My advice is simple: Do ALL that you can to make parents feel comfortable in your classroom. It is key to have their support. There are many ways you can do this.
1) Keep communication lines open. Use a website, a facebook page, a google groups, a newsletter...any or all of these will help get the ball rolling!
2) Have volunteers or events that get parents into your room. There is no better PR than having them in your room.
3) Get back to parents quickly when they contact you. Even if the call is a hard one to make, get back to them and stay as positive as possible.
4) Finally, remember, they love this child! Be sure to keep your words positive and to do all that you think you can to help their child succeed. Don't get upset with them when they seem difficult about something. It is their job to be their child's advocate. Tell them how lucky their child is to have them on his side.
Stay positive and try to look at things from their point of view. I know sometimes things get frustrating when dealing with parents, but I have to tell you that I have found as a parent that it is pretty frustrating dealing with some teachers, too!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I teach in a Title I school and we don't get a lot of parental support, mainly because about 50 percent of our parents speak Spanish, however, our school was fortunate enough to have a church sponsor us and provide us with "room moms." I can't tell you how much easier they make life! It's awesome!
How lucky you are to have a commited to group to advocate for your students! I'm sure it makes a huge difference!
I love your #2. I tell parents that I can always use their help. They love to help out whether it is at school or at home. The kids love it when mom/dad can do things for our class!! I know my to do list is never empty, so there is always something they can do!!
BusyBees
Post a Comment