Communicating With Parents

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Communicating With Parents

• P/J Methods
• EDUC 4454

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Communicating With Parents

• Research shows that parental involvement is
  important for childrens learning, their attitude
  about school and personal aspirations.
• There is a direct connection between parent
  involvement and student achievement at the
  elementary level.

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Communicating With Parents

• It is everyones responsibility to create a
  school/classroom environment that is welcoming,
  caring and responds to what is best for students.

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Communicating With Parents
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Communicating With Parents

• Formal Communication includes
• Provincial report cards
• Parent/teacher interviews
• In school meetings
• Be prepared
• Be kind/sensitive
• Be honest
• Keep notes
• Be careful what you promise.

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Communicating With Parents

• Informal communication includes
• Newsletterswhat is happening in class, how can
  parents reinforce learning at homewatch the
  teacher jargon
• Surveyshelps us understand where parents are
  coming from
• Homeworkbe sure it is practice or review, not a
  new concept
• Agendas/communication books

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Communicating With Parents

• Communication Log
• Keep track of all conversations / meetings with
  parents
• Record immediately
• Keep them organized in a binder
• If you tell a parent you will do somethingyou
  must follow throughso be careful what you
  promise!

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Communicating With Parents

• Key Messages
• Get to know your parents early in the school
  year.
• A phone call in September to introduce yourself
  is well worth the time.
• Keep parents informednobody likes surprises.
• Be honest and kind.

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Communicating With Parents

• Remember that effective communication is about
  helping children to be more successful in school.
• Remember, that child is
• somebodys baby!