Encouraging Parents
Posted by PLB · 2 Comments
Last week I made a few calls to the parents of the computer class students I teach. I told the parents what a pleasure it is to have their child in my class and how I am looking forward to getting to know them. I added an individualized unique comment about each student eg. “Raina has a quiet strength that emanates through the classroom.” and “David’s a true leader, always stepping up to the plate.” Every parent was both delighted and thankful for the call. This action helped me to connect parents with what is happening in school.
While I don’t have many students in my class I know this is not a luxury that others have. And I understand that for many teachers it would be near, if not completely, impossible to call every student’s home in one afternoon. It also can be a challenge to call parents for no reason other than to indicate that their child is a joy (even if they aren’t…coming up with SOMETHING good to say). What I do find is that when I can push myself to do this, it encourages parents and my students take pride in rising to the occasion (compliment) so that often their behavior even goes up a notch.
My question for you this week:
- What are some strategies that you use to connect with parents?
re: connecting with parents
Postcards work well too, and they are not as time consuming as phonecalls. Have the students address them at the beginning of the semester. Some of the postcards became “refrigerator material” for parents who seldom heard positive things about their children. Be sure to send one out for each student in the class. Even the most challenging students have shining moments.
LOVE your suggestion to mail (and pre-self-address) postcards to parents! Will give that a go this year. Thanks!