classroom, assign them tasks if they are willing. Involve them in reading groups and remedial assistance where and when possible.
4. Contact Parents with Good News
Try and contact your students' parents through calls or emails on a regular basis. Let them know when their child is performing well, reached one of their goals or showing motivation for learning. This will give you a chance to connect with the parent and makes a difference to both the parents and students day.
5. Plan a Writing Night
Amy, if you have the time, why not plan a writing night? It can be a fun way to share your curriculum and teaching strategies, giving parents a 'peek' into your fabulous classroom.
- Send out invitation
- Set discussion ideas
- View and discuss strong and weak examples of writing papers (remember do not use students from that school year)
- Offer suggestions on how parents can encourage their children to write.
- Have an interactive activity for parents and students to complete together.
6. Create a Class Web Site
Due to how busy some parents may be a website could be a great tool, if updated regularly, to let parents have an insight into your classroom. Some things you may wish to include on a class Web Site:
- Short biography of yourself and let the students create one for themselves.
- Homework due dates & policy
- Classroom rules
- Important upcoming events
- Your expectation and goals
- Students achievements
(Williams 2012; Education Oasis 2011)
For more support in building parent-teacher relationships, check out our great resources below:
|
|