Communication. It’s an obvious focus for teachers and administrators, but it’s not an easy focus. There are many barriers to communication, including, but not limited to: time, money, language, and energy. Despite these barriers, however, it’s critical to student and teacher success to establish open lines of communication between home and school.
The district in which I teach is very diverse. There are DOZENS upon DOZENS of languages spoken. In my classroom alone last year there were six different languages represented. Unfortunately, I only speak two: English and Spanish. Luckily, my district provides translation services of both print materials and in-person or on-the-phone communication. Many districts across the United States offer similar resources — you just need to know where to look and how to access it.
But even within your own classroom, there are several things you can do to start the year off right with strong communication. Here are a few that I use myself:
Before the year even starts, and before “Meet the Teacher,” I send home postcards to my students. I write a short, personalized message to them and their families, and include the date/time of our Open House event. Whenever possible, I write in the language noted on their emergency card — even if it means planning ahead and enlisting the help of colleagues that speak another language. {You can head over to my FB fan page to grab these as your August freebie!} These postcards set the tone for communication between parents/students and you; they are friendly, inviting, and put families at ease. It’s a small way to show you care.
If money is a barrier and stamps aren’t something you’re able to come by before school starts, have these ready to hand students at your “Meet the Teacher” event. The sentiment remains the same, and you can add a smile-bonus as you hand it to them! {Tip: place a fun sticker over the “Place Postage Here” spot!}
When you first meet families — at “Meet the Teacher” — or have your first opportunity to send home communication, send home a business card. I made this simple business card in PowerPoint — and you can too! I made a text box 2.5″ wide by 1.5″ tall, added a graphic, and typed in my information. I then grouped it all together {CTRL+A and then “group” in the “arrange” menu}, and copied them several times on the page.
When I handed them out I gave families two copies: one laminated with a small magnet on the back (for quick fridge reference!), and one unlaminated for their wallet. All of my parents LOVED receiving this and several remarked throughout the year how easy it was to contact me because they had my information on-hand. If you make it easy for parents to contact you, they will. Establish open lines of communication with a single card!
The last thing I do at the beginning of the year is have parents fill out an information form to establish a contact log. This form isn’t intended as an emergency contact form, but rather as a tool for me to hear what *they* want me to know about their child and what they, as a parent, expect this year. Expectations are SUCH an important, and in my opinion, overlooked piece of the puzzle when it comes to communication. I urge you to try something new this year and ask for parent’s expectations — I think you will find it gives you a great foundation from which to build key communication.
This form then goes into my teacher binder where I house student information pages, data, etc., and I use it nearly-daily. When I make contact with a parent, I log it. Documentation of parent contact can be important when issues arise, but it’s also important for you, the teacher.
Are you making contact with parents regularly? Are you sharing a child’s successes, not just instances of misbehavior or academic deficits? Regular positive communication is critical. I’ve linked a free copy of this form for you to use — keep the lines of communication open, and free of cobwebs!
Three simple, low-to-no cost ways to establish communication from the start of the school year and keep it going all year long: send home a postcard, send home a business card, and establish a contact log.
I would love for you to link up below and share what your “Key to Communication” is for the beginning of the year! Grab the graphic at the top of the post {right-click, “Save As”}, link back here, and join the linky below. I look forward to hearing from you and reading your tips & tricks!
